According to The Fostering Network charity, there are over 65,000 children living with almost 55,000 foster families across the UK. This figure makes up nearly 80% of the 83,000 children in care away from their home at any given time. And figures produced by the Department of Education show that the number of looked after children continues to increase nationally, as it has done steadily for the last nine years, citing an increase of 3% for the year to 31st March, 2017.
To draw attention to the on-going need for more foster families to come forward, and to celebrate and thank existing foster carers, Foster Carer Appreciation Day is to be held on Friday October 12th, with events being held throughout the country.
Hertfordshire County Council last month released a short film titled Something Missing? to help find foster families for the 900 children in its care. To mark the film’s launch Head of Fostering and Adoption at the Council, Sue Lowndes, said: “Each month we receive an average of 55 requests for new foster placements…..Our children come from diverse backgrounds, and we need a range of foster carers from different backgrounds to find the best match.”
Something Missing, produced by Hertforshire County Council
If you feel you can offer a child a safe, stable and loving home and become a foster parent, go to the Herts County Council website to find out more:
Bretherton Law have been helping families in Hertfordshire for over 50 years, and our experienced Children and Family Law teams have built an enviable reputation for our professional service and honest advice. We are proud to be accredited by the Law Society in Family and Children Law, and are members of Resolution, the organisation representing family lawyers and other professionals in the field. If social services have concerns over child welfare or abuse issues about your children or other family members, or if you are a foster carer or kinship carer needing legal advice, contact Bretherton Law on 01727 869293 or via the contact form below.
