Charity Fostering Network has warned that more than 4,200 new foster carers will be needed in England in the next 12 months.

It says the increase is vital to stop children being shunted from home to home, sometimes a long way from their parents, and to avoid separating siblings.

It is estimated that 42,000 children in England currently live with a foster family.

Speak to some foster agencies in your patch to see what recruitment drives they are running and how they’re increasing awareness of fostering.

Perhaps a foster family might also like to discuss their experiences – both good and bad – and tell how fostering has changed their lives.