Caritas Care is an independent Adoption and Fostering agency and we have been working across the North West to find permanent and temporary families for children across the region since 1934.

The need for adopters and foster carers for brothers and sisters, children over 4 and children with mild to profound needs in the North West is at an all-time high.

In 2022, the number of children looked after by local authorities in Englandrose to 82,170, up 2% on last year and continuing the rise seen in recent years. We believe this is likely to have been impacted by the pandemic.

Children and young people who cannot live with their biological families require stable and loving homes, and there are currently not enough individuals coming forward to meet this demand. We wanted to explore the reasons behind this shortage and what can be done to address it.

Why is there a shortage of adopters and foster carers?

There are several factors that have contributed to the shortage of adopters and foster carers in the region. Firstly, there has been an increase of children in care, meaning that more children are in need of either foster care or a more permanent family through Adoption. Secondly, there has been a decrease in the number of individuals coming forward to become adopters or foster carers, for a number of reasons.

What can be done to encourage more people to adopt or foster?

As an adoption and fostering agency we pride ourselves on the packages for training and support we offer all of our adopters and foster carers.  Knowledge is key and we want you share our knowledge and experience with you to help you on your journey, so you can create a positive impact in children’s lives.

Patricia Hurst, Adoption Service Manager said, “We are committed to finding as many families for as many children as we can for the children currently waiting in care.  We are particularly keen to speak to people who are will to consider adopting brothers and sisters, children over 4 and children with mild to profound additional needs.”

Rebecca Hughes, Fostering Service Manager said, “More people are urgently needed to come forward to foster if we want to make sure that our children can be cared for in loving families. If you have the space in your home and your heart, and the skills needed to help children thrive, please contact us. Fostering is open to anyone who wants to make a difference in a child’s life.”

The need for adopters and foster carers is greater than ever. If you are considering adoption or fostering the team at Caritas Care would be happy to talk to you.  Call us on 0800 652 6955 or take a look at our website www.caritascare.org.uk