Stockport Council is encouraging more local residents to consider fostering, as part of a national campaign.

Stockport is one of 25 local authorities across the country on the 'Opening Doors to Fostering' campaign. 

The campaign's aim is to redress a declining trend in the number of foster carers and balance it with an increase in the number of children in need of care. 

Children can be fostered either with the local authority (LA) - Stockport Council in this case - or through an independent fostering agency (IFA). 

Recent figures from Ofsted show that the number of mainstream LA fostering households has been on the decline since 2019. The number of foster care households is shrinking, whilst the care population is growing. 

Considering reasons for this decline, Ofsted picked out issues with recruitment and retention across the country.

Stockport Council is showcasing the work of foster carers as part of the Opening Doors to Fostering campaign (Image - Stockport Council)

Local councils are calling for more support from the UK Government; £27m is being invested from the Department for Education, and a further regional campaign is expected in spring 2024. 

For the current 'Opening Doors to Fostering' campaign, Stockport Council - along with other LAs including Coventry and Lancashire - is showcasing what life as a carer is like and what prospective fosterers can expect. 

Councillor Wendy Meikle, cabinet member for Children, Families & Education said: "This time of the year can be an especially difficult time for looked after children who are distant from the people and places they know.

"The campaign will showcase the positive impact carers can make in children's lives, creating memories which can be cherished forever. We hope the campaign will encourage more people to put themselves forward for this rewarding role."

Find more information about fostering with Stockport Council HERE.

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