Council chiefs say a campaign to boost interest in foster caring has resulted in twice as many inquiries as last year.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council organised 12 events across the Potteries for Foster Care Fortnight, which aims to raise the profile of the profession.
During the two weeks the authority received 18 online forms from people interested in becoming foster carers – up from nine over the same period in 2018.
The city council is under pressure to improve its children’s services following a damning Ofsted inspection earlier this year.
A lack of in-house foster carers at the council, which has resulted in some looked-after children ending up in unregulated placements, was one of the major issues raised by inspectors.
The use of costly independent sector placements also resulted in a £3.7 million overspend last year.
Councillor Dave Evans, cabinet member for children and young people, welcomed the increased interest in foster caring.
He said: “I’m delighted that more people are coming forward and registering their interest in becoming a foster carer and I’d like to thank those who have already enquired. There was a great response to our campaign to make this hugely rewarding career role more visible, but the work very much carries on. We are committed to supporting vulnerable children and we want to ensure that we give all our cared for children and young people the best possible start.
“We’re looking for foster carers from all walks of life. By being out in the city during Foster Care Fortnight the team have been able to speak to residents about the fantastic work that our foster carers do and help to try to clear up some of the myths that surround the role.
"There really is no typical foster carer, anyone can come forward and make a difference to a child’s life. You can be any age, any gender, be married, single or divorced, be from any religious or cultural background and of any sexual orientation, you can own your own home or rent. If you are over 21, have a spare bedroom and have energy, patience and understanding we would love to hear from you.”
Following the Ofsted report, several ex-foster carers have come forward and told of their poor experiences with the city council and its social workers. A group of around 20 of them is looking to arrange a meeting with children’s services commissioner Eleanor Brazil, who is carrying out a review of the council and will report back to ministers in September.
Events organised during Foster Care Fortnight included drop-in sessions, a market stall and a jobs fair. Current foster carers were on hand to share their stories and inspire others interested in helping to look after Stoke-on-Trent’s vulnerable children.
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The city council’s fostering team, foster carers and their families also took on the challenge to walk 860 miles – one for every child in care in the city.
Members of the fostering team will be at events in the city throughout June, including Stoke Pride in Hanley Park on June 15 and Armed Forces Day in Queens Park, Longton on June 30. To find out more about foster caring, visit stoke.gov.uk/fostering, email fostering@stoke.gov.uk or calling 01782 234555.
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