Which children need fostering?

Any child or young person who cannot be cared for by their own family.

There are babies and toddlers, school age children and children with disabilities. There are brothers and sisters who need to stay together and teenagers and young parents who need a little extra support before they make their own way in life.

Many children will arrive from homes troubled by violence, abuse, illness, neglect, drink or drug addiction, but whatever they've experienced, most will be feeling confused and anxious about having to move in with strangers.

It's a foster carer's responsibility to bring stability and continuity to children's lives while difficulties are being sorted out. The secret is simply to offer what every child wants and needs - family life, friends, love and respect.

Our priorities

We are currently recruiting foster carers for children of all ages and abilities. However, due to the needs of children currently needing foster care, we are particularly keen to find foster carers for the following children and young people:

• Sibling groups of three or more children
• Children with complex medical, emotional or behavioural needs
• Children over eight years old, especially teenagers
• Children from minority ethnic groups and where English may not be their first language
• Parents along with their young baby

We will prioritise applications from people able to care for the above types of children and young people.