Black Country councils join forces to recruit more foster carers
Four local authorities have launched a new partnership aimed at encouraging more people to foster and helping children who need a safe and stable home stay close to their communities
Councils across the Black Country have joined forces in a bid to recruit more foster carers and strengthen support for families looking after vulnerable children.
Black Country Fostering brings together Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton councils under a single regional partnership.
The initiative aims to make it easier for people to find out about fostering through a central point of contact, offering information, advice and guidance to those considering becoming carers.
Existing foster carers will also have access to training, development opportunities and ongoing support.
The partnership comes amid a growing need for foster carers and forms part of a wider national ambition to create 10,000 additional fostering places for children who need safe and stable homes.
Katy Berryman, who has fostered with Sandwell Council for six years, said: "Being a foster carer means you want the best for the children who come into your home – however long they stay with you for – you will always care for them and their wellbeing.
"All of us who foster for Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton have that in common and it's that spirit of cooperation that's created Black Country Fostering.
"Now we want to raise the profile of Black Country Fostering so that the people we need come and join us, so we can keep the children who need a stable home in the local area."
The partnership will run recruitment campaigns to raise awareness of fostering, address common misconceptions and encourage more people to consider becoming carers.
People from a wide range of backgrounds can foster, and prospective carers will be supported through training and guidance. An ambassador scheme will also give them the opportunity to speak directly to experienced foster carers and learn more about the role.
Councillor Lisa Jones, Walsall Council's portfolio holder for children, education and skills, said the partnership would help more children grow up in safe and nurturing homes while remaining connected to their families, schools and communities wherever possible.
People interested in fostering can find out more at blackcountryfostering.org.uk or call the recruitment team on 0800 923 3706.