HUNDREDS of children in foster care have been homed in Bury, as the Department of Education reveals ‘the highest number since 2013’.

In 2013, 239 children were fostered in Bury, compared to 232 in 2021 however, there is still a gap in finding foster homes for teenagers.

Andy Elvin, CEO of the Adolescent and Children’s Trust, an organisation which matches children with placements, warns the charity has been struggling to find homes for teenagers.

Elvin said: “There is a misconception that teenagers who are in foster care are difficult, that they are in care because of something that they have done – but this is not the case.

“Like all children in foster care, regardless of their age, teenagers are in need of a safe, secure home and carers who can see their potential and help them to achieve it.”

There were 57,330 children receiving foster care across England in 2021, but the Fostering Network estimates that 1,329 more fostering families are needed in the North West alone.

Chief executive, Kevin Williams, said: "If you have ever considered fostering, now is the time to get in touch with your local fostering service and find out more.

"The fostering community is open to people from all walks of life and backgrounds: you can become a foster carer no matter your age, gender, relationship status or sexual orientation.

"Foster carers are the bedrock of children’s social care. They are vital in our society and our young people rely on their care, dedication, passion and skills to support them when they need it most."

Each year, children's charity the Fostering Network organises Foster Care Fortnight, celebrating the work of the UK’s foster carers and raising the profile of fostering across the country to talk about the positive impacts of fostering on both children and carers.

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