Four Black Country councils are establishing a regional fostering hub to recruit, support and retain foster carers across the region. Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton are joining forces to create a stronger, collaborative approach to fostering.
The hub will create a single point of contact for prospective carers to find information about becoming a foster carer, access training, advice and ongoing support throughout their fostering journey. The councils say the combined approach will strengthen recruitment efforts and help ensure more local children can grow up in safe, stable homes close to their communities.
Part of a National Reform Programme
The regional hub forms part of a major national children's social care reform programme led by the Department for Education. The Black Country is one of four new fostering hubs announced across England and is expected to open later this year.
Emma Taylor, Chief Executive for Sandwell Children's Trust, said: "There is a critical need for more foster carers across the Black Country. By taking this action to create a regional hub, we will be better placed to recruit foster carers who can provide the safe, stable nurturing homes our children and young people need."
Getting More Information
More details about the hub and how to get in touch will be available when it launches later this year. In the meantime, those interested in fostering in Sandwell can contact Foster Sandwell on 0800 358 0899 or email hello@fostersandwe.