Why do children need foster care in the North East?

Children don't always need long term foster care. In fact, most looked after children come into care on a short-term basis. Sometimes the circumstances behind this may lead to a need for longer term fostering. Every child or young person's situation is different.

Foster care provides support and care for children when they can't live at home due to:

• Family emergencies such as ill mental or physical health or bereavement. 
• Parents struggling with alcohol or substance misuse, who need time to overcome these challenges. 
• Risk of harm from abuse, neglect or domestic violence in the home. 

Foster carers also provide short breaks or respite care for children with disabilities and complex needs.