A SHORTAGE of carers is putting fostering services in the North-East under serious pressure, according to new research.

The independent National Foster Care Association says that 400 extra foster parents are needed in the region to meet growing demand for the service.

The association, which is urging more people to become carers, says the shortage is probably caused by the public's lack of knowledge and misconceptions about fostering.

It says the shortage means that children who should normally be placed with foster parents are having to be put in residential homes.

In some cases, social workers are reluctant to take children into care because there are no suitable foster homes.

It also means that foster placements break down because children cannot be placed with an appropriate carer.

The association's recruitment arm, the Fostering Network, has launched its first national advertising campaign.

Its latest finding is based on research it carried out at 150 social services departments across the country.

Gerri McAndrew, executive director of the National Foster Care Association, said: "Our study of 150 local councils makes it clear just how serious the shortage of foster carers is, and how it is putting the foster care service under pressure.

"The children and young people in need of fostering have often had difficult and troubled lives. They deserve the highest possible standards of care. In many cases, because there aren't enough foster carers, they are losing out.

"The North-East is badly affected by the shortage. I would appeal to anyone in the region who has a real interest in working with and helping children and young people to come forward.

"It doesn't matter if you're 26 or 56, married or single, or whether or not you have children of your own. Almost everyone can be considered as a foster carer.''

The association says there is a particular shortage of people willing to look after siblings or youngsters with special needs.

Durham County Council is increasing the amount of money it pays to carers in a bid to attract more fosterers.

The authority's social services director, Peter Kemp, said the department was finding it increasingly difficult to attract suitable carers.

Anyone wanting information about becoming a foster parent should call the Fostering Network on (0800) 0965 985