Warning over NI fostering crisis

Foster parents are not generally entitled to state benefits for children

Northern Ireland faces a fostering crisis if younger people do not take children into their care, a report has said.

More than half of foster carers are in their 50s, 60s or 70s.

The Fostering Network is concerned that these people will not be replaced as they retire. It found that only 9% of carers are in their 30s.

Kate Lewis, director of the Fostering Network NI, said it was worrying that so many were close to retiring.

"For the sake of the hundreds of children who need the support and care of a foster family each year, it's crucial more people come forward," she said.

"In order to avert the impending crisis, it's important that we attract people of all ages.

"Older people can bring experience and skills from previous jobs, but it's essential we also appeal to the untapped pool of those in their 20s, 30s and 40s, who are particularly well placed to offer long-term care to younger children.

"This report also shows that it is vital measures are put in place now by national and local governments to ensure that there is not an even more severe shortage of foster carers in 10 to 15 years time."

In 2000, the average age of female foster carers was 46. Today it is 50. For male foster carers the average age has risen from 47 to 51 over the same period.

Care system

The Fostering Network is using Foster Care Fortnight, its annual awareness campaign, to encourage people of all ages to consider a career in fostering.

It is also urging the assembly to introduce regulation and funding so that carers are given adequate financial support.

The charity is also calling on fostering services to audit their workforce to assess the potential impact of forthcoming retirements.

The Fostering Network estimates that there is shortage of 200 foster families in Northern Ireland, mainly needed to offer long-term care to children.

There are 2,356 children and young people in the care system on any given day in Northern Ireland.