Hundreds more foster families needed in Wales to meet growing demand

  • Wales

More than 550 foster carers are needed in Wales in 2020 as demand continues to rise.

The charity Fostering Network says there has been a 35% increase in children in foster care in Wales over the past decade.

In order to meet demand, the charity is calling on more people to become foster carers in 2020 and has launched a new campaign called #20 Reasons.

The campaign uses real foster carers and their motives for fostering in order to inspire more families to consider looking after a child or young person.

After years of trying to start a family, Tammy and her partner decided to foster. Credit: The Fostering Network

Tammy is one of the foster carers supporting the campaign. The 36-year-old has been a foster carer for almost seven years.

After years of trying to start a family of their own, Tammy and her partner decided to take a different approach through fostering.

All types of foster carers are needed, but particularly those who would consider fostering teenagers, therapeutic carers, respite carers, emergency carers, sibling groups and children with additional needs.

Those thinking about fostering should contact their local authority.