What type of children need care?
Children of all ages, gender, abilities, cultural and religious backgrounds need foster homes and for many different reasons.
With each age group comes a different challenge.
Foster carers are approved to look after children with particular needs, including physical and learning disabilities, and within a given age range that suits their skills, interests and personal circumstances which can change over time.
Older children (over 10's)
This can be an awkward time for any young person, as they start to discover their identity and find their feet.
Most people would agree that this is best achieved within a stable home environment, although ongoing contact with their own family or friends may be necessary.
For a teenager though, who has experienced real distress and disruption both at home and school, this could be an especially difficult phase in their life.
Foster carers, who care for teenagers, provide support and guidance, preparing them for adult life, allowing them to develop and grow in the security of a supportive family environment.
It can, at times, be a demanding job but it can also be one of the most rewarding as you see a vulnerable young person start to regain control over their lives, grow in self confidence and plan for their future.
Younger children (under 10's)
We always need foster carers to look after younger children, toddlers and babies.
Younger boys and girls need to be cared for in a warm and loving, safe family environment.
They need people who can help them with a diverse range of needs, including support and encouragement in relation to all aspects of their physical, social, emotional and educational development.
Sibling groups
For brothers and sisters, of all ages, continuing to be able to stay together and be there for each other is extremely important, particularly if being looked after away from familiar surroundings.
They not only need the security of a caring foster home but also of being together with their siblings.
Sibling groups can vary in size and cover various ages, genders and abilities.
We always need foster carers who have the space, time and ability to care for more than one child to enable families to stay together.
Mothers and babies
Becoming a mother can be a scary time for anyone.
Young mothers, in particular, need security and support from people who can help, advise, teach and encourage them without taking over their responsibilities as a parent.
You may feel able to help by offering a home and support for vulnerable young women and their babies during these difficult early days.