An urgent appeal has been launched to find more foster carers in Bristol as the existing number barely covers half of the number of children in need of loving homes. Bristol City Council says there are more than 750 children and young people in foster care in the city, but only 353 fostering households.
It has called on Bristolians to come forward and offer local children a secure home. Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees said there has been a “rapid decline” in the number of people joining the fostering community, which has led to the shortage of carers. At the same time, the need for foster carers has continued to rise.
Given the number of fostering homes in the city, around 40 per cent of children will have to be placed with private fostering agencies or in children’s homes. This can result in siblings being separated or children having to move away from everything they know, such as friends and schools and familiar communities.
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Mr Rees said: “We’re calling on our residents to help make a difference to the children in care who need a home in Bristol. The community spirit in our city is unbelievable and I am confident enough people will come forward to offer a caring, loving home.
“This is what happened during the pandemic when an extra 24 households were approved as short-term foster carers following our emergency appeal. We need people to step up again as we’re at crisis point, our current foster carers are doing an incredible job but, put simply, there aren’t enough of them."
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Bus driver Alex Kear, who has fostered five children with his husband over the past 11 years, said: “The best bit about fostering is seeing children having fun, being relaxed and able to enjoy life, which was difficult when living at home. It’s a joy to be able to see them progressing at school and achieving good results and making new friends in the fostering community.
“The advice I would give to people considering fostering is to do it. It can be very rewarding to see the children you look after turning difficult corners in their lives that you have supported them through.”
The council welcomes foster carers from all walks of society, age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and religion for short- and long-term fostering, as well as those who can offer weekends and short breaks. The council is offering a welcome grant of £500 to every new foster carer along with their weekly allowance and other benefits.
Deputy Mayor of Bristol councillor Asher Craig, who is responsible for children’s services, said: “The children in our care deserve a safe and secure home where they can be loved and supported as they grow up. You don’t need any specific qualifications to become a foster carer, but it helps if you already have experience with children or caring for people - whether that’s with your own family, childminding, or having worked in a caring profession.”
The council recommends contacting the fostering service first for an information pack and an informal chat. To find out more go to www.bristol.gov.uk/foster or call Fostering Bristol on 0117 353 4200.
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