New campaign highlights urgent need for foster parents in 2021

A local fostering agency in Beverley has launched a campaign calling out for more individuals to consider a career in fostering, as the number of children coming into care increases.

The campaign produced by Orange Grove Fostercare highlights the urgent need for foster parents, as it is estimated that 35,000+ children will come into care over the next year in need of a foster family.

The fostering agency will be posting simple, emotive campaign visuals through their social media channels, with the hope of inspiring people to consider fostering.  

Official figures from the Department of Education have shown that the number of children in care had already reached 80,080 at the end of March 2020, a rise of 2% from the previous year, and sadly, it’s expected to rise further due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The figures also show that the rate of looked-after children has risen to 67 per 10,000 children, which is up from 64 in 2018 and 60 in 2015. To support the growing number of young people entering care, it’s currently estimated that over 8,000 families are required to become foster parents.

Orange Grove Fostercare, who provide fostering services in Beverley, has launched the campaign to highlight the urgent need for foster families across the country, following the increased pressure due to the pandemic.

Craig Clark, Registered Manager for Orange Grove, commented: “The coronavirus pandemic has been an emotional and unsettling time for young individuals, which is why we’re reaching out to individuals who can help give these vulnerable children a brighter future.

“There’s never been a better time for individuals and families to reflect and make positive changes that could potentially improve their life and provide new beginnings for many children, who desperately need a loving and safe environment in which they can thrive in.”

Orange Grove Fostercare is an independent fostering agency who currently take care of around 400 children across the South East, Midlands, North West and Yorkshire

During the pandemic, Orange Grove has adapted to provide virtual support to their existing and prospective foster parents with home visits and assessments now being conducted virtually.

For more information about fostering with Orange Grove, contact 0800 3698513 or visit www.orangegrovefostercare.co.uk.