Councils join forces to launch new fostering service

WARRINGTON Borough Council is teaming up with three other councils to launch a new fostering service.
The partnership, Foster4, will see Warrington Council work with Halton, Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester councils to encourage more people to consider fostering. The service has already seen a 20 per cent increase in enquires from those wanting to enrich the lives of some of the region’s most vulnerable children and young people.
A new website, foster4.co.uk, provides a one-stop-shop where prospective foster carers can request information and take the first step on a life-changing journey.
There is also a dedicated Facebook page, @Foster4Cheshire, where existing carers and those interested in fostering can keep up to date with the latest news.
Warrington’s lead member forr children’s services, Cllr Jean Carter, said: “By increasing our pool of in-house carers, we can provide the best possible care for those children and young people who need it most.
“We can ensure that they are able to stay with local people who will give them the support they need and keep them in surroundings in which they are familiar.
“This project is making real waves in the fostering sector. We’re one of the first groups of councils in the country to collaborate in this way. We hope that by pooling our resources we’ll be able to reach more people with our campaigns and really get the message out there that fostering households come in all shapes and sizes, and you can do it, too!”
The Foster4 service wants to hear from people from all walks of life interested in fostering, from stay-at-home parents or part-time workers, to retirees and those looking at alternative options to full-time work.
Foster carers operate on a self-employed basis and can express a preference for the type of fostering they would like to undertake. The only requirement is a warm, supportive and welcoming home with the space to give a child somewhere to call their own. The service provides all the training needed, as well as exceptional support, allowances and benefits.
Information sessions are available in Warrington at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub on Thursday November 22 at , 6pm and Tuesday December 18 at 10am
There is no need to book – just turn up or get in touch to request an information pack Visit foster4.co.uk or call 01925 444100 for more information.