'I entered foster care at 14 and it saved my life'
Summary
Amy Burns says foster care gave her stability after she entered care at 14 and helped her attend university and build a media career. The UK government has launched a campaign to recruit 10,000 more foster care places as the number of carers falls and demand for placements rises.Key Facts
- Burns, now 26 and from Bristol, entered foster care after a difficult family situation.
- She said her foster parents’ support changed the course of her life.
- The number of foster carers has fallen by 12% since 2021, while the number of children needing care has risen.
- The number of children in care in Bristol and Somerset has increased by 35% over the past seven years.
- The government campaign aims to recruit 10,000 more foster care places and attract people from a wider range of backgrounds.
- The initiative includes £88 million in new funding and efforts to make fostering guidelines clearer.
- The South West Fostering Hub helps councils work together to recruit and support foster carers.
- A residential care placement can cost £318,000 a year, according to Wiltshire Council cabinet member Jon Hubbard.
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