MORE foster carers are needed in Lancashire from ethnic communities to look after children and young people from similar backgrounds.

Perpetual Fostering said they urgently needed placements in friendly and supportive home environments.

Perpetual’s CEO and founder, Tahir Khan, said: “For a child to leave his or her family for whatever reason and be placed in foster care can naturally be a very emotional and unsettling experience.

“But for ethnic minority youngsters, this situation can often be improved if they are placed in a home environment that is culturally familiar to them.

“As with all looked-after children, those from ethnic minorities need reassurance of their self worth and will also have practical needs with regard to dress, diet, prayers, culture and language, which help promote a sense of identity.”

Perpetual Fostering, which is based in the North West, said there was a distinct shortage of foster carers among minority ethnic communities, with the company estimating a nationwide shortage of around 2,000 carers.

Mr Khan added: “Many people do not realise they are eligible for fostering.

"There is no limitation on age, other than our own minimum requirement of 21, and it doesn’t matter whether you are married, single or divorced, of whatever race or religion.

“You don’t have to own your own home, as long as you can provide a spare room for a child, and the only major restriction is for those having committed a serious criminal offence.”