ECONOMIC HARDSHIP DRIVES NEED FOR MORE FOSTER CARERS
22.07.10
Pathway Care is urgently appealing for more foster carers to step forward in the Cambridgeshire area to provide a safe and supportive environment for children whose families just cannot cope.
And, according to a new report from the Demos Think Tank vulnerable children taken into care earlier can ultimately save the state nearly £33,000 per child compared to those receiving poor care within a troubled environment and suffering emotionally as a consequence.
Catherine Rioda, Head of Practice with Pathway Care East England, commented: “Taking any child away from their family is an enormous step and needs to be looked at very sensitively, but ultimately any decision has to be in the best interests of the child.
“There is already a shortage of 10,000 foster carers across the country, so it is now more vital than ever for people to step forward and take on such a role. Whilst fostering can be tough at times, helping shape children’s lives for the better and knowing you have made a difference is very rewarding.”
Catherine Rioda said: “Unemployment and lack of income bring great pressures to bear on family units and, with this, comes more potential conflict ranging from domestic disputes and violence, through to separation and divorce.
“Unfortunately, more people will turn to drink and drugs to escape their circumstances and it is their children who will potentially suffer from neglect and violence, or the depressing state of affairs of seeing their mum, dad or partner argue more frequently.
“Such situations inevitably lead to fewer people coping and, in some cases, will sadly lead to their children being taken into care. This clearly can bring immense pressures to bear on local authorities who will be facing the prospect of cutting budgets at a time when more resource will be needed and the demand for foster places will not abate.
“Short term costs are only one half of the equation – there is also the increasing social cost of getting it wrong further down the line that needs to be taken into consideration.
“Youngsters and teenagers alike are far less likely to get into trouble when they are older if they have benefited from better examples of parenting. Given that there is already an estimated shortfall of 10,000 foster carers across the UK and the likelihood of up to a million more people being unemployed within the next 12 months, this will inevitably lead to more children needing foster parents, “ she said.
If you think fostering could be for you, please contact our team on 0871 2263760, or visit our website to find out more: www.pathwaycare.com
“Being a foster carer can be challenging work, but with it can come great satisfaction. Foster carers come from all walks of life. Some possess transferable skills gained from a variety of work ranging from caring for the elderly, or people with disabilities, teaching assistants, retired police officers or coming from a background in the armed services. Others have enjoyed a very good life and want to improve the lives of others less fortunate than themselves, “she concluded.
