A pioneering programme which has so far prevented 194 children from entering the care system will launch in Wales this week. 

Step Up Step Down, which is run by the UK’s leading fostering charity The Fostering Network, is partnering with Pembrokeshire County Council to revolutionise the support given to families at risk of breaking down. 

Recent figures published by Ofsted show that significantly more foster carers have chosen to leave the role this year compared to the number of new joiners. 

The annual Fostering in England statistics highlight the huge pressures currently facing foster care and the urgent need for new foster carers. Numbers are continuing to decline against a backdrop of record numbers of children in need of fostering families.