Northumberland County Council is issuing an urgent call for anyone considering fostering to contact them, as a growing shortage leaves children in need of safe, loving homes.
Over the past five years, the number of approved foster carers across the UK has steadily declined, yet the number of children needing care has increased, creating a widening gap between need and availability.
According to the latest data, 81,770 children are currently in the care of their local authorities; however, there are only 69,825 approved fostering places.
The North East remains the national hotspot, with councils under pressure to find suitable foster homes for local children. In Northumberland, Blyth and Ashington have the highest numbers of children entering the care system, making these communities particularly vulnerable to the impact of the foster carer shortage.
In response, Northumberland County Council has partnered with Foster with North East and is calling for people from all walks of life to consider fostering.
At the heart of the campaign are the voices of those who know firsthand just how impactful fostering can be.
20-year-old Kelsey was just 10 when she went into care, and says: “Meeting my foster family truly changed my life. They’ve given me opportunities I never imagined possible, and their support inspired me to believe in myself – to go to college, aim high, and work towards a future I’m proud of.
“Fostering is about guiding people through the hardest times of their lives and making sure they get the chance to know what love is. Please consider sharing your home to help shape their futures.”
Based in Blyth Valley, Kath has been a foster carer for over 20 years, and says it’s the best decision she’s ever made: “Children often come to you with so much uncertainty. What they need most is a home where they are shown care and consistency, and can begin to build trust.
“When you become a foster carer, you are given all the training and tools you need to succeed. So many homes have an abundance of love to give, so I encourage anyone interested to reach out and enquire about how fostering could work for them.”
Northumberland County Councillor, Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet member for Children and Young People, added: “We know that fostering is a big decision, but no one does it alone. Northumberland County Council is committed to ensuring carers receive extensive training, financial support and ongoing guidance, enabling them to thrive in their new roles.
“If anyone could provide a home to a child in the North East, whether for temporary, short stay or long-term stays, we’d ask them to get in touch.”
To find out more about fostering and how you could make a life-changing difference, visit: www.northumberland.gov.uk/foster