Urgent need for foster carers across East of England

Across the region more than 7,000 children are in the care of their local authority

A new initiative has brought 11 local authorities to work together to find ways of caring for some of the region’s most vulnerable children.

The Foster East initiative, which is funded by the Department of Education, aims to recruit more people to become foster carers with their local council.

Across the East of England more than 7,000 children are already in the care of their local authority and a further 150 more children go into care every month.

A spokesperson from Peterborough City Council said: "This initiative embodies our collective commitment to providing nurturing homes and unwavering support for our most vulnerable."

'Safe home environment'

The Foster East initiative has been created so councils can work together to provide more comprehensive training and support to foster carers.

Peterborough City Council is one of 11 local authorities that has joined the initiative, after it reported that it has more than 420 children and young people who need homes.

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A council spokesperson said: "We are taking a significant step forward in creating a brighter future for children and young people in need of care.

"This initiative embodies our collective commitment to providing nurturing homes and unwavering support for our most vulnerable, ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive.”

Councils involved in the initiative include:

• Bedford Borough Council

• Cambridgeshire County Council

• Central Bedfordshire Council

• Essex County Council

• Hertfordshire County Council

• Luton Borough Council

• Norfolk County Council

• Peterborough City Council

• Southend-on-Sea City Council

• Suffolk County Council

• Thurrock Council

Suffolk County Council reported more than 900 children and young people needed homes in the local authority.

A spokesperson for authority said: “By fostering with your local council, you are supporting children, teenagers and families from your own communities.

"This means you are helping to minimise the disruption to their lives: staying local means that children can continue to attend their usual school, see their friends and family members, and participate in their usual activities, whilst having the support they need in a safe home environment."

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Foster carers who work for independent fostering agencies have been invited to transfer to their local council via Foster East.

The initiative aims to help them with local training, and a linked foster carers support network which offers respite care for foster families needing a break.

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