FtSE Member News: PACT Survey - Inspiring disadvantaged children is suggested as the top reason for fostering

A DESIRE to support and inspire disadvantaged children is thought to be the main reason people foster, a survey by an adoption and fostering charity has found.

The survey of 100 people by Parents And Children Together (PACT) for Foster Care Fortnight™ found that 72% of responders suggested that people would be motivated to foster to help a child achieve in life.

More than half of respondents had considered fostering at some point and over 60% had known someone who had fostered. 

The results of this poll are published by PACT during Foster Care Fortnight™ to share people’s ideas around the motivations and barriers to fostering.

The Fostering Network estimates that 9,000 new foster families need to be recruited to provide homes for children who can’t live with their birth families. PACT’s survey also found that 21% of respondents would consider fostering children under five years old, but only 5% were interested in fostering teenagers. 

Other findings were:

• 83% agreed the PACT fostering allowance of c£300 per week per child was ‘about right’
• 66% felt their concerns over the behaviour of foster children was a barrier to fostering
• 53% identified a lack of time as a barrier to fostering
• 49% saw fostering as a vocation and an alternative to paid employment

PACT’s Chief Executive, Jan Fishwick, said: “It is encouraging to find high levels of awareness and interest in fostering among the survey respondents. 

“A number of people may be ideal foster carers but never had the prompt to come forward and find out more. Foster Care Fortnight can be that call to action, and I encourage anyone who knows they are good with children and would like to offer their time and skills in a very practical way to get in contact. 

“Our information events are a chance to hear from inspiring PACT foster carers about the difference they are making to a child’s life now and in the future.”

To find out more about what’s involved come to PACT’s Fostering Information Afternoon on Thursday 23rd May, at 9 Southern Court, South Street, Reading, RG1 4QS,  PACT’s Fostering Information Afternoon on Wednesday 29th May at Clapham Library, SW4 7DB, or PACT’s Fostering morning on Thursday 30th May at Sutton Central Library, SM1 1EA.

For more information about fostering download a PACT Guide to Fostering at www.pactcharity.org/Fostering or call 0300 456 4800. 

Source: www.pactcharity.org/news/143

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