New video shows damaging impact on children neglected at home
We’ve launched a ground-breaking new video as part of a drive to recruit more foster carers for our children in care.
We teamed up with 56 other local authorities across the country to jointly fund the creation of ‘Childhood’ to raise awareness of fostering and the urgent need for foster carers.
The short film highlights the impact of when children are neglected, particularly brothers and sisters who may be left at times to try and care for themselves and each other.
Children should have a childhood
‘Childhood’ shows ‘Sophie’ and ‘Charlie’ who are in a very difficult situation at home where their needs are not being met, to then being nurtured and supported through foster care to attend school and be able to enjoy their hobbies and interests. In other words, have a childhood.
Councillor Zoe John, chair of the council’s Corporate Parenting Board, said: “This is a fantastic film that shows the stark reality of what children can face without proper parenting, and what can be achieved through foster carers.
‘I hope the film inspires people to become foster carers’
“Seeing the plight of ‘Sophie’ and ‘Charlie’ is very moving and I very much hope the film inspires people to become foster carers and provide nurturing, positive homes for children and young people across the country who need them.”
‘Childhood’ was officially launched yesterday (Thursday 13 October) at a premiere at the Everyman cinema, Birmingham, with an introduction from Kevin Williams, chief executive of The Fostering Network.
The film has now been posted on each of the 56 local authority social media platforms in a nationwide foster carers’ recruitment drive.
More than 9,000 foster carers needed throughout UK
Mr Williams said: “Across the UK, around 9,265 more fostering families are needed to make sure every child that can’t live with their own family gets the care they need.
“Currently, there are more than 70,000 children living with almost 56,000 foster families in the UK, and the number of children coming into care keeps rising.”
Josh, 21, who was fostered in Brighton from the age of 14, says fostering saved his life and appeals for more people who could provide a safe home for a teenager to consider fostering.
‘A safe and warm environment’
Josh said: “My foster carers gave me a warm and safe environment to explore my mental health and to grow as a person.
“We need foster carers for teenagers to save lives and give opportunities to young people that experience difficulties in their biological families.”
Gemma, 19, who has recently started studying law in London, said being fostered from the age of 14 in Brighton radically changed the direction of her life.
Challenges of fostering come with rewards
“Being a foster carer is challenging yes, but with those challenges often come the best rewards, said Gemma.
“You just have to believe in that young person and their potential. Stability is often what's craved the most and you can provide them with that and start laying that foundation for a better future.”
If you’d like to know more about fostering in Brighton & Hove call 01273 295444 or visit our fostering website.