Foster Birmingham / News & Blog / New film highlights the importance of fostering

New film highlights the importance of fostering

Date: October 14, 2022

Author: Foster Birmginham

Fostering services across the country have joined together to produce ‘Childhood’ a short film to raise awareness of the need for more foster carers.

In a ground-breaking national collaboration, 56* Local Authorities across England have worked together to share ideas and jointly fund the creation of a short film to raise awareness of fostering. The film is aimed at finding more people who may be interested in becoming foster carers and providing nurturing, positive homes for children and young people across the country who need them.

Impact of neglect on children

The new film highlights the impact of neglect on children, particularly brothers and sisters who may be left at times to try and care for each other. It shows the journey of ‘Sophie’ and ‘Charlie’ who are in a very difficult home situation where their needs are not being met, to being nurtured and supported through foster care to attend school and be able to enjoy their hobbies and interests. In other words, to have a childhood.

Lisa Jamieson, Assistant Director of Commissioning and Corporate Parenting at Foster Birmingham said: “We are happy to be part of the collaboration with 56 Local Authorities across England, showing the amazing work our foster carers do on a daily basis. We all work together to support our children to be the best they can be.”

National statistics

According to The Fostering Network, the UKs leading fostering charity, there were 57,540 children living with foster families in England as of 31 March 2022. However, there continues to be a national shortage of foster carers and every year thousands of new foster families are needed to meet the increasing numbers of children coming into care. Sadly, there is likely to be an increase in this need as the cost-of-living crisis, along with other struggles families may face, create and escalate difficulties for many.

Interested in fostering?

If you believe that you could offer a loving and secure home to a child, young person, or sibling group, we would love to hear from you and are currently fast-tracking applications! Contact our friendly team today for an informal discussion about how we can help you start your fostering journey.

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*Participating councils and council-owned services involved in the project are: