Give children a chance

Jun 4 2009 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

At least 30 new foster carers are urgently needed to care for looked afterŠchildren in West Cheshire.

That is the safety margin target setŠby Cheshire West and Cheshire Council to achieve the necessary accommodation flexibility.

Currently there are 191 foster carersŠin West Cheshire looking afterŠa total ofŠ241 children.

And while last year 60 new households were approved, 47Šresignations were received against a background ofŠrising numbers of children taken into care.

Essential qualities of a foster carer include the love of children and young people; an understanding of their behaviour whenŠemotionally or physically hurt; the ability to work effectively alongside others in the child’s life and as part of aŠprofessional support team.

They mustŠhave a room in their home for a child or children and be willing to attend training coursesŠand support groups. No-one withŠa police recordŠfor violence or offences againstŠchildren will be considered.

Cllr Arthur Harada, executive member, children’s services, said:Š“Our foster parents do much more than justŠprovide a home for ‘our’ children. Their role is to help support our youngsters, assist them to develop and growŠand to act on their behalf when appropriate.

“Foster parents must be able to provide a good standard of care, listen and communicateŠand have the ability to act as a positive model role and to learn and develop knowledge and skills”.

In 2006 across Cheshire there was an average of 397 children placed with families which rose to 451 last year andŠ477 this year, based on the figures for the first quarter.

Cllr Harada added: “Our professionals feel thatŠthere is little doubt that the increase is due in partŠto a greater public awareness ofŠchild protection issues prompted by the substantial publicityŠattached to cases like Baby P.

“People are increasingly vigilant and willing to reportŠthe circumstancesŠif they feel thatŠa childŠis in danger. AlthoughŠit is extremely sad that we haveŠhad to learn from theseŠtragic cases, that vigilance can only be a good thingŠfor the child concerned.”Š

FosterŠparents are paid a Government recommended allowance for each foster child to cover the daily costs of looking after that child, plus holiday, birthday and Christmas allowances.

CarersŠalso receive expenses covering other costs incurred andŠthere is also the chance toŠreceive a fee for the work undertakenŠas a foster carer, based upon the skillsŠpossessed.

For more information visit: www.fosteringincheshire.co.uk or ring the fostering hotline number 01244 972222.