On the 22nd June 2020, Barnardo’s released a report that showed that they have seen a 44% increase in the number of children needing foster care during the covid-19 pandemic, whilst the number of people enquiring to become foster carers has dropped.
Barnardos states they ‘believe that the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown has increased pressure on vulnerable families with job losses, deepening poverty and worsening mental health all leading to family breakdown’. asphaleia is very conscious that some children and young people have also been subjected to ‘hidden’ abuse as they are not being seen in person on a regular basis by professionals which can limit early help being implemented.
asphaleia’s Designated Safeguarding Lead says ‘we are not surprised by these figures. We have been adapting our services to maintain engagement with the children and young people we work with who are most vulnerable’. In some cases this has resulted in proactive work starting with a child and/or their family before it gets to a crisis state.
asphaleia’s mission statement is simple; to impact as many lives of children and young people who have experienced disadvantage as we can. asphaleia fostering currently do not have any available placements to offer children and young people in need of foster care. We need your help…. We need foster carers to help impact more children. asphaleia has always reacted or adapted to needs and demands of children and young people, this pandemic is no different… we need more carers and therefore can impact more disadvantaged children and young people.
It's not too late to join for our virtual Q&A with our fostering manager and an approved carer on Monday. Please message us to confirm your attendance and we can email you the meeting invite. Alternatively, give us a call on 01903 823546 for a no-obligation chat.