Fostering in Northamptonshire sees a good 2024
Bucking a trend of decline in the number of foster homes nationally
As the number of foster homes across the country has fallen for a third year in a row, we’re told it’s a much better story here in Northamptonshire.
New figures show the number of people choosing to foster in England is declining for the third year running, with six per cent fewer fostering households compared to 2021.
But Northamptonshire Children's Trust Fostering Service Manager Alasdair Kennedy says they're seeing that the last year has brought successes:
"We're expecting to have 30+ foster carers in post by next April. During the period from 2023 to 2024 we have recruited about 50 carers but we've only lost 20.
"That's really positive news through the campaigning which has been carried out in our area.
"The messages which I would give to anyone considering becoming a foster carer is that fostering is transformative. It can change a child's life.
"We have 1000 children in care who need loving homes and we're always looking for those who can help make a difference to youngsters' lives.
"There are a lot of myths as to what you need but basically we have just three requirements - You must be over 21, have a spare room, and also live permanently in the UK."
"We need carers from a caring background, or those from a uniformed background.
"Also we need short term and longer term foster carers."