Long term fostering

There is a major shortage of people willing to become long term foster carers. The children who need long term foster homes are generally between the ages of 10 and 15 and although they cannot live with their birth families, they need regular contact with them.

Most children who are fostered will return to their families. However, if this is not possible then we must consider the best way for them to have a permanent family. We believe that wherever possible, children deserve to be brought up outside of the care system, for example by being adopted into a new family. However, remaining in foster care long-term can sometimes be the best option for children who have strong links with their families. Such children need foster carers who can look after them for as long as they need, which can be into adulthood, while continuing to support the child’s relationship with their birth family.”

Is there room in your life for Danny?

We are currently seeking a long term foster home for a boy called 'Danny' (whose name has been changed to protect his identity).

Danny is a 10-year-old boy from Plymouth who cannot live with his family of birth. He urgently needs a foster home where he can settle down and still keep in touch with his family. Danny is a lively and intelligent boy with a great sense of humour. He enjoys computer games and sports, especially football and running. Danny has no special needs and is getting on well in his primary school.

Although Danny has many good points, he can sometimes be challenging and attention-seeking. His behaviour and temper tend to get worse when he is worried about his family. Danny needs a foster carer who can provide a stable environment and consistent parenting with firm boundaries. Caring for Danny will not be easy and he will need his carer’s help in understanding why he cannot live with his parents. However, giving Danny the stability he needs would also be incredibly rewarding.