More foster carers are needed in Manchester, according to an independent agency who are launching a campaign to reduce the number of children in care this month.
Fostering Solutions are hoping their Foster15 initiative will encourage people across the city to make a positive change this new year by opening their hearts and homes to fostering.
There is concern around the shortage of carers and according to recent statistics, Manchester has the fourth highest number of children in care in the UK.
Caroline Boyd, communications and marketing manager at North West fostering charity Together Trust, told MM: “There is an urgent need to encourage more people to become foster carers.”
“In 2014, over 8,600 children and young people across the UK were in need of foster care, with around 1,200 of these originating in Greater Manchester, a figure that is much higher than the national average.
“Everybody deserves an equal chance in life. Becoming a foster carer gives these opportunities to children.”
January is typically recognised as the most popular month for foster carer applications.
With one child being taken into care every 15 minutes in England, it is hoped that Foster15 will encourage more people to come forward and learn about fostering.
Gareth Walton, operations director for Fostering Solutions, said: “Manchester alone has over 1,200 children in local authority care who desperately need a safe, nurturing and stable home.
“The shortfall in foster carers is only set to increase, with recent reports showing that the number of total looked after children has risen to 68,840, an increase of 7% on 2010.
“75% (51,340) of looked after children are cared for in foster placements, an increase of 9% since 2010.
“We need more foster carers to come forward.”
But before people decide to foster, Ms Boyd has said that it is important people understand the realities of the situation: “It’s important to clearly communicate the way in which the fostering process works, the different steps involved and the support offered.
“There is an urgent need to ensure that a range of families are available to meet the needs of these children.
“The best way to encourage more people to foster is to convey the first-hand experience.”
Jordan, 14, spent many years in local authority care but under the guidance of his new foster family, he has gone on to on to achieve seven GCSEs, study at College and enjoy life with his foster family.
“If you get the chance to move into foster care from residential then take the opportunity. It’s the best thing for the future for you,” he said.
Fostering Solutions will be at The National Gay Wedding Show at the Phones 4 U Arena in Manchester on Saturday 10 Jan from 10am – 4pm.
You can find out more about Fostering Solutions by clicking here.
Image courtesy of Stephan Hochhaus, with thanks.
