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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Rachel Hall

Shortage of foster carers causing ‘very real’ UK crisis, Barnardo’s warns

Two young people in a room with one looking out of the window.
Brenda Farrell of Barnado’s said there were thousands of children in care waiting for ‘safe, happy homes’ but not enough carers to accommodate them. Photograph: Martin Godwin/The Guardian

The UK is facing a fostering crisis where retiring carers are not being replaced by younger people, while the number of children entering care homes is rising, a charity has warned.

The decline in foster carers is due to the impact of the pandemic, the costof living crisis, biological children staying at home for longer, spare rooms being used as home offices and changing family situations, Barnardo’s children’s charity said.

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