An urgent appeal has been launched for more foster carers, with a particular need for those who can support siblings.
West Sussex County Council is calling on residents to open their homes to children in care, especially brothers and sisters who often face being separated due to a shortage of suitable placements.
The appeal coincides with Foster Care Fortnight.
Many of the council’s emergency requests involve siblings, as keeping children together can ease the challenges of entering care.
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West Sussex County Council says more local foster carers would mean fewer children need to live far from familiar surroundings and more siblings could stay together.
Dan Ruaux, director of children’s services, said: "There are still many children and young people in need of a place to call home, and I would encourage anyone who has ever considered fostering, especially those who could help keep siblings together, to get in touch."
Tracey, a foster carer from Crawley, said: "My fostering journey began with two little boys. They were small, polite and unsure of everything.
"It reminded me that fostering is about so much more than providing a bed, it’s about helping children feel safe enough to believe that what they have and who they’re with, won’t disappear."
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