A lack of awareness about the financial benefits available in fostering is seriously affecting the number of potential foster carers exploring the profession across the north east.

That’s according to leading fostering service and social enterprise Five Rivers Child Care, which surveyed 2,000 respondents as part of its ongoing activity to identify the misconceptions hindering foster carer recruitment across the UK and as part of the organisation’s celebrations to mark Foster Care Fortnight which runs from Monday 14th – Sunday 27th May.

According to the Fostering Network, there is currently a nationwide shortfall of 7,180** foster carers across the UK, with the north east facing a shortfall of 360 carers.

The survey reveals that 60 percent of respondents across the north east aren’t aware that foster carers can be paid a fee of up to £25,000 a year, which increases if additional children are looked after. Yet despite this uncertainty, more than half of those surveyed view fostering in a positive light and 37 percent said they would consider or had previously considered fostering as a career option.

Almost a quarter of respondents (24%) are reluctant to pursue fostering as they believe they don’t meet the appropriate criteria needed, yet 63 percent are unaware that childless individuals or couples can foster – highlighting a stark misunderstanding of the relevant criteria.

Further findings from the survey reveal that 40 percent of those surveyed don’t know that same sex couples can foster, with similar numbers not aware that those in rented accommodation, or single individuals are also eligible.

Commenting on the recent findings, Martin Leitch, Head of Fostering Operations for Five Rivers Child Care, said: “The ongoing shortfall has a direct impact on the thousands of children across the UK currently waiting to be re-homed with loving foster families. The industry as a whole has worked extremely hard over recent years to increase professionalism for the benefit of children and young people and now a better understanding of foster care as a career option needed if we are to rectify the shortage.

“Our latest research reveals that over half of the British public would consider fostering, but they are deterred by the out-of-date misconceptions that are no longer relevant. If we could even encourage 10 percent of them to get in touch and explore the possibility of fostering as a career option, we could stem the shortfall. To recruit the best people for what can sometimes be a very difficult and challenging profession, it is imperative we highlight the benefits on offer, including the salary and any additional allowances available.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who is naturally compassionate and understanding to speak to us about fostering opportunities. Anyone who is over 21 and has a spare room, is potentially eligible. And it offers people a fulfilling career that really does change lives while also being financially viable.”

Mindy Golder, a former foster child and care advisor at Five Rivers Child Care, where she supports training foster carers, echoes Martin’s sentiment and said: “As a former child in care, I know from personal experience the significant impact foster carers can have on a vulnerable young person’s life. For them, a foster carer might be all they have, their only place to call home and the only person who is looking out for them.

“This is an incredible privilege. And similarly, those that are already fostering and dedicating time and energy to this tough profession deserve to be celebrated and recognised for the selfless work they do on a daily basis. My foster parents changed my life and I can only hope more people begin to explore foster care as a career opportunity so that more people like me can be helped.”

People from all walks of life can become foster carers as long as they are over 21 years of age, including single people, co-habiting couples, same sex couples and people living in rented accommodation are all eligible, the only requirement is a spare room for each foster child.

A career in foster care offers many benefits including competitive rates of pay and flexible working. Information from Five Rivers Child Care – 0345 266 0272. www.five-rivers.org