Hertfordshire County Council is struggling to recruit enough foster carers, according to a new report.

According to the annual report of the Hertfordshire Fostering Service, there were plans to recruit 55 new foster carers last year, 2017/18.

But the number of carers recruited and approved was just 22.

In addition to the lower level of recruitment, a higher number of existing carers than had been expected decided not to foster any more.

And, as a result, at the end of March 2018, there were 422 children in 392 fostering households – compared to the target of 481 children living with 453 foster families.

According to the report – which was highlighted at Children, Young People and Families cabinet panel on Tuesday (November 6) – most children in Hertfordshire foster placements are over 10 years old, many have special educational needs.

And last year, it says, recruitment of foster carers had been targeted at households particularly willing to care for over-10s and sibling groups.

Fewer initial enquiries were made and 62 per cent of those who started the process withdrew, due to a range of personal, family, work or health factors.

However head of the adoption and fostering service Sue Lowndes told councillors there were already signs recruitment would be higher this year – with 12 foster carers already approved and a further 32 “in the pipeline”.

“If all of these go through we will have a much healthier looking recruitment for this year,” she said.

Ms Lowndes said there were also plans to review the pay structure for foster carers in Hertfordshire, comparing it to rates paid by neighbouring authorities.

Currently it costs the authority around £450 a week to place a child with a Hertfordshire foster carer. And when they have to use alternative provision it can be more costly.

A placement in independent foster care, the meting was told, could cost the authority £900 a week. And a residential placement around £3000.

The meeting also highlighted support that was being put in place for foster carers in the county, including the ‘mockingbird’ model – where foster carers are grouped together, with one offering sleepovers and activities for all the children to do together.