Sandwell Council backing online info hub for foster carers (From Halesowen News)

Sandwell Council backing online info hub for foster carers

8:10am Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News

SANDWELL Council has joined forces with other local authorities across the West Midlands to create a single source of information for people interested in fostering.

The new online information hub, www.fosteringwestmidlands.org.uk, aims to guide people through their first steps to becoming a foster carer.

The move comes as figures have been released by the Fostering Network, which show that at least 950 new foster families will be needed across the region during 2013.

As well as providing information about the role of a foster carer, the application process and links to each local authority, the website features testimonials from real-life foster carers. These provide an insight into each carer’s motivation for becoming a foster carer, their experiences and the differences they are making in the lives of the children they care for.

Sandwell Council's cabinet member for children and families Councillor Bob Badham said: "I welcome this joint approach as it seems the best way to attract more foster carers. Working together we stand the best possible chance of getting the right people."