SOUTHAMPTON LGBTQ+ residents are being urged to consider fostering following a damning report which shows a record amount of children in care.

Independent fostering provider, Five Rivers Child Care, are calling on residents to foster as it has been revealed that 78,150 children in the care system across England and another 1,020 foster carers are needed.

Five Rivers is challenging a common misconception, ahead of LGBTQ+ history month, that sexual orientation prevents LGBTQ+ members from fostering.

Statistics show that more than 60 percent of people across the South East are unaware LGBTQ+ couples can foster, with just 480 children were placed in foster care with LGBTQ+ families in 2014.

Jem Orman, Fostering Service Manager at Five Rivers Child Care, said: “There’s a desperate need for more people to enter the fostering industry.

"With nearly 80,000 vulnerable young people in need of a safe home we want to challenge misconceptions that might prevent LGBTQ+ members from fostering.

“It’s extremely important to have a diverse range of foster carers across the country to reflect the diverse nature of the children and young people entering the care system and provide role models from all walks of life.

"We have some amazing LGBTQ+ carers who are enriching children’s and young people’s lives every day and encourage anyone who would like to do the same to get in touch.”

People from all walks of life can become foster carers as long as they are over 21 years of age.

This includes single people, co-habiting couples, same sex couples and people living in rented accommodation – the only requirement is a private bedroom for each foster child.