Partners and colleagues from 20 local authorities across the area came together to celebrate the start of a new venture, Local Authority Fostering South East. The aim is to increase the number of foster carers in the region.
As the lead authority of this innovative programme, Bracknell Forest Council hosted the launch event. It was great to bring everyone together to celebrate the inauguration. We discussed the goals we have and shared what we have achieved so far.
Throughout the morning, partners and colleagues heard from multiple speakers from:
- the Department for Education
- senior leaders from some of the South East local authorities
- young people who have experience of being in foster care as well as care experienced adults.
It was great to share experiences and learning. This programme will help with the urgent need to recruit more people to provide safe, loving and local homes for vulnerable children.
There are over 11,000 children in care across the South East, and less than 3,000 local authority approved foster carers. The new virtual fostering hub will make sure that prospective foster carers have access to a centralised platform for their initial enquiries about fostering. It will see local authorities work together to provide the best support, right from the start of a carer’s fostering journey.
