FOCUS : CARE Could you foster? * According to The Fostering Network, 63,000 children are currently living with foster families across the UK, and a further 8,400 foster carers are needed this year alone to provide a supportive, stable and caring home for vulnerable children. * Foster carers work in a variety of ways, providing long-term care; short-term care in emergencies; and caring for a child for just a few days or over a weekend to give their main foster carer a break (known as 'respite'). * Children come into foster care for a wide range of reasons, including being removed from their family due to abuse or neglect; a family member's illness; or a parent's drug or alcohol misuse. * You can foster through your local council, or through a private agency such as www. fostering.net. Caption Aximolectati consequi rests as aut quia qui anim esxces eatium quias accsum J O B S & C A R E E R S /// 1 2 9http://www.fostering.net