There is a shortage of 750 foster carers in Wales

Figures from the Fostering Network have shown there is a shortage of 750 carers in Wales.

The shortage has risen from 2002, when 700 more foster carers were needed.

The Fostering Network has claimed the shortage means children's lives can be disrupted when they are placed with carers miles from home.

The network has called for more investment in fostering services in Wales.

Too many children's lives are being badly disrupted Jane Butler, Fostering Network

Manager of the Fostering Network Wales, Jane Butler, said: "People just aren't coming forward to offer themselves as foster carers.

"Part of the reason for that could be the conditions that are given to foster carers, and the fact that there isn't the pool of, for example, women, sitting at home not in paid work that there used to be perhaps at one time.

"We would say local authorities and the assembly need to take responsibility for making sure that foster carers are properly supported.

"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."

'Range of people'

Patrick Legge, of the National Children's Home, which runs a fostering service in south Wales, said the carer shortage could be met by new carers from a range of different groups.

He added: "They might be in their 50s, they might be single, they may be from the gay community.

"We're asking a whole range of people to come forward."

The Fostering Network's survey was calculated on figures collected from 15 of Wales' 22 local authorities.

According to the charity, there are 3,000 children and young people living with 1,900 foster families in Wales.

For the survey, Welsh local authorities were asked how many foster carers they would have to recruit in order to offer placement choice to the children in their care.

Placement choice means having a wide enough pool of foster carers so that each child can live with a family who meets their needs.