Diagrama FoundationThe number of children needing loving, stable homes is rising each year, and current foster carers are simply not able to meet the demand.
In a 2021 report by The Fostering Network, shared the crisis in retaining and recruiting high-quality foster carers who can meet the needs of children in care. Nearly 70,000 children live with almost 55,000 foster families across the UK each day, which accounts for nearly three-quarters of the 98,000 children in care away from home on any given day. The number of children in care continues to rise each year, with one child entering care approximately every 20 minutes.
These statistics have not improved since 2021 and highlight the urgent need for support and resources to ensure the wellbeing of these vulnerable children.
In 2023 Dame Rachel de Souza urged the Government to "rocket boost" fostering to tackle a shortage of carers in an interview with Radio 4, The Government responded with a pledge to invest £27m in the foster care system.
We know that foster carers change lives and in an interview with the BBC, Alex Ambrosio a refugee from Angola, shared his story of arriving alone in the UK aged 13, unable to speak English. He moved in with foster carers in Hillingdon, west London, and formed a relationship that has lasted to this day. At 22 he still lives with his foster family.
Just like parents, foster carers can be any gender or religion, married, single, retired, working full or part time, own their home or live in rented accommodation with a spare room.
You don’t have to have children of your own or commit to long term fostering, as carers are also needed to provide short term care.
The greatest need is for foster carers for older children, sibling groups, children with a disability or an additional need and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
As a progressive, caring and child-focused not for profit agency, Diagrama prioritises training and support for their foster carers because they know that people who have the confidence to care for children are best able to provide a home for vulnerable children and young people.
Members of the Diagrama team are also foster carers and this first-hand experience is invaluable. If you have questions about fostering or are ready to start your journey, please contact us now.
