Nationally, there are just over 72,000 children and young people in care on any given day in the UK — over 51,000 (70 per cent) of whom live with foster families. It is estimated that a further 10,000 foster carers are needed across the UK.

This situation is also reflected locally in Oxfordshire. The shortage of foster carers means that children are too often being moved from home to home, are split up from their brothers and sisters, and have to live a long way from their family and friends. What is Fostering?

Fostering is a way of offering children and young people a home while their own parents are unable to look after them. Why do children need fostering?

Foster carers look after children while their families have a chance to sort out their problems.

These can range from a family member’s short-term illness, to a parent’s depression, or drug or alcohol abuse. Some children may have been abused or neglected.

Social workers and other professionals work with families to help sort out problems and make the home a safe place for a child, with the aim that children and parents can be reunited.

Who can be a foster carer?

Almost anyone can apply to be a foster carer. Key qualities include being a great listener, having a good sense of humour, being optimistic, having your feet firmly on the ground, showing resilience, and being able to work as part of a team of professionals, enabling a positive outcome and promoting children’s well-being.

Together with teachers, health professionals, social workers and the police, foster carers are essential partners in teams working together to change the lives of children and young people, providing a high quality service for children in care.