New fostering hub for the city

A new regional fostering hub is to be created in Derby to help engage with prospective foster carers.

It comes after authorities across the D2N2 area secured £1.626 million in funding after successfully applying to join the Department for Education’s Fostering Recruitment and Retention programme.

The recruitment hub will engage with prospective foster carers from their initial enquiry through to their application.

The funding will also help improve the support available for existing foster carers, both in Derby and across the region.

Councillor John Whitby, cabinet member for children’s social care, learning and skills at Derby City Council, which will lead on the project, said: “This funding will be a huge boost for fostering in Derby and within the D2N2 partnership area.

“The regional recruitment hub, which will be based in the city, will enable us to bring more potential carers into fostering, to provide stable, loving, local homes for young people that need them.”