Lockdown led to an increase in looked after vulnerable children, and while the sector struggles to meet the rising demand for foster carers, fostering agencies are concerned about the impact this will have on children and young people.

Pre Covid-19, the sector had its challenges. Carer suitability and adequate space have always been issues but health threats posed by Covid-19 presented an additional risk, especially for the 65 per cent of foster carers aged over 50.

Newham resident, Prity Patel, recruitment strategist at SHINE Fostering, an independent South Woodford-based fostering agency contracted to provide placements for children and young people through Newham Council, explained: “We receive hundreds of referrals weekly. However, at around 70,000, there are too many children in care; and with a national shortage in excess of 8,000, not enough foster carers.”

Khush Green, Director at SHINE Fostering, said: “While shortages in fostering are nothing new, increased numbers of children left in a system awaiting placement is a concern, especially in terms of mental health.”

SHINE has a diverse range of foster carers (including single people and couples); carers positionally based to serve Newham, Waltham Forest and Redbridge, allowing children to get to school while remaining close enough to visit family; community based onsite staff including an advocate, a former foster child representing the young voice; educational co-ordinator; mental health nurse and supervising social worker. All engage heavily with the children through education, events and trips.

SHINE have been contributing to The Fostering Network´s – Foster Care Fortnight 2021 theme- #WhyWeCare, which ran from 10–23 May. The annual event showcases valuable work undertaken by foster carers and those involved in the fostering community. Prity added: “SHINE Voices continues to raise awareness of #WhyWeCare as the urgent need for quality foster care is more paramount now than ever.”

STATS | FOSTERING IN NEWHAM Source: ONS as at 31 March 2020

Caution: A small number of agencies did not submit their data so figure may be a little below what they should be.

NEWHAM STATS FOR LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN (LAC).

• Number of looked after children aged 10 to 15 years, 145 (35 per cent of
total LAC)
• Number of looked after children aged 16 years and over, 157 (38 per cent
of total LAC)

More males than females are looked after in Newham

• Number of males looked after children 251 (61 per cent of total LAC)
• Number of females looked after children 160 (39per cent of total LAC)

Black/Black British children in Newham are the most looked after children

• 113 Black or Black British children were looked after (27 per cent of total LAC)
• 95 White children were looked after (23 per cent of total LAC)
• 77 Asian or Asian British children were looked after (19 per cent of total LAC)
• 64 Other ethnic groups of children were looked after (16 per cent of total LAC)
• 62 White and Asian, Black African or Black Caribbean children were looked
after (15 per cent of total LAC)

More children are placed in foster care than any other form of sector provision

• 280 children were provided foster placements (68 per cent of total LAC).
• 95 children were placed in secure units, children homes and semi-independent living accommodation (22 per cent of LAC)
• 25 children were placed in other residential settings (6 per cent of LAC)

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