Foster families needed for children

At LEAST 200 new foster families are needed in Northern Ireland during 2014 to provide stable, secure and loving homes for the record numbers of fostered children, according to figures out today from the Fostering Network.

By The Newsroom

Published 16th Jan 2014, 12:37 BST

Tonight, almost 2,100 children will be living with around 2,000 foster families across Northern Ireland. More foster families are needed not only to replace the 12 per cent who leave each year, but to ensure that children who come into foster care find foster carers who are right for them, have the skills and qualities they need, and are available now.

More foster families are particularly needed to provide homes for children with disabilities, sibling groups and teenagers (around 45 per cent of young people in care in Northern Ireland are 12 or over).

To find out more about becoming a foster carer people should contact their local fostering service.

Details of fostering services and more information about fostering and becoming a foster carer are available from couldyoufoster.org.uk.

Northern Ireland