Leading charity, the Fostering Network is supporting a new BBC campaign calling on the general public to consider becoming a foster carer or adopter. With over 70,000 children and young people in care on any given day the BBC’s Family Wanted Campaign aims to encourage potential new foster carers or adopters to find out if they have what it takes to make a difference to the life of a local child.
The BBC has organised 20 regional drop-in events in September. The events will offer people a one-stop shop where they can meet local agencies to find out more about what is involved in fostering or adopting a child. They will have the chance to ask questions face to face and get details about the local need for adopters and foster carers. There will also be local foster carers, adopters and adoptees on hand to talk informally about their personal experiences.
Nicky Campbell, the face of the Family Wanted Campaign, says: "This is a hugely important campaign for the BBC to be running, and I hope it can help other children find a family and a future."
There are currently over 70,000 children in public care in the UK, with more than 4,000 needing adoption across the UK every year and a shortage of over 10,000 foster carers.