Families in Dorset with children that have left home for university are being urged to become foster parents as the number of young people in care continues to rise.

With more than 200,000 18-year olds from across the UK being offered a university place this year, ISP, which provides fostering services in Dorset, is looking for more families to become foster parents.

The latest statistics from Ofsted show that 53,040 children were in care across the country as of March 2018, an increase of more than 1,000 compared to 2017 figures.

It is estimated that more than 8,000 new foster families are needed to support the growing number of young people entering care.

Emma Hannett, Registered Manager at ISP Dorset, said: “As children grow up and move on to new adventures, it’s not rare to see parents going through what’s known as Empty Nesters Syndrome where they can experience feelings of grief and loneliness.”

She continued: “While not a clinical condition, research has shown that it can result in depression and a loss of purpose. Instead of focusing on these negative feelings, we want parents to reflect on their life’s purpose and make them aware how valuable they could be to a foster child.

“As they enter this new stage in life where children are leaving home, they’ll be in the perfect position to welcome a new child as their home will already be set up accommodatingly. Not only this but as they have cared for their own child, they’ll have built up so much experience and care, making them invaluable to a child in need.”

Marion and Phil Austin are one such couple who decided to open up their ‘empty nests’ to children in need of care and support.

When discussing the experience, Marion commented: “When our boys left for university, we knew we had a lot more love and care to give so we decided to foster. Our children were always supportive of our decision to foster and have been so happy to see our experiences that our eldest is now a respite foster carer too.

“It can be tough at times, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see even the smallest changes in children as they respond positively to your love and support. It’s been those moments that we’ve found the most beautiful on our fostering journey.

“To those who have seen their own children fly the nest and feel like they still have a lot to offer, we’d tell them to foster. Yes, it can be daunting, but speak to other foster carers and go through the process as you’ll immediately see the difference you can make.

“We’ve changed their lives in a way we never thought we could.”

If you would like to find out more about fostering, call the friendly team on 0800 0857 989 or visit www.ispchildcare.org.uk