MORE than 200 Southampton children in care are living outside of the city due to a lack of foster families.

Youngsters are also being separated from their siblings due to the shortage, The Fostering Network has warned.

There are currently more than 400 city children living with foster families, with more than half placed outside of the city.

The network's warning - and appeal for more foster parents to come forward - is being backed by Southampton City Council.

Robert Henderson, Executive Director Wellbeing (Children and Learning) at the council, said: “We know Southampton is a kind and caring city – and our fostering community is a great example of this, looking after some of the city’s most vulnerable children.

“Our foster carers make a hugely positive contribution to the lives of children in the city, and we can’t thank them enough. The strength and resilience they have shown throughout the difficulties of the pandemic through their continued support of each other is second to none.

READ MORE: Foster care service under Southampton City Council proving successful

"They have enabled children to thrive in a local, familiar and safe setting and given them opportunities to interact and bond with each other, whilst providing a steady base for them to really develop and grow."

It comes as May 9-22 marks Foster Care Fortnight.

Foster carers offer short or long-term homes for children, and is supposed to allow youngsters to stay within the communities they know.

Andy - who did not want to use his full name - has been a foster parent for eight years.

She said: “The pandemic enabled us to find inner strength and resilience and created an unbreakable bond across our fostering community.

"It also gave us valuable time with our looked after child to feel connected in a way that normal life could never allow.”

The council urgently wants to hear from potential foster carers - regardless of gender, relationship status, sexual orientation or disability. Anyone applying must be at least 21.

A virtual event is taking place offering more information on May 25 at 6.30pm.

Book a place by calling 0800 519 1818, or email fostering@southampton.gov.uk.

See southampton.gov.uk/fostering for more.

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