AN urgent need to find 600 new foster carers in the North-East is highlighted by a survey published today.

The Fostering Network, a national charity, asked 25 local authorities in the region how many foster carers they would have to recruit in order to offer good placement choices to the children in their care.

The results, based on responses from more than half of the authorities, showed that although foster children are placed in a safe environment, they often have to move schools, be split up from siblings, or join a household which can not meet all of their needs.

"The figures don't mean that there are 600 children sitting waiting for homes," said a spokeswoman for the charity. "It means the authorities feel they need that many more carers in order to find an ideal home for every child.

"Each child should be able to live with a carer carefully chosen to meet his or her specific needs in terms of location, culture, lifestyle, language and even interests.

"The wider the pool of carers available, the more likely it is that a good match can be found."

The survey, which found a national shortage of almost 8,000 carers, coincides with this year's Foster Care Fortnight, starting today.

During the next fortnight, local authorities will be holding events to encourage more people to consider becoming foster carers.

To find out more contact local authorities, or call the Fostering Network on 020 7620 6400 or visit the website, www.fostering.net