OVER 1,000 new foster families are needed in the North East and Yorkshire to cope with increasing numbers of children in care.

Figures released today (Thursday, February 14) by the Fostering Network reveal that the North East needs 450 new foster families to sign up in 2013, while 800 more are needed across Yorkshire and Humberside.

The figures also reveal there is now a record 4,100 children living with foster families in the North East, and and 7,500 in Yorkshire and Humberside.

Robert Tapsfield, chief executive of the Fostering Network, said: “Despite fostering services attracting more people to become foster carers, the continuing rise of children coming into care means hundreds more are still needed in North East England this year alone.

“These children need a stable family life to help them grow and achieve their potential.

“By becoming a foster carer people can help them have the best possible opportunity for a positive future, to do well at school and be successful in later life.”

Nationally, there is a shortfall of 7,350 foster families, and each year 13 per cent of the existing fostering workforce retires or leaves.

The Fostering Network is warning that without new families, hundreds of youngsters in the region will live in children’s homes when a foster family would be the best option for them, while others will end up living with a carer a long way from their home, school and family.

Anybody interested in becoming a foster carer can visit www.couldyoufoster.org.uk or call Fosterline on 0800 040 7675.