A SHORTAGE of local foster carers is leading to Swindon children being placed outside the borough.

Swindon Borough Council says around 350 children and teenagers needed a foster home in Swindon last year, with some having to leave their home town due to a shortage of carers here.

The council has around 70 mainstream foster carers but needs 100.

To combat the shortage the council is campaigning to recruit more carers – calling it The Wanted Campaign – host ing a series of information drop-in sessions for people who may be interested.

The campaign coincides with national Foster Care Fortnight, starting today and running until May 27, which aims to shine a light on the shortage and encourage people to find out more about what it takes to become a foster carer.

Coun Fionuala Foley, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We are committed to keeping our looked-after children in Swindon, which is why we need more foster carers in the borough. Keeping a child local is far better for them as they are kept close to their families, friends and schools.

“Settling a child into a foster home and helping them to feel safe and cared for can be comforting in what can be a challenging time for them.

“Being part of a foster family can be a really positive experience for all those involved so I would urge anyone who has ever thought about becoming a foster carer to get in touch and find out more.”

Swindon foster carers Graham and Ruth have been doing the job for 20 years. They want to encourage others to do the same, and added: “Our advice for anyone considering becoming a foster carer is to have a look because it’s really worth exploring. Ask lots and lots of questions, no question is too silly.

“We’re extremely proud of the children we’ve had with us. We go to parents’ evenings and absolutely beam when they’ve caught up in education, they’re doing well, they’ve got friends. We have pizza nights on Fridays where they can bring their friends round.

“We really do believe that being foster carers has helped us to develop as people as much as it’s helped the children.”

Anyone who might be interested can attend drop in sessions spread over Foster Care Fortnight, with the first on Friday at the Brunel Centre from 10am to 2.30pm. More information about the drop-in sessions can be found on the council website.

A 2017 survey carried out by Five Rivers, a national child care organisation, suggested misconceptions about foster caring contributing factor to the nationwide shortage of carers, which is especially acute in the South West. It found 71 per cent of respondents believed having a disability would prohibit them from foster caring, while 59 per cent were unaware that people in the LGTBT community can foster.