FORMER foster carers in the borough are being called on to re-register amid concerns that the coronavirus pandemic could lead to a shortage of carers.

Brighter Futures for Children, which delivers children’s services in Reading, is urging former carers to help vulnerable children.

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Existing foster carers with Brighter Futures for Children’s Independent Fostering Agency (IFA) are also being asked if they would consider looking after more children than usual during this difficult period.

The appeal for help is in response to national concerns that children and young people spending more time in unstable family situations, due to Covid-19 measures, may need to come into care.

Some existing foster carers, including family and friends carers, may also become ill or need to self-isolate.

The IFA is writing to all former foster carers who have given up fostering in the last two years to ask if they would consider returning.

These are carers who may have been registered with Brighter Futures for Children’s IFA or with Reading Borough Council before that.

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The service is also keen to hear from anyone who is interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer.

Tony Kildare, Brighter Futures for Children’s managing director, said: "We believe we have a robust and resilient business continuity plan to see us through this period but we want to widen our foster care network across the board.

"We need the Reading community to help us with this.

"Our foster carers do an amazing job and we are asking if they could go even further and take on more children than usual.

"We would also love to welcome back any former foster carers who could offer their help in these difficult times.

"Brighter Futures for Children IFA is committed to offering the best possible support to our foster carers to ensure they can continue to look after Reading children locally during this unsettling period."

Biri Yaya, Fostering Service Manager at Brighter Futures for Children’s Independent Fostering Agency said: “We are committed to ensuring that all of our children and young people across Reading are safe and well in a caring home during these tough times.

"It’s sad but inevitable that more children will come into care over the coming weeks and months and we are planning and preparing for that and hope that we can welcome back former foster carers and encourage potential new carers."

Former foster carers should call 0118 469 3020 or email foster@brighterfuturesforchildren.org.

Anyone interested in foster care should call 0118 469 3020 or complete the online form.