Campaign aims to challenge misconceptions over who can foster

The findings of the survey of 4,818 people have been published by the Fostering Network to counter misconceptions about recruitment and to coincide with the start of the Foster Care Fortnight campaign (12-25 May)

The survey found just 28 per cent of all those surveyed believed they would be accepted if they applied to be a foster parent. Only 14 per cent of retired people, 16 per cent of those who had never been married and 19 per cent of 55-year-olds, as well as gay and lesbian respondents, thought they would be accepted.

Fostering Network chief executive Robert Tapsfield said: “It doesn’t matter if you are single or living as a couple, how old you are, or whether you have children, a job or own your own house. What matters is that you have the skills and experience to look after children separated from their own families, who have often been abused or neglected.

He welcomed further survey findings that showed 73 per cent of respondents were positive about foster carers and their work and 24 per cent said they would consider fostering.

Foster carer Gemma Waters, from West Lothian, is particularly concerned only 22 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds believed they would be accepted. She and her husband began fostering when they were both 21 and have fostered 20 children over the last decade.

She said: “Don’t believe the myths and the hype, age isn’t a factor when deciding to foster, it’s all about whether you’ve got the skills and commitment.”

The Local Government Association has backed the Fostering Network’s call for a greater range of people to come forward to foster. A spokeswoman said: “This is a timely survey, and highlights some of the misconceptions that still exist around fostering.

“We desperately need more foster carers to come forward and provide loving homes for some of our most vulnerable children.”

The Fostering Network estimates there are 8,600 additional carers needed this year alone. Teenagers, children with disabilities and sibling groups are key groups where there is a shortfall of carers.