Hundreds more fostering families needed

More than 1,500 new fostering families are needed in the Midlands to ensure the provision of "stable, secure and loving homes" for fostered children.

According to figures published today by The Fostering Network, 1,000 fostering families are needed in the West Midlands, with a further 550 needed in the East Midlands.

The charity said there is an "ongoing and urgent need" for more foster families to provide homes for teenagers, disabled children, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and sibling groups.

Figures show that two in five fostered teenagers are already living with their third foster family since coming into care, and one in 20 teenagers are living with their tenth family in foster care.

The Fostering Network says with a rising number of children coming into care and around a tenth of foster carers retiring or leaving fostering last year, there is a growing demand for new foster carers.

Kevin Williams, Chief Executive of The Fostering Network, said: