Chaudhry Tabraiz Aurah
London : Newham Council has launched a campaign to recruit more foster carers from diverse cultural backgrounds to help address the growing shortage of foster families across London. With more than 9,700 children in need of foster placements across the capital and an estimated 6,000-carer shortfall nationwide, the initiative particularly targets Bangladeshi, Black African, Somali, Nigerian and Ghanaian communities.
Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Communities, Councillor Lakmini Shah, said the campaign aims to break misconceptions about fostering and encourage more local residents to provide safe and supportive homes for vulnerable children. She also stressed the council’s commitment to increasing the number of in-house foster carers while reducing reliance on Independent Fostering Agencies.
The council is seeking carers for children of all ages, including babies, teenagers, sibling groups, children with disabilities and those who have experienced trauma. To support prospective applicants, Newham Council is offering regular online and in-person information sessions, along with a comprehensive support package that includes a 24-hour specialist advice line.
The council hopes the campaign will inspire more residents to foster and help transform the lives of children in need of stable, loving homes.
