This follows the measures, which include reimbursement of council tax, for new and existing foster carers registered directly with the council being agreed at a meeting of Windsor and Maidenhead’s decision-making cabinet last night.
This builds on the package of rewards Achieving for Children, who deliver the council’s fostering service, offer - including a welcome payment and a range of expert support and training to help them deliver the best possible care – in addition to a competitive weekly fostering fee and the London rate child allowance carers already receive.
Aiming to address a shortage of foster carers in the borough, it is hoped that the competitive offer will encourage more people to realise their potential as foster carers while addressing the financial concerns that stop some people from experiencing the huge emotional benefits and impact of fostering a child.
Building on the praise received from Ofsted inspectors who rated the borough’s children’s services as ‘good’ this winter, the new deal will bring the council in line with other local authorities and go further to recognise the foster families who are already working hard to care for children in safe and loving homes.
The lack of availability of foster families in the borough, also being felt nationally, currently means that some children needing support end up living far away from family, friends and school or even being separated from their siblings.
By encouraging more people to provide a home for children inside the borough the council will also save on costly foster placements that are arranged outside the area, helping to reduce significant pressure on the council’s budget. Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education, Cllr Amy Tisi said: “Foster carers do an incredible job, supporting some of our most vulnerable children and young people in the borough. Sadly however, we don’t have enough of them for the number of children who need their support.
“Every child in our borough deserves to get the best start in life, and for those in our care we are committed to do everything we can to ensure that they get the best possible care close to home.
“Placing children with local foster carers gives them greater stability - helping them to maintain essential links with their friends, community and services - and that’s why we are offering a boosted package of incentives to help attract and support much needed local carers and recognise the vital role they play.”
Borough residents who are considering fostering and would like to know more are encouraged to visit the Achieving for Children website or call 020 8547 5355.