A CHILDREN'S charity has declared a "state of emergency" as number of children needing foster care in South East has risen dramatically during the pandemic.

The number of children needing foster care has risen by 89 oer cent during the coronavirus pandemic while the number of people looking to become foster parents plummeted by 31 per cent compared to the same period last year, according to Barnardo's.

From March 1to April 23, there were 168 referrals to Barnardo’s Fostering South East service, a figure which shot up from 89 for the same period in 2019.

Meanwhile the number of enquiries from people looking to become foster parents for the charity fell from 61 to 42 - a 31 per cent drop.

Barnardo’s has announced that the dramatic rise has created a "state of emergency" as children who may have experienced abuse and neglect wait for places with foster families.

Without more potential foster carers coming forward, hundreds of children referred to Barnardo’s will not be placed with a family.

The children’s charity believes 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.

Children have also been in lockdown in homes where domestic abuse and sexual abuse are taking place.

These pressures will likely impact more families as the crisis continues.

Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “The Coronavirus pandemic has hit vulnerable families the hardest, with many reaching crisis point.

"This has created a state of emergency, as more children than ever need a safe and loving foster family, while fewer adults are coming forward as potential foster carers."

Barnardo’s is appealing for people over the age of 21, who have a spare room, the time, and commitment to support a child, to get in touch and consider fostering a child. Barnardo’s welcomes foster carers from all walks of life, including single people, those from the LGBTQ+ community and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.

Foster carers will be supported by Barnardo’s, and will also be eligible for financial support including carers’ allowance.

To find out more about fostering with Barnardo’s Fostering South East, go to www.barnardos.org.uk/foster or call 01892 510 650.