Why aren’t people in the north east so keen on fostering? Only 21 per cent would consider fostering now or in the future, according to a poll released by the Fostering Network, compared with 24 per cent of the UK population.
Yet north east residents are confident about fostering and their ability to be foster carers. The YouGov poll, published to coincide with the start of Foster Care Fortnight, found 69 per cent felt positive about foster carers and the work that they do. Moreover 26 per cent said they thought they were very or fairly likely to be accepted as foster carers if they applied within the next two years.
Commenting on the findings, Foster Care Fortnight co-ordinator James Foyle said: “Foster carers across the north east do an amazing job providing homes, stability and security for thousands of children every day.
“But we need more of them. North easterners seem positive about fostering and confident they could do the job, now we need to encourage more to come forward and see if they have the skills to foster.”
Care leaver Clare Marshall, who was fostered in the north east, said: “The support of my foster family helped me believe in myself and follow the path I wanted to take. My proudest moment was definitely getting into university.
“I’ve now set up my own business and am newly married – I’m living proof that a stable foster family can make all the difference in the world.”
There are over 3,200 children from north east England living with foster families on any one day. The Fostering Network estimates that a further 450 foster families are needed across the north east this year alone, particularly to look after teenagers and children with disabilities, as well as providing homes to groups of brothers and sisters.
This year’s theme for Foster Care Fortnight is “guess who fosters”, with the aim of smashing stereotypes about who can and can’t foster, and highlighting the skills and qualities actually needed to become a foster carer. See our skills checklist for more information.
To find out more about fostering and becoming a foster carer, see www.couldyoufoster.org.uk and search for your local fostering service.