THE number of children in care across Somerset has risen from 370 to 500 in four years, figures published by Cafcass revealed.
Cllr John Osman, cabinet member for children and young people at Somerset County Council, said: “This rise is concerning and puts a strain on our resources but we have a duty to protect these children and we are committed to giving them a safe and stable place to stay.
“Around 50 new foster carers are needed in the next year to keep up with the rising number of children coming into care and to replace the foster carers that retire each year.
"We are working hard to recruit more foster carers and we have had a huge response to our campaign, enquiries have doubled in the first few months of 2012."
Find out more about fostering opportunities at the related link on this article.
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