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Foster for East Midlands Councils Celebrates First 12 Months of Successful Foster Carer Recruitment

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Foster for East Midlands Councils, a collaborative initiative between Derby City, Derbyshire, Nottingham City, and Nottinghamshire Councils, has marked a significant milestone in its first 12 months. Formed in April 2024, the initiative aims to provide a more joined-up and user-friendly service for foster carers in the East Midlands region. By working together, the councils have streamlined the foster carer recruitment process, making it quicker and easier for prospective foster carers to begin their journey.

Key Takeaways:

  • Foster for East Midlands Councils has successfully recruited a new wave of foster carers, including Sharnie and Zak, who have encouraged others to explore the life-changing path of fostering.
  • The initiative has implemented the Mockingbird programme, a global award-winning model that creates extended families of foster carers for mutual support.
  • In its first year, Foster for East Midlands Councils has received 1,204 enquiries, with 420 converting into initial applications and 19 households approved following panel.
  • The initiative has established four successful Mockingbird constellations and plans to launch two new ones in Nottinghamshire and Derby City this year.
  • Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Council's Cabinet Member for Foster East Midlands, has emphasized the importance of building a strong, supportive system that helps more children stay close to home.
  • Janet Daby, Minister for Children and Families, has highlighted the success of Foster for East Midlands Councils and the need to encourage more people to transform a child's life chances through fostering.

Statistics:

  • 1,204 enquiries received
  • 420 initial applications submitted
  • 215 initial home visits completed
  • 110 households submitted a full application
  • 19 households approved following panel (total of 58 over the year)
  • 4 successful Mockingbird constellations established
  • 40 million pounds invested nationally to increase the number of foster homes and strengthen support for families

Sources:

  • "Foster for East Midlands Councils Celebrates First 12 Months of Successful Foster Carer Recruitment." (Date: not specified, but mentioned as "During Foster Care Fortnight this May")
  • Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Council's Cabinet Member for Foster East Midlands
  • Janet Daby, Minister for Children and Families
  • [DfE] Department for Education - While the text does not explicitly mention a DfE source, the involvement of the Department for Education in funding the initiative and the Plan for Change suggests the department's influence.
  • "Mockingbird." (Source: The Fostering Network) - This text does not explicitly mention a publication date, but the Mockingbird programme is mentioned as a global award-winning model.

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