AN appeal has been launched to find more foster carers after an investigation revealed nearly one in four children in the region moves home two or more times a year.

A Freedom of Information request by the charity Action for Children found that between April 2014 and March 2015 thousands of children were moved regularly between foster care homes

This in turn affected their social skills, educational outcomes and employment prospects – impacting on their behaviour as well as emotional and mental health.

Now Action for Children is warning that too many children continue to be disrupted by repeated moves to new homes.

So it has launched an urgent appeal to find thousands of new foster carers who can offer children a safe, stable and loving home at the earliest possible opportunity.

John Egan, director of Action for Children in the North-East, said: “We know of children as young as four who have had to move three times in less than a year before finding a stable family home.

“For children in care, moving home means more than fitting into a new place – it means leaving behind family, friends, school and everything that is familiar to start over again.

“It is impossible to imagine what this must be like for a child or young person, who has already had the toughest start in life, to have to move several times a year until they find the right foster carer.

“Unfortunately, many children in foster care have experienced neglect or abuse and as a result have to move from their family home so that they are placed with a carer who can provide them with the stability, love and care they need.

“That’s why we urgently need more dedicated foster carers to help children and young people overcome trauma by helping them to love and trust again, feel safe, and rebuild a real sense of worth and belonging.”

Action for Children is looking for people across the North-East who can provide a secure and loving home to children who have experienced trauma and loss and are in need of stability.

Those behind the appeal said it doesn’t matter if you’re older, what your relationship status is, or whether you own or rent you’re own home.

However there must be a spare room in the house and you must have the ability to support children and help them recover.

To find out more about becoming a foster carer call 0845-200-5162 or visit actionforchildren.org.uk/fostering