CHILDREN in the Vale of Glamorgan desperately need loving foster homes, Barnardo’s has said urging would-be carers to come forward for their Change A Life campaign.

Currently 130 children are being fostered in the Vale authority and more are waiting to find a loving home.

Children may find themselves in care because their parent is sick, or they may have experienced abuse or neglect – whatever the reason, they are going through really tough times and need love, stability and support.

People who foster tell Barnardo’s it is one of the most important and rewarding experiences they will ever have. A good foster carer can change a child’s life for the better, throwing them a lifeline of stability and support to build their self-esteem and resilience when they most need it.

Despite this, not enough people come forward to give vulnerable children and young people nurturing homes.

Barnardo’s is reaching out particularly to would-be carers who want to provide homes for older children, siblings, and disabled children. These youngsters often find it more difficult to find homes, increasing the chances they’ll be moved around or in the case of siblings, tragically, split up.

Barnardo’s makes sure foster carers never ‘go it alone’, meticulously matching carers to children. It provides them with specialist foster carer classes and close, ongoing, one-on-one help.

Barnardo’s Cymru Family Placement Operational Manager, Jason Baker, said: “Loving foster care is crucial to giving vulnerable children the happy home they so desperately need and deserve. However too many never experience this, because there simply aren’t enough foster carers to go around to care for the most vulnerable youngsters.

“Single or in a couple, black or white, same-sex or heterosexual; we are asking Vale of Glamorgan would-be carers to come forward and help change a child’s life."

Barnardo’s Change A Life campaign is urging more foster carers to come forward to help change child’s life for the better. Contact Barnardo’s www.barnardos.org.uk/changealife or on01492 532 390 or 0800 054 67 88.