SWINDON is suffering from a shortage of foster carers.

Up to 20 are needed in the town to meet a 10 per cent increase in the number of children who need care.

The situation was revealed as a charity warned the national shortfall had reached critical levels.

The Fostering Network says its survey of local authorities shows that a staggering 8,200 foster carers are now wanted throughout the country.

Three months ago it was feared Swindon was heading for a foster care crisis.

And yesterday family placement officer Chris Lee said more carers were still needed.

She said: "Since early this year we have had an increase of 10 per cent in the number of looked-after children from 208 to 230.

"We now need between 15 and 20 additional carers to allow us to provide the service we strive to do.

"It is a lot but ultimately our goal is to offer a choice of carer that young people coming into care need."

In Swindon the priority is to find people willing to look after teenagers, youngsters from black and ethnic minority groups and children with disabilities, she said.

Coun Ian Dobie (Con, Haydon Wick), the lead member for Social Services on Swindon Council, stressed that Swindon had excellent foster carers.

"They do a really great job but we can always use more," he said.

"We are continually trying to recruit and encourage more people, particularly for the more challenging children.

"They require carers with extreme patience and goodwill, and we are continually striving to improve on this and give people more training.

"We could always do with more people to take on that type of responsibility.

"It is one thing doing it with a child of your own but very different to do with someone else's child."

Nationally some children are being moved up to 40 times before a suitable home can be found.

The Fostering Network's executive director Robert Tapsfield said the increase in the number of vacancies was 35 per cent in two years.

He said: "This shortage has now reached critical levels. Too many children's lives are being badly disrupted with frequent moves and foster homes a long way from family, friends and school.

"The system is failing to provide these vulnerable children with the stability and security they need."

Martin Vincent