Council set to back Black Country Fostering Hub to support children and carers
Dudley Council’s cabinet is expected to approve the council’s role in a new Black Country Fostering Hub when it meets next month.
Aimed at recruiting more foster carers, the regional initiative brings the local authority together with Walsall and Wolverhampton councils as well as Sandwell Children's Trust.
The partnership has been awarded more than £1.5 million in funding for the next two years from the Department for Education and will be led by Walsall Council.
The proposals are aimed at providing a single point of contact for people interested in fostering in the Black Country and will provide greater support for fostering families as well as better outcomes for children in care.
It has been developed in response to increasing demand for foster homes and a national shortage of foster carers. By working together, the four authorities aim to increase the number of local foster carers, improve retention and reduce reliance on more costly independent fostering agencies.
As part of the new model, prospective foster carers will be supported by dedicated officers, who will provide advice and guidance from initial enquiry through to approval.
It will also offer support to families during the first year of fostering and will see shared training opportunities and regional support networks to help ensure foster carers receive a consistent, high-quality experience across the Black Country.
Councillor Wayne Little, cabinet member for children and young people, said:
"Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable and loving home.
“By joining forces with our Black Country neighbours through our new fostering hub, we can strengthen our efforts to recruit and support more local foster carers and improve outcomes for children in our care.
"This partnership will make it easier for people who are interested in fostering to take that first step, while providing enhanced support throughout their fostering journey.
"People interested in becoming a foster carer are encouraged to visit Dudley Council's fostering webpages to find out more about the support available and the rewarding difference fostering can make to a child's life.”