North Tyneside has the lowest number of foster carers the local authority has ever seen, a report reveals.
North Tyneside Council's safeguarding and children's services report revealed there are only 83 foster carers in the area. However, the number of kids needing care has increased from 288 in March 2021 to 358 today.
The report explains that foster carers are an "ageing workforce" and 13 carers have left the service this year alone. The Covid-19 pandemic also stopped the local authority from recruiting foster carers from drop-ins or face-to-face meetings.
The council has recently found 12 people interested in becoming foster carers. However, it takes approximately six months to become officially registered because of medical, criminal record, and further additional checks.
Not all carers can look after children in need on a full-time basis, compounding the shortage.
Coun Steven Phillips, cabinet member for children, young people and learning at North Tyneside Council, said: “ We’re lucky to have a brilliant network of foster carers who are committed to supporting children at a time when they need them the most, but like many authorities nationally we have seen a reduction in the number of foster carers at the same time as the number of children in care has increased.
“There’s been various challenges over recent years including a high number of carers retiring, the impact of the pandemic on recruitment and most recently the cost-of-living crisis which has led to us seeing a reduction in the number of carers in North Tyneside. Foster carers are absolutely vital to the support we can offer children and young people and we’re committed to recruiting more foster carers while reviewing our fostering strategy to ensure we’re offering the best possible support for those in the profession.
“We’re always looking for more foster carers to join our team, and we have a range of flexible roles on offer including short break and emergency care which can be part-time, and adaptable to a carers availability.
“I’d appeal to anyone in the borough who may have the capacity to welcome a young person into their home and offer care, support, and commitment to get in touch with our dedicated fostering team on 0191 643 2540 or email fostering@northtyneside.gov.uk to find out more about our fantastic offer."
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North Tyneside Council is also looking into launching a new fostering model called 'Mockingbird'. According to the local authority: "This is a model of foster care designed to replicate an extended family support network, by having a Hub carer at the centre of the network linked to between 8-10 satellite carers.
"The Hub carer offers planned short breaks and overnight care for the children in the constellation in the same way an aunt or family friend may support a family.
"Current research indicates this improves care arrangement stability for children as well as the recruitment and retention of foster carers."
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