‘Urgent need’ for foster carers

THERE is an urgent need for homes for teenagers in need of foster care, according to the charity, the Fostering Network.

Its survey suggests three out of five fostering services are in need of carers for young people. Of those who responded, 98 per cent said they were looking for more foster families for teenagers than last year.

Robert Tapsfield, the network’s chief executive, said: “Some teenagers in care have faced trauma beyond what can be comprehended by most of us. This means that skilled foster carers are urgently needed to help them overcome their trauma, and to help them develop their self-esteem and expectations so that they can achieve to their full potential.”