Drop-in sessions are being held across Preston to find new foster carers.
The informal sessions will take place over the next few weeks as part of Lancashire County Council’s drive to find new carers.
Foster carers and staff from the fostering service will be on hand to answer questions, talk through the process, offer advice and share their own experiences of fostering.
Eligibility to become a foster parent can be checked, and initial home visits can be booked immediately to fast-track the process.
The sessions will take place as follows:
With around 20 additional Lancashire children coming into care each week and needing urgent foster care placements, the county council is keen to attract local people and families to step forward.
Some need foster care for a few days, while others need a longer period of care for up to a year or more.
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County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: “Going along to one of these surgeries could be a quick and easy way to find out if this could be for you. You’ll be able to talk to our friendly team and our foster carers about what it is like to foster in an informal setting.
“We recognise that people have very busy lives, so this could be a very useful way of being able to talk to people who are interested in finding out more.
“These events really are very informal to encourage people to have a chat with us. Just check our website on a regular basis for up-to-date information.”
The county council has increased the allowances payable to new foster carers, so now they can expect to receive between £241 and £300 per week for each child they care for.
People who have considered fostering before, but weren’t sure they could afford it, are advised to go along to a drop-in session and find out if it could now be a viable option.
A package of support is available 24/7 to help foster carers in their role, including local support groups, their own social worker, a dedicated helpline and flexible training.
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If you’re unable to go along to a drop-in event, call the fostering recruitment team on 0300 123 6723 or visit LCC’s fostering page.