According to new research published today (Monday 9 September), the charity has discovered that the myths around who can foster are threatening to cause a fostering crisis in the UK - which could easily be prevented.
The new findings reveal the scale of misunderstandings held around fostering with 96% of people not knowing the true extent of how many children are currently in care (around 91,000) in the UK. With the predicted shortfall of carers, as a result of people leaving the profession and the rise of children coming into the system, the charity is concerned that the situation will only get worse.
The UK incorrectly believes that the following people cannot foster:
- Renters
- Those not in full time employment
- Those who are gay
- Men
- Over 55's
As part of a drive to tackle the foster carer shortage and incorrect beliefs, Action for Children, who places children with foster families, spoke to more than 2,000[2] people to understand if they would consider fostering and if they knew who can foster.
The scale of the lack of understanding has surprised the charity:
- 1 in 3 people believe if you live in rented accommodation you can't foster.
- 1 in 3 people think you need to remain in full time employment and are unaware that carers are given financial support.
- 1 in 3 people are under the assumption that if you are gay you can't foster.
Action for Children also discovered that:
- Nearly a fifth (16%) of people believe that if you are a man you can't be a foster carer.
- Over half (54%) of the nation thinks that if you are over 55 you will not be approved as a carer.
Darren Johnson, Operational Director - Fostering, Adoption Permanency UK at Action for Children, said: “With myths preventing people from coming forward, and the public not knowing the true extent of just how many children are currently in care, we are on course for a crisis. There's an urgent need to tackle these misconceptions to move children into loving homes so they have the stability they need.”
Johnson continued: “With the UK's population at an all-time high, sadly the number of children coming into care will continue to rise, and so will the need for carers.”
A child or young person is fostered when they cannot live with their own family due to temporary problems that they are facing, which could range from drug and alcohol abuse to ill health.
On any one day there are more than 62,000 children living with foster families across the UK. Yet Action for Children found that one in ten people[3] do not understand what fostering actually means and why children and young people are placed in foster care.
Darren Johnson continued: “It is estimated that it takes four years from someone to think they would like to foster to actually picking up the phone and making their initial enquiry. So often the reason behind this delay is because of the misconceptions they have, and their fear of rejection. But this could be prevented by helping people to understand that in the majority of cases they can foster and that have a lot to offer a young person in care.”
Tracy Davison and Jenny Godbold, one of the first same sex couples to foster in Scotland, are backing Action for Children. Tracy said: “Anyone can foster and I would say that it has been the best job I have ever done. Nobody should be afraid, as long as you can provide a safe, secure and loving environment it really is worth it.
“Having foster children is like having your own child - you have to have an open heart and each child is unique. Remember what they have gone through as you need to help them overcome those difficulties. It's about children at the end of the day; as adults we need to be strong and help them, don't let your incorrect beliefs be a barrier.”
In direct response to the findings, and the scale of the misunderstanding facing the UK, Action for Children has launched an online Fostering Myth Busting Academy on its website, which it hopes will help people understand fostering better and empower them to take that first step to opening up their home to a child in need.
For more information on how to become a foster carer and to take part in Action for Children's Fostering Academy.
Resources available for coverage:
- Interactive infographics for use on your website;
- A professional video discussing the myths;
- High res professional images of case studies;
- Case studies willing to talk with you;
- Media trained spokespeople.
[1] Figure announced in February 2013 by the Fostering Network
[2] 2,004 people were survey by Populus between 17th-19th July 2013.
[3] 14% of those surveyed were unable to correctly identify the definition of fostering. With 10% believe you gain parental rights e.g. adoption; 1% of those surveyed believe it is extended babysitting or volunteering and 3% don't know.