Adults in South West most likely to foster

Adults in the south west are among the most likely in England to consider becoming a foster carer, according to a poll released by leading charity the Fostering Network.

The YouGov poll, published to coincide with the start of Foster Care Fortnight, found that 26 per cent of adults in the south west would consider becoming a foster carer either now or in the future, compared with a UK average of 24 per cent. Only adults living in London scored higher from all regions in England. 

The survey also found that 75 per cent of the south west’s residents felt positive about foster carers and the work that they do.

Moreover 26 per cent said they thought they were very or fairly likely to be accepted as foster carers if they applied in the next two years, slightly down from the UK average of 28 per cent.

Commenting on the findings, Foster Care Fortnight co-ordinator James Foyle said: “Foster carers across the south west do a great job in providing loving homes for thousands of vulnerable children and young people.

“But we need more of them. Across the south west we need to see this enthusiasm for fostering matched by more people with the skills to foster coming forward to find out more.

“It’s time to get the south west fostering.”

There are over 4,200 children from south west England living with foster families on any one day. The Fostering Network estimates that a further 575 foster families are needed across the south west this year alone, particularly to look after teenagers and children with disabilities, as well as providing homes to groups of brothers and sisters.

This year’s theme for Foster Care Fortnight is "guess who fosters", with the aim of smashing stereotypes about who can and can't foster, and highlighting the skills and qualities actually needed to become a foster carer. See our skills checklist for more information.

To find out more about fostering and becoming a foster carer, see www.couldyoufoster.org.uk and search for your local fostering service.