Councillors agree fostering improvements

Councillors in Powys have given the green light to a substantial investment in the fostering service, aimed at recruiting, supporting, and training more foster carers.

The decision was made at a meeting of the Powys County Council on July 11.

The approved package of support includes raising the allowance provided to foster carers, with the goal of better supporting existing carers and attracting more individuals to take on this essential role.

Currently, the Council faces a shortage of in-house foster carers to care for children in need, necessitating the use of independent fostering agencies to fill the gap. This approach comes at a significant cost to the public, as each placement using external agencies costs over 85% more per week compared to utilizing in-house foster carers.

The move has been welcomed as a positive step towards improving outcomes while generating long-term savings. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Powys, an innovative approach adopted by the Council to revamp service delivery methods in response to future budget challenges.

Powys County Council's Cabinet Member for Future Generations Cllr Sandra Davies says:

"The work our foster carers do is remarkable and I am delighted that we are amongst the first in Wales to increase our allowances and support in this way.

"For the children in our care we need to provide positive parenting and specialist support.  In Powys, demand is greater than supply for quality placements for our looked after children so we need to take bold actions to address this."

Cllr Davies added: "The projections are that within two years, the changes will result in an increase of in-house foster carers so spend is reduced to external agencies. We are clear that large profits should not be made by agencies but that more is done to directly attract and retain local foster carers who are caring for our vulnerable children and their families."

As part of the £620,385 investment, additional support and training will be provided to develop more specialist foster carers capable of catering to children and young people with complex needs.

The plans also include restructuring staff to better assist foster carers and family and friends carers. Reflective carers will be recruited to offer dedicated support to Powys children and young people, including availability for emergency placements.

For those interested in becoming a foster carer in Powys, further information can be found by visiting www.powys.fosterwales.gov.wales or calling 0800 223 0627.