Britain needs more foster carers – it’s time to dispel myths about who can apply

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This Father’s Day, we’d like to call on your readers to celebrate and thank those who take on non-traditional parenting roles (Getty)

On Sunday 19 June, we mark Father’s Day: a joyous occasion for so many to celebrate those who play a paternal role. However, Father’s Day can also be a painful reminder for people who are not part of a “traditional family”, including children in care.

It can be difficult to comprehend that there are increasing numbers of children coming into foster care, with over 80,850 children currently looked after away from home in England alone.

Yet despite seeing how quickly our country can rally to help those most in need, and with the media’s backing, many are unaware of the desperate shortage of foster carers needed to keep up with the growing numbers of children entering the UK care system.