AN INDEPENDENT fostering agency is encouraging people in Worcester to make a positive change in 2015 and become a foster carer.

Pathway Care has launched the Foster15 campaign to highlight the shortfall in foster carers, after new statistics showed 30,430 children started to be looked after in 2014 – an average of one child being taken into care every 15 minutes in England.

In Worcestershire alone there are about 640 children in local authority care who need a safe and stable home.

Gareth Walton, operations director for Pathway Care, said: “The shortfall in foster carers is only set to increase, with recent reports showing that the number of total looked after children has risen to 68,840, an increase of seven per cent on 2010.

“Seventy-five per cent of looked after children are cared for in foster placements, an increase of nine per cent since 2010.

“We need more foster carers to come forward. Becoming a foster carer is one of the most rewarding steps you can take – these children are likely to have had a challenging start to their lives and you can be the person who makes the priceless difference to their life by offering them a home and care.

“January is a great time to consider a change and we want Foster15 to raise awareness of this need and urge more people to come forward to find out more about fostering.”

To learn more about the opportunities available visit pathwaycare.com or call 0800 170 170 6.