Barnardo's has revealed that its recruitment drive for new carers has received a lower than expected number of applicants.

Following a recent YouGov poll the children's charity has said that its campaign to recruit new foster carers has taken a hit by pre-conceived ideas of how difficult it is to become one.

The poll has revealed that a huge 43 per cent of respondents, who have never considered fostering in England, fear that their age is the barrier, even though there isn't an upper age limit to become a foster carer.

 

 

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Moreover, 74 per cent of the adults surveyed across the UK are concerned that there aren't enough foster carers to cater for the children in need of homes.

Despite this concern, only five per cent of respondents in England stated an intent to consider fostering a child in the next five years.

Giving her insight into the findings, Brenda Farrell, director of fostering at Barnardo's, said: "We know there are people who would love to foster, but believe things like their age, financial situation, or because they have biological children, would prevent them from doing so.

"We want to bust these myths, as we believe that any loving person can make a wonderful foster carer."

Ms Farrell added: "There is no upper age limit and fostering can be a hugely beneficial experience for the entire family, including birth children.

"At Barnardo's, we offer support and training every step of the way."

The lack of foster carers is particularly distressing given that more than 100,000 children across the UK are in care, a record high figure.

England alone houses over 80,000 children, while recent Ofsted statistics demonstrate a seven per cent drop in approved fostering homes since 2019.

To explore fostering with Barnardo's, whether you are aged 21 or 81, financially stable or working through, or if you already have children of your own, the charity encourages people to visit their website (www.barnardos.org.uk/foster) or call their free helpline on 0800 0277 280, which is open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.