Kirsty Gallacher leads campaign to boost number of foster carers

TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher is fronting an Action for Children campaign to recruit foster carers. The campaign has been timed to coincide with Foster Care Fortnight (17-30 May) and focuses on the shortage of carers.

According to latest figures, 10,000 more foster carers are needed to meet demand. There are 60,900 children in care, 53,000 of whom live with foster families.

Gallacher said: “Often people don’t realise they already possess skills and qualities that would make them great foster carers. I strongly urge people to consider fostering, as they truly can help turn a young person’s life around.”

Darren Johnson, fostering manager at Action for Children, added that another focus of the campaign is to show that fostering is recognised as a profession and comes with a salary and training.