More foster carers needed to cope with rise in vulnerable children

THE NUMBER of children being placed into care in a West Yorkshire district has risen by 12 per cent in less than a year.

A total of 574 youngsters were being looked after by Wakefield Council at the end of February this year, up 61 from April 2017.

The local authority has renewed a longstanding appeal for more foster carers to come forward to help cope with demand.

The figures were revealed in cabinet papers as councillors prepare to discuss the state of the local authority’s finances next week.

The sharp increase in children being placed into care has increased pressure on the council’s resources, with the papers indicating that the children and young people’s budget is likely to be overspent this year because so many youngsters have been deemed to be vulnerable.

The financial health report, which will be put before councillors on Tuesday next week, said: “Overall, the directorate is forecast to overspend by £3.3m, against a net budget of £50m.

“The forecast overspend reflects continuing demand pressures in terms of referrals into children’s social care and increasing numbers of children in care, 574 at the end of February, which represents an increase of 61 looked-after children since April 2017.”

The council is now urging more people to consider the prospect of becoming a foster carer.

Anyone over the age of 21 with a spare of room is able to apply.