Drive to recruit more foster carers
● HALTON Council has joined forces with Warrington, Cheshire East, and Cheshire West And Chester councils to launch a collaborative project to recruit more foster carers.
The service, known as ‘Foster4’, operates across the four Cheshire local authorities and aims to recruit more foster carers, as well as provide greater support, training opportunities and benefits.
A spokeswoman for the scheme 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.
“Our commitment to improving the lives of cared for children is more than a priority, it is the way in which we behave, think and feel about our young people in every aspect of our work.
“Collaborating with our partners across Cheshire means we ensure these children can stay with local people we know well and who can keep them close to what is familiar, such as their school.
“This gives them the best possible foundation to shape their future happiness and wellbeing.”
Foster carers are selfemployed and can express a preference for the type of fostering they would like to undertake.
Foster4 also provides all the training required to become a foster carer.
‘Become a Foster Carer’ information sessions are now taking place across Cheshire.
Residents can learn more at www.foster4.co. uk, which offers a one stop shop where prospective foster carers can request information.
There is also a dedicated Facebook page, @ Foster4cheshire, where those interested in fostering, and existing carers, can keep up to date with the latest news.