Praise for Hartlepool foster carers' 'fabulous' efforts during pandemic
Councillors were given an update on the work of the fostering service from April to June at the latest Hartlepool Borough Council Children’s Services Committee.
Council chiefs said the coronavirus pandemic has led to a challenging period for the fostering service, but praise was given to foster carers for going ‘above and beyond’ to provide care.
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Hide AdJane Young, assistant director for children and families at the council, noted foster carers have done a ‘fabulous job’, and have been prepared to take in children displaying Covid-19 symptoms.
She said: “It’s been a very challenging few months through Covid and I have to say my sincere gratitude to our foster carers, they have done an absolutely marvellous job in supporting children throughout this difficult time and supporting their family.
“They have gone above and beyond in terms of the work that they have done. It’s not been easy for any family and for some of our foster carers it’s been particularly challenging, but nevertheless they’ve done a fabulous job.
She added: “We had carers that were willing and able to take children who we were worried had Covid, were displaying Covid symptoms, and they still said yes you can bring them here, so I think that’s testament to the foster carers that we’ve got.”
It was also noted flexibility had been offered in terms of legislation to enable the council to bring in new carers in a reduced assessment process, and calls were issued to the council and schools for people to come forward.
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Hide AdCouncil officers also noted approved carers had been asked to take on more children or expanded age ranges, which they did, helping the service to be able to manage.
Ms Young added: “They stepped up and they helped us manage the Covid pandemic so far particularly well.”
The fostering panel has also continued working throughout the pandemic with virtual meetings, and virtual support visits have also been carried out for carers.
Councillors on the children’s services committee praised the efforts of foster carers during the challenging period faced.
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Hide AdCllr Brenda Harrison, who sits on the council fostering panel, said: “I think like our schools kept going right through lockdown, so has the fostering business, and children’s services generally.
“I think the attitude and commitment that has been shown has been outstanding.”
A report to the committee noted there are currently 144 foster carers registered in Hartlepool, an increase of 6 households since 31st March 2020.
Of these 41 are approved as connected carers, a known and connected person to a specific child, an increase of 4 households since 31st March 2020.
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Hide AdThese carers provide placements for 225 children and young people in total, 176 in ‘mainstream’ provision and 49 children/young people are with connected foster carers.
Council officers also noted there is a need to continue to grow fostering resources, and between 2017 and 2019 there was an 11.5% increase in the number of children becoming cared for.
Whilst the service surpassed its yearly target of approving an additional 10 carers, with 18 approved, in 2019/20 that increase of children needing care had risen again by a further 12.68%.