IN Wales alone, 550 more foster carers are needed to offer vulnerable young people a loving, secure and stable home - and this need is ongoing during the coronavirus outbreak.

Carmarthen-based Calon Cymru Fostering is working alongside the UK’s leading fostering charity, The Fostering Network, during this year’s Foster Care Fortnight campaign to raise awareness of the dedication and the incredible work of foster carers, while encouraging more people to come.

Kevin Williams, chief executive of The Fostering Network, said: “Foster care transforms the lives of children and young people as well as those of foster carers and their families.

“This has never been more important. Foster carers help children and young people flourish and fulfil their potential, as well as provide a vital service to our society.

“Because this happens mainly in the privacy of their own homes – especially at the moment – their contributions too often go unnoticed.”

Despite the practical and emotional challenges that Covid-19 brings, Foster Carers continue to provide day-to-day support, love, and stability to children and young people who can’t live with their birth families.

Yet, there are still a large amount of children coming into foster care in Wales on a daily basis, and more foster carers are needed to ensure there are homes available that can be matched with vulnerable children.

Sharon Cavaliere, director of Calon Cymru Fostering, said: “It is soul-destroying if we don’t have a suitable match with any of our foster carers, particularly when we feel we can help a particular child.

“We constantly need a diverse group of foster carers to meet the diverse needs of the children and young being referred. If the fostering sector ceases to recruit new carers within this current climate, then this is likely to lead to a national shortage in the months ahead.

“Within Wales, it has been regularly publicised that there is already a significant shortage. We are continuing to actively recruit, assess, and train new Foster Carers right now.

“Someone made a negative comment on social media recently – asking if this an appropriate time to advertise for foster carers.

My answer to that is – ‘yes it is’. Children and young people still need to be protected. This is clearly evidenced in the numbers of children being referred each day.”

Calon Cymru’s Foster Carers will be assessed, trained, and supported to a very high standard to ensure a stable placement and positive outcomes for children and young people placed in its care.

Sharon added: “We strongly encourage people to consider a career in fostering – it will be the most rewarding thing you will ever do. Fostering doesn’t stop because of a global pandemic.

“We need more carers now, so if you’re looking for a flexible and rewarding career where you can work from home, I urge you to contact us.”

To find out how you could become a foster carer, visit www.caloncymrufostering.co.uk or contact call 0292 081 1173/01267 223112.