NI suffers 'crippling shortage' of foster carers

Northern Ireland is suffering a "crippling shortage" of foster carers, and desperately needs 350 more carers to cope with demand, according to a new survey published by the Fostering Network today.

The survey, calculated on the basis of figures collected from nine Health and Social Services Trusts, found that there has been "no improvement" in the situation from the Fostering Network's last survey in 2002.

The network said it believed shortages would only be fully tackled when all carers receive an allowance that covers the entire costs of fostering.

There are 1,600 children and young people living with 1,200 foster families on any given day in Northern Ireland.

For the survey, Health and Social Services Trusts were asked how many foster carers they would have to recruit in order to offer placement choice to the children in their care. Placement choice means having a sufficiently wide pool of foster carers so that each child can live with a family who meets their individual needs. The survey results were calculated on the basis of responses from nine Trusts (82%).

The Fostering Network's survey also found a shortage of 8,200 carers in England and 750 carers in Wales. Figures for the shortage of carers in Scotland will be released within the next month.

Director of the Fostering Network Northern Ireland, Kate Lewis, said she was "extremely disappointed" that there had been no improvement since the last survey.

She added: "As a result, too many children's lives are being badly disrupted with frequent moves and foster homes a long way from family, friends and school. The system is failing to provide these vulnerable children with the stability and security they need."

(gmcg)