Why we need foster carers for children in care

Foster care is a way of providing a family life for children who can't live with their own parents. 

When children come into care it may be because:

• they can no longer live healthy and happy lives under their parents' care
• the parents are unable to provide a suitable level of care and protection for them

This may be due to a number of reasons, for example:

• long term illness
• an ongoing mental health issue
• addiction problem
• abuse (physical, sexual, emotional) or neglect

Whatever the reason, we have to find them a safe and stable home where they'll be safe and get the support they need to be healthy and achieve their potential.

We use foster placements to provide temporary care for children we look after, while their parents get help sorting out their problems, or to help children or young people through a difficult period in their lives.

Often children will return home once the problems have been resolved and we're happy that their parents are able to look after them safely. Others may stay in long-term foster care, some may be adopted, and others will move on to live independently.