Despite Government promises, without practical commitments, foster carers still lack the training and funding they need for the underappreciated job they do. Mary Evans reports
Anyone can apply to be a foster carer, even Caroline Pemberton and Oliver Sterling, as fans of 'The Archers' know. But in real life there is a desperate shortage of people willing to take often very disturbed children into their homes.
Events ranging from a balloon launch in Rhonnda to a bus poster campaign in Dundee have been staged during this month's annual Fostercare Fortnight recruitment drive (May 10-23).
Many already involved in foster care believe that a more effective way might be for the Government to fund local authorities to meet foster carers' costs, pay for their skills and give them effective support and training.
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