Derby City Council help foster carers access larger homes

Published: 3 September 2019

Through Derby Homes, Derby City Council will be running an innovative two-year pilot to help prospective and existing foster carers gain access to larger housing.

During the pilot, those wishing to foster but are not eligible due to insufficient space may be able to apply to move to a three or four bedroom home to accommodate this.

Currently, Derby has a record high of children who cannot be looked after by their own family. There is therefore a significant need for foster carers across the city that could make a huge difference to children’s lives.

The aim of the scheme is to extend the possibility of fostering to those who may not have been previously able and therefore increase the number of foster carers in Derby.

This provision could also be helpful to existing foster carers who wish to increase the number of children they care for, but are not able to due to the size of their accommodation. For example, those who wish to foster sibling groups but do not have the room to do so.

Councillor Evonne Williams, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said of the pilot:

The provision of larger accommodation to potential and existing foster carers is an excellent step in our work to increase the amount of foster carers across the city. We’re seen in recent weeks that foster care is an increasing challenge for local authorities. Here in Derby we’re taking a radically new approach with all council services working together and rise to the challenge. We hope those who may have previously hesitated in applying to be a fosterer, or wish to increase the number of children they care for, will now have the opportunity.

Councillor Roy Webb, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Housing added:

Fostering is a hugely important focus for the Council and the more we can do to make this accessible, the better. We would encourage anyone who may be considering becoming a foster carer to look into the range of options and support available.

For those who may have considered fostering and would like to become more informed, Derby City Council will be running another fostering service event at the Enterprise Centre in Derby on Tuesday 17 September 7.00pm – 9.00pm.

The event will include a short, informal presentation to help attendees gain valuable insight into fostering. There will also be an opportunity to meet some of our current foster carers who can offer advice and information to prospective fosterers.

You can book a place on this event the Fostering Information Event form.

To learn more about Derby City Council’s Fostering and Adoption Service services, or to enquire about becoming a foster carer, visit our webpage.

Children, Community, Education, Young people