About 50 children in Amsterdam are waiting for a foster family. Because of a shortage of foster parents, some children are being placed elsewhere in the country, away from their schools, sports activities, parents and other family members.

Marieke Klein-Entink of youth-care organisation Levvel said the shortage has existed for years and is increasing. She cited pressures including work, higher living costs and family-care responsibilities, and said more awareness is needed of the different forms foster care can take. Foster parent Nadine Strang encouraged people to consider fostering if they can provide a child with safety and care.