‘Risk-averse culture’ leaves record numbers of children needing care

At least 750 new foster families are needed across Yorkshire and the Humber to provide new homes, according to the Fostering Network.

It comes as a new hotline has been set up, funded by a consortium of local councils, to answer queries from potential adopters.

A spokesman for the Fostering Network said: “Because of population increases there are just more children coming into care. There is a more risk averse 
culture and there’s also austerity. If people are struggling that’s where problems happen and if local authorities aren’t supporting families who need support then they are coming into care, because the problem just gets worse.”

The spokesman said “responsible reporting” in the media meant people no longer feared that fostering meant trouble and more were coming forward.

Meanwhile the hotline on 0300 222 5934 is being run by Being Family, the brand name for the Yorkshire and Humber Adoption Consortium. One of the councils taking part is East Riding Council. Adoption manager Ian Wilson said: “We really need people who can offer a child or sibling group a loving and supportive family for life – people who can help a child recover from the reasons why they came into care and can help them go on to thrive in a new family.”