Fostering campaign launches across the East Midlands
A new national campaign is urging more people across the East Midlands to consider fostering by showing they may already have what it takes to become a foster carer.
The Department for Education’s campaign highlights everyday acts of care that help children feel safe and supported and challenges misconceptions about who can foster.
Foster for East Midlands Councils supports the campaign by encouraging local people to explore fostering.
The Government-funded hub includes Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council to recruit carers and provide stable homes.
Government research shows many believe they could foster but misconceptions stop them. Around one in five wrongly think foster carers must earn above a certain income (22 per cent), own their home (20 per cent) or be married or in a long-term relationship (18 per cent).
Across England, 66 per cent say they could be good foster carers if practical barriers were removed, but 15 per cent doubt their own ability.
In the East Midlands, 67 per cent believe they could foster if barriers were removed, yet 63 per cent do not know how many children are in foster care locally.
The campaign reassures people that training and support help develop skills and confidence and encourages exploring fostering before ruling it out.
Sheila from Nottingham, has fostered since 2006 and says hearing from experienced carers helped her take the first step.
She said: “Try it because what I always say to people is I wish I’d done it sooner.”
Foster carers say everyday moments help children feel settled.
The Department for Education aims to create 10,000 new foster places by 2029 to meet urgent need.
Coun Paul Hezelgrave (Lab) said: “Many people already have the qualities needed to foster but may not realise it because of common misconceptions.”
Children’s minister Josh MacAlister MP (Lab) said: “Fostering changes lives for children and carers alike and is part of a bigger reset of children’s social care.”
Further reforms include a new foster carer rulebook, digital recruitment tools and funding for flexible fostering approaches.
Awareness of fostering need remains low, with only three per cent correctly identifying how many children are in foster care locally.
People interested can visit www.fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk or call 03033 132950 to learn more.