Fostering Care Fortnight – Why We Need More Foster Carers

Fostering Solutions has a wonderful, diverse range of foster carers. We appreciate the remarkable work they do to ensure the vulnerable children who come into their care are safe, loved and well looked after. However, with thousands more children in desperate need of a foster family, we’re always looking for more people to join our exceptional team.

This fostering fortnight, we’re appealing to anyone who wants to make a difference to a vulnerable child’s life.

9,000 more carers needed

As featured on the Fostering Network, there is currently a record number of children in need of a foster family. It is estimated to provide homes for all of the children in need of care, 9,000 new foster carers will be required.

Out of the 9,000 carers needed, 7,600 of them are required throughout England. That’s a huge figure which is going to be difficult to achieve. Largely because there’s a stigma still attached to fostering today. So many people who would make extraordinary carers are put off applying because they simply think they won’t be accepted.

So what does it take to be accepted? Fostering solutions cares only that:

• You have a spare bedroom for a child to sleep in
• You’re kind, caring and capable of providing a safe and secure environment
• You have enough time available to dedicate to the children in your care

That’s it – those are the main factors we consider. Your age (as long as you are over 21), your race, sexuality and marital status are all unimportant. We require a wide range of carers from diverse backgrounds.

A need for speciality carers

While we are looking for a diverse range of carers, we are currently in desperate need of those willing to take on a more specialised foster care role. In particular, we need more carers willing to accept teenagers, siblings and disabled children. These children are much harder to place, though they present the most rewarding experience.

All carers are given extensive training prior to taking on harder to place children. You’re also given 24-hour support, along with a carer buddy to help you along the beginning of your journey.

We have strong links to local authorities so all of our carers have regular placements. We’re looking for both new carers, as well as appealing to our existing carers who may be willing to branch out into other foster care areas. If you or anyone you know would be interested in helping to make a difference to a child’s life then don’t hesitate to get in touch.