Fostering agency in ‘desperate need’ of more safe homes for children in Northampton

The pandemic has put a strain on fostering services, but has also seen more children left needing a loving home
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A fostering organisation is encouraging more people to think about providing a safe home for children as a shortfall of carers emerges in Northampton

On average, across the country, 1,000 children are referred to social services each week. However, there is a national shortage of more than 8,500 foster carers and there has been even more pressure on fostering services since the beginning of the pandemic.

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Now during Foster Care Fortnight (May 10 - May 23), one agency is hoping to highlight fostering services with a plea for more carers to come forward.

One agency is pleading for more people to come forward to foster children.One agency is pleading for more people to come forward to foster children.
One agency is pleading for more people to come forward to foster children.

Martin Leitch, head of fostering operations at Five Rivers Child Care, which covers Northampton, said: “Children being taken into care is a sensitive and complex issue and something that people, generally, don’t want to think about.

“We are in desperate need of more foster families across Northampton to care for children either on a temporary or permanent basis.

“If you’re a kind, compassionate person interested in fostering, do something different this year and get in touch to find out more.

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“Fostering comes in many forms and can be tailored towards the needs and lifestyle of foster parent, or parents, and those in their care.

“Foster carers can work flexibly as respite or short-term foster carers, or they can have foster children and young people living with them long-term, meaning they would remain in care until they feel ready to live independently.”

Anyone over the age of 21 who has the key qualities needed to look after children can be considered for fostering.

For more information on foster care contact Five Rivers Child Care on 01527 810 314 or email [email protected].

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