Four Black Country councils have united to establish a regional fostering hub that will change how foster parents are recruited, supported and retained across the region.
Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley and Sandwell councils are combining their expertise and resources to create a stronger, more collaborative approach to fostering. The hub aims to make it easier for people to find out about becoming a foster parent and to access training, advice and support throughout their fostering journey.
Department for Education backing
The councils secured funding following a successful bid to the Department for Education to support and mobilise the hub. By working together, the four councils will strengthen recruitment efforts and enhance support for foster parents, helping to ensure more local children can grow up in safe, stable and loving homes close to the communities they know.
Single point of contact
The regional hub will build on existing partnerships between the councils, creating a more consistent and co-ordinated fostering offer across the Black Country. Prospective foster parents will have a single point of contact to access information and guidance more easily, while those already fostering will benefit from continued support and development opportunities.
Council backing for the scheme
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education at the City of Wolverhampton Council, said: "There is an ongoing need for more foster parents across Wolverhampton and the Black Country to provide safe, stable and nurturing homes for children and young people. Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a caring environment where they feel supported, valued and able to thrive."
She added: "Becoming a foster parent can be one of the most rewarding things a person can do. By attracting and supporting more foster parents across the region, we can help more local children remain close to their families, friends, schools and communities wherever possible."
National reform programme
The hub forms part of a major national children's social care reform programme led by the Department for Education, aimed at improving outcomes for children in care, increasing fostering capacity, and enabling more children to remain close to their families, schools and communities.
For more information about Fostering for Wolverhampton, call 01902 551133 or visit the Fostering for Wolverhampton website, Facebook or Instagram pages.