Huge spike in number of children needing foster care during pandemic, Barnardo’s warns
Fiona Simpson
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
A surge in demand for foster care places combined with a drop in potential carers as a result of the coronavirus pandemic is creating a “state of emergency” in the care system, Barnardo’s has warned.
Between 1 March and 23 April this year, the charity’s fostering services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland received 2,349 referrals - 44 per cent higher than the number received in the same period last year.
However, the charity also saw a dramatic decline in people looking to become foster carers - the number of enquiries about fostering fell by 47 per cent compared with the same period last year, from 302 to 161.
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Barnardo’s says the coronavirus pandemic has left more families struggling to cope due to job losses, increased financial pressure and negative impacts on the mental health of both adults and children.
Meanwhile, widespread uncertainty about the impact of the crisis on the economy and financial security has seen less people sign up to become foster carers, the charity says.
It adds: “Children have also been in lockdown in homes where domestic abuse and sexual abuse are taking place. These pressures will likely impact more families as the crisis continues.
“At the same time, Barnardo’s believes that the change in circumstances experienced by many because of Covid-19 and uncertainty about the future has resulted in a drop in enquiries being made to the charity from people looking to foster.”
Barnardo’s is now calling on people over 21 with a spare room and time to commit to a foster child to consider signing up.
It says: “Barnardo’s welcomes foster carers from all walks of life, including single people, those from the LGBTQ+ community and black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.”
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Javed Khan, chief executive of Barnardo’s said: “The coronavirus pandemic has hit vulnerable families the hardest, with many reaching crisis point. This has created a state of emergency, as more children than ever need a safe and loving foster family, while fewer adults are coming forward as potential foster carers.
“Today, there are hundreds of children who have been referred to Barnardo’s and are waiting to be placed with a foster family. If you’re over 21, have a spare room and the time and commitment to support a child in need, please do consider getting in touch.”