Article: Who needs to be fostered? Article Body Children of all ages need foster carers in Barnsley. It's impossible to describe the typical foster child - they can be of any age from birth to 18 and from any social, ethnic or religious background. The one thing they do have in common is that their family is in crisis. We need carers for children of all ages but we particularly need carers for: brothers and sisters together - children don't just come in ones of course and we will do anything we can to try and place brothers and sisters together. Sadly we can't always place a family group together in one foster home and children have to be separated. Foster carers will then need to help the children keep in touch with each other. We always need more carers who can take brothers and sisters together and can care for several children of different ages. Carers need to have the space in their homes, but also the time and emotional reserves to care for several children who have had profoundly distressing experiences in their lives. older children and teenagers - we need short term and long term placements for older children and teenagers. We have children aged 7 to 12 years who need the security of a long term family placement and who need to remain in contact with their own families. There is a real need for foster carers who have an interest in fostering teenagers. Some teenagers face a breakdown in relationships with family at this vulnerable period of their lives when they are in just as much need of security, guidance and care as much younger children. Some foster carers really love the challenge of teenagers who, for all their confidence about being old enough to decide things for themselves, really need the support and guidance that foster carers can give. Looking after this age group can be challenging, but you can really make a difference in a young person's life. And there's never a dull moment!! If you have an interest in teenagers - think about fostering on our Care Plus scheme. pregnant teenagers and mother and baby placements - we sometimes need foster carers for pregnant teenagers and mother and baby placements. These young women need support during a difficult time and someone who will teach and encourage them without taking over their responsibilities as mothers. children from minority ethnic backgrounds - we need more foster carers from a minority ethnic background who can care for children who will benefit from being cared for by carers whose own background means they can meet the child's identity, cultural and religious needs. children with disabilities - we need carers who can provide regular short breaks for children with disabilities, to enable their family to have a break from caring responsibilities. Some of these children have autistic spectrum difficulties. Meet the children Select different ways of fostering to find out more about the kind of fostering that might suit you. Key documents Statement of Purpose Contact us By post to: Duty Social Worker - Fostering, PO Box 679, Barnsley S70 9JE. Telephone: 01226 775876 from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4.30pm Friday. Email: fostering@barnsley.gov.uk