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According to the country’s Children’s Commissioner, in 2022, there were 404,310 children in need of care. This year, experts predict that number will continue growing – despite the ongoing national shortage of foster carers.

Young people are coming into care in much larger numbers than there are foster families to look after them. Simply put, there are more children in need of a safe and stable home than the system can keep up with. 

Foster carers are urgently needed

Foster care provides vulnerable children and young people with the stability, warmth, and support of a family home. Children all over the UK are in need of these loving homes to provide them with the support that they deserve.

There is currently an urgent need for more foster carers in Birmingham, and Compass Fostering is eager to speak with anyone interested in learning more. 

Compass is a leading independent fostering agency that provides care for children all over England and Wales, providing high-quality support and training for all our foster carers so that they can provide the best possible care and support for children and young people who haven’t had the best start in life.

Our foster caregivers teach our children and youth the skills they need to thrive, assisting them in developing healthy, trusting relationships and providing them with the childhood they deserve.

What is required to become a foster carer?

The things you need to foster are the same all over England and Wales. 

To apply to foster you will need:

• A spare bedroom
• To be over the age of 21 
• To have permanent leave to remain or ‘settlement’ in the UK
• To have no illegal offences involving children

Compass Fostering looks for why people can or should become foster carers rather than why they couldn’t. Dispelling myths surrounding this type of role is difficult, but we are here to answer any and all questions future carers might have. 

Our foster carer Sarah said, “Becoming a foster carer is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.” Yes, it can be quite challenging at times – but the help and support I receive from Compass are endless. “I have no regrets; this was the best decision I’ve ever made, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Do you think you could provide children with a safe home? Please get in touch with Compass Fostering, and the friendly local team will be happy to answer any of your questions.