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Fostering Shortage in East Midlands: Calls for Community Support

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In the East Midlands region of the UK, a significant shortage of local foster carers has led to a substantial number of children being placed outside their home communities. According to recent figures, Derby City Council is supporting 550 children, while Derbyshire County Council is supporting 1,025 children, with both councils having fewer than 200 local foster households. The Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County councils are also struggling, supporting 639 and 910 children, respectively, but with even fewer local foster households.

Key Takeaways:

  • The shortage of local foster carers in the East Midlands has resulted in over 3,200 children being placed outside their home communities, with Derby City Council supporting 550, Derbyshire County Council supporting 1,025, Nottingham City supporting 639, and Nottinghamshire County supporting 910 children.
  • The Foster for East Midlands Councils regional recruitment hub, a collaborative initiative between four councils, has received 1,774 enquiries, processed 531 initial applications, completed 267 home visits, and received 143 full applications since its launch in March 2024.
  • A local carer, Angela, has provided contract care through the Foster for East Midlands Councils and finds it highly rewarding, saying "You've got to be open-minded, Come and give it a try, I absolutely love it."
  • Another foster carer, John, shared a heartwarming story about his experience with fostering, saying "That's when I knew we'd made a real difference."
  • The foster carers interviewed emphasize the importance of support, with Carl stating "Some days are tough, but the rewards far outweigh the struggle. It's all about helping them reach a positive outcome."
  • The Foster for East Midlands Councils offers various placements, including short-term, emergency care, parent-and-child arrangements, and specialist support for children with additional needs, and requires no formal qualifications but a generous heart and time.
  • Cllr Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Council's Cabinet Member for Fostering, highlighted the need for more people to step forward and be foster carers, saying "Every child deserves to grow up surrounded by love, stability, and a sense of belonging."

Statistics:

  • 3,243 children in care are placed outside their home communities in the East Midlands.
  • 1,774 enquiries received by the Foster for East Midlands Councils regional recruitment hub.
  • 531 initial applications processed by the hub.
  • 267 home visits completed by the hub.
  • 143 full applications received by the hub.
  • 550 children supported by Derby City Council, with 140 foster households.
  • 1,025 children supported by Derbyshire County Council, with 206 foster households.
  • 639 children supported by Nottingham City, with 100 foster households.
  • 910 children supported by Nottinghamshire County, with 187 foster households.

Sources:

  • Derby City Council
  • UK Government
  • Foster for East Midlands Councils
  • Angela, Foster Carer
  • John, Foster Carer
  • Carl, Foster Carer
  • Nina and Nayan, Foster Carers
  • Sharnie and Zak, Foster Carers
  • Cllr Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Council's Cabinet Member for Fostering

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