Latest figures on looked after children in Wales

The latest figures from the Welsh Government show an 8% increase in the number of children in care in Wales compared to the previous year. In response to these new figures, Colin Turner the director of Fostering Network reiterated our call for more families across Wales to open their homes and hearts and offering a child a stable home by becoming foster parents.

“'These figures show a significant rise in the number of children coming into care and a commensurate rise in the number of children living with foster families. It reinforces the urgent requirement for investment in foster care from the Welsh Government as well as the need for the 550 more foster families The Fostering Network estimates are needed in Wales over the coming year.”

Importantly the annual report finds that 10% of children in care had three or more placements during this past year. This is a worrying statistic as research shows that the success and wellbeing of a child in care is directly related to the stability of his or her placement. This therefore highlights the importance of having a wide variety of different foster families willing to offer different types of foster care. From emergency and respite carers who can look after children for a short period of time whilst a permanent home is found for them as well as long term foster carers/parents who can look after a child until they are ready to live independently.  We are also always looking for people who have the skills and interest in becoming foster carers who specialise in Parent and child placement, you can find out more bout this form of foster care by visiting or “Supporting Young Parents” page.

If you would like to see and read the full report by the Welsh government, it can be found by following the link here. Further information regarding the statements of Colin Turner can be found here on the website of Fostering Network.

If you would like to learn more about how you can help to find loving homes to the children across Wales who need somewhere safe and caring to live, then you can get in touch with us by using the live chat dialogue box on this website, by filling in the form below, emailing info@familyfosteringpartners.co.uk or by phoning 01267 232228