More foster carers needed (From Borehamwood Times)

More foster carers needed in East of England

2:20pm Saturday 16th February 2013 in News

At least 700 new foster families are needed in the east of England this year to look after the children in care, according to figures from a fostering charity.

Fostering Network says there is now a record 6,400 children living with foster families but more are needed as 13 per cent of the region’s workforce retire or leave every year.

This creates a constant struggle to find suitable families which can leave children that would thrive in a stable family environment stuck in care homes.

Robert Tapsfield, chief executive of the Fostering Network, said: "Despite fostering services attracting more people to become foster carers, the continuing rise of children coming into care means hundreds more are still needed in the east of England this year alone.

"These children need a stable family life to help them grow and achieve their potential. By becoming a foster carer people can help them have the best possible opportunity for a positive future, to do well at school and be successful in later life.

"Fostering services are looking for people from all walks of life to become foster carers, of all ages, and from single people to large families. What matters is that they have a desire to work with children and the right skills."

To find out more about becoming a foster carer people should contact their local fostering service. They can also visit www.couldyoufoster.org.uk or call Fosterline on 0800 040 7675.