HAMPSHIRE households are being urged to open the doors of their loving, safe and stable homes to help transform the lives of vulnerable children in need in the county.

Through a new TV, radio and social media campaign launched by Hampshire County Council, the search is on to find more than 150 foster carers by the end of 2023.

The campaign’s powerful message – ‘When every door is closing on a child...can you open yours?’ – aims to shine a light on the urgent need for foster carers across the county.

Councillor Roz Chadd, the County Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “I have seen first-hand the vital role our foster carers play in keeping Hampshire’s most vulnerable children safe. Our thanks go to each and every one of our foster carers for all they do for children in Hampshire.

“There is, however, a shortage of foster carers nationally and we’re calling on the people of Hampshire to help make a huge difference to young lives in the county, right now – and to become a foster carer. We really need residents’ help.

“In Hampshire, we work hard to keep families together and reduce the number of children coming into care. Nonetheless, the gap between the number of children needing a loving home and the number of foster carers available continues to widen.

“There are now 200 more children in the County Council’s care than in 2018 and this figure is rising, but the number of foster carers has not increased at the same rate, so we need an extra 150 fostering households by the end of 2023.”

There are different types of fostering arrangements people can do – from full-time to more flexible options that fit around home and work-life commitments.

Training is provided every step of the way, to support skills and confidence, together with an allowance for each child or young person in foster care, to cover the day-to-day costs of caring for them.

Anyone of any age can become a foster carer as applications are welcomed from people aged 21 and above, to make the most of the valuable experience and insight every age group can bring.

Background, ethnicity, religion, relationship status or sexuality are no barrier either.

Applications are encouraged from anyone who would like to help make positive changes within their local community.

However, prospective foster carers do need to have a spare room in their home as it is important for children and young people to have their own space.

Find out more about fostering with the County Council via the website at hants.gov.ukopenyourdoor – to find a wealth of resources, more about the latest campaign, details about the role, FAQs and online information events.