AN urgent call for more than 400 new foster families in the North-East has been made by a leading charity.

According to The Fostering Network, 450 new foster families in the region need to be found in the coming year to make sure children's specific needs are met.

There is also a particular need for families who can foster teenagers and groups of brothers and sisters.

The new figures, which have been published on the first day of The Fostering Network’s Foster Care Fortnight, yesterday, show that 8,100 families are needed across the UK.

The charity says that without more foster families in the North-East, some children will find themselves living a long way from their family, school and friends, being split up from brothers and sisters, or being placed with a foster carer who might not have the right skills and experience to meet their specific need.

It is calling for people who think they might have the relevant skills and experience to come forward to find out more about fostering.

Kevin Williams, chief executive of The Fostering Network said: "Foster carers do something amazing on behalf of our society, opening their hearts and homes to fostered children, often offering them their first experience of a stable, secure and caring home. Looking after fostered children, many of whom who have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect, can be challenging. But it is that challenge, along with the reward of seeing these children and young people flourish, that many foster carers across the North-East say makes them proud to foster."

For more information visit thefosteringnetwork.org.uk