Higher fostering skills payments mean more children can be cared for locally in Stoke-on-Trent

Published: Friday, 29th December 2023

Increased skills payments for foster carers have led to more fostering placements being identified to allow more care-experienced children to be cared for locally in Stoke-on-Trent.

Following the higher skills payment announced by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in October, 23 more placements have been identified where current foster carers are able to foster additional children. The skills payment is the fee paid to foster carers and is offered in addition to the Fostering Allowance.

Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for Children’s Services said: “We know that children who are able to be cared for locally in a supportive home environment have better life outcomes.

“We announced an increase to the fostering skills payment to allow foster carers who wished to, to care for a second or third child. It’s fantastic to see that this is already making a difference.

“I’d urge anyone who has a spare bedroom and wants to make a difference to the lives of children in Stoke-on-Trent to consider fostering. As a city council we’re committed to reducing the number of children in care and finding children safe, loving homes.”

We continue to need additional foster carers who can offer care for children both long and short term. We are also looking for foster carers who can provide emergency and respite foster carer, meaning there are opportunities for foster carers to provide respite and emergency placements over weekends, even if the foster carers are not available on weekdays.

There is no typical foster carer and Stoke-on-Trent City Council fostering team is keen to hear from anyone who has a spare bedroom, lots of love to offer and wants to make a difference to the lives of children in Stoke-on-Trent. Age, gender, religious or cultural background, sexual orientation or relationship status will not be taken into account when assessing fostering applications.

Anyone who would like to know more about becoming a foster carer in Stoke-on-Trent can visit https://fostering.stoke.gov.uk or call 01782 234555.