Foster families needed: Stockport Council bids to find more carers as area faces shortage

By Chris Wosu

Foster families in Stockport are dwindling, and the council are being forced to find new ways to find carers in the area.

The Fostering Team attended Stockport carnival in a bid to highlight the growing problem, as Stockport children are running out of carers.

Councillor Kevin Dowling, the Council’s Executive Member for Children & Young People, said: “The Council’s Fostering team is doing a really good job recruiting Foster Carers. However, we still need more, especially carers who will foster teenagers and sibling groups.”

The Fostering Team, who joined the parade in a taxi accompanied by a Mascot, claims they have evidence which shows that looked-after children are ‘happier and thrive’ when they are placed in a loving and supportive family setting.

Councillor Dowling added: “Fostering teenagers and sibling groups can be seen as challenging but can also be extremely rewarding. I would encourage people who are considering becoming a Foster Carer to contact the Council’s Foster team for more information.”

Stockport Council claim there is currently a shortage of more than 8,750 foster families across the UK and in the North-West region and a shortage of 1,200 foster homes.

The Council’s Fostering Service team, who were rated as ‘outstanding’ in a recent Ofsted inspection, used the event as an ideal opportunity to engage with local residents and to encourage more people to learn about becoming a Foster Carer.

For those interested in becoming a Foster Carer or to simply gain more information about the role of a Foster Carer, contact the Council’s Fostering Team on  0161 947 4646 or visit www.stockport.gov.uk/fostering

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