MORE than 900 new foster families are needed to plug a desperate shortage of loving homes for some of the south’s most vulnerable children.

An appeal has been launched to recruit hundreds of new foster families in the south-east, including Hampshire, after new figures showed that 13 per cent of carers had left the service through retirement and for other reasons.

Last night Hampshire County Council and Southampton City Council were unable to provide any statistics for the number needed in their areas.

But the Fostering Network, a charity for all those involved in foster care, highlighted the need to end the shortage.

A spokesman said: “Without enough foster families willing and able to offer homes, some children will find themselves living a long way from family, friends and school.

“It could also lead to them being split up from brothers and sisters, or being placed with a foster carer who does not have the right skills and experience to meet their specific needs.

“These pressures can lead to relationships breaking down and children having to make regular moves between homes.

“Some young people will also be living in residential care when fostering has been identified as the best option for them.”

Jackie Sanders, the charity’s director of public affairs, said: “Fostering can be an incredibly rewarding career and lifestyle choice for those who come forward, opening their hearts and homes to children and young people who need security and stability.”

Ms Sanders said that a wide pool of foster care enabled the authorities to find the right home for each child.

She added: “Fostering services approved over 7,175 families in England alone in 2013-2014 but recruitment remains an ongoing challenge to replace those who leave, and to meet the needs of the children coming into care.

“We urgently need people with the right skills and qualities to come forward and make a long-lasting difference to the life of the child.

“In particular, foster carers are needed to provide homes for teenagers and children with disabilities and to help sibling groups stay together.”

For information on how to become a foster carer go online and visit couldyou foster.org.uk.