Barnardo’s declares ‘state of emergency’ as number of children needing foster care during Coronavirus pandemic rises

The number of children needing foster care in the North West has risen by 48% during the Coronavirus pandemic, while the number of people looking to become foster parents plummeted by nearly half compared to the same period last year, according to children’s charity Barnardo’s.

From March 1^st - April 23^rd 2020, there were 585 referrals for foster care made to Barnardo’s North West Fostering Service, a figure which shot up from 395 for the same period in 2019. Meanwhile, the number of enquiries from people looking to become foster parents for the charity in the North West fell by 46%, from 39 to 21.

This picture is replicated across Barnardo’s fostering services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with 2,349 referrals for foster care made in total to the charity between 1^st March and April 23^rd 2020, compared to 1,629 for the same period in 2019. The number of enquiries from people looking to become foster parents for the charity across the three nations fell from 302 to 161 - a dramatic 47% drop.  

Barnardo’s says this has created a ‘state of emergency’ as children who may have experienced abuse and neglect may have to wait for places with loving foster families. Without more potential foster carers coming forward, tens of children referred to Barnardo’s will not be placed with a family. 

The charity believes that the Coronavirus pandemic and lockdown has increased pressure on vulnerable families, with job losses, deepening poverty and worsening mental health all leading to family breakdown. Children have also been in lockdown in homes where domestic abuse and sexual abuse are taking place. These pressures will likely impact more families as the crisis continues.

At the same time Barnardo’s believes that the change in circumstances experienced by many because of COVID-19 and uncertainty about the future has resulted in a drop in enquiries being made to the charity from people looking to foster. 

Barnardo’s is calling on people over 21, who have a spare room and the time and commitment to support a child to get in touch and consider fostering a child. Barnardo’s welcomes foster carers from all walks of life, including single people, those from the LGBTQ+ community and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. 

The charity also wants to make it clear that foster carers will be supported every step of the way by Barnardo’s, and will also be eligible for financial support including carers’ allowance. 

To find out more about becoming a foster carer or the support Barnardo’s can offer, call Barnardo’s North West Fostering Service on 0151 488 0822 / 0800 0277 280 or visit https://www.barnardos.org.uk/foster/north-west-england

Rebecca Quigley, Operations Manager for Barnardo’s North West Fostering Service said: 

“The Coronavirus pandemic has hit vulnerable families the hardest, with many reaching crisis point. This has created a state of emergency, as more children than ever need a safe and loving foster family, while fewer adults are coming forward as potential foster carers. 

“Barnardo’s has over 100 years’ experience bringing vulnerable children together with loving foster families, who provide the vital love and support children need to thrive.

“Barnardo’s is with carers every step of the way, providing ongoing training and support throughout the whole fostering journey, from the first enquiry, through the approval process, to when carers meet their first foster child and beyond. You will have a dedicated social worker and you’ll also receive financial support, including a carer’s allowance.

“Today, there are hundreds of children across the country who have been referred to Barnardo’s and are waiting to be placed with a foster family. If you’re over 21, have a spare room and the time and commitment to support a child in need, please do consider getting in touch today.”