A regional initiative designed to attract new foster carers and help more children remain within their local communities has launched across North London.
The North London Fostering Hub is led by Camden Council and brings together Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey and Islington.
The six authorities intend to recruit, support and retain foster carers throughout the area.
The scheme forms part of the Government’s national fostering reform programme.
Its stated objectives include making it easier for interested individuals to explore fostering, providing assistance throughout the application process, and offering continuing training and guidance after carers begin their work.
Haringey Council cabinet member for children and schools, Cllr Georgia Twigg, said the partnership would combine expertise from six councils.
This would be intended to attract more people to fostering, improve provision for existing carers and expand the range of foster care available to reflect the diversity of local children.
The council member added that cooperation across borough boundaries could increase access to high-quality care, stability and opportunities for children who remain near their families.
Camden also hosted representatives from fostering hubs across England and Children and Families Minister Josh MacAlister at the inaugural national gathering of Regional Fostering Hubs.
The minister said fostering can transform the lives of both children and carers, who often describe the role as deeply rewarding.
He noted that thousands of children currently need the stability and care associated with fostering and said the national campaign seeks to broaden participation among people across England who possess the appropriate values, commitment and commitment to care for children.
The participating boroughs are seeking to recruit carers from a broad range of backgrounds so that children can stay close to their families, schools and communities.
The initiative follows more than a decade of cooperation through the North London Fostering and Permanency Consortium.
Misconceptions remain a barrier to recruitment.
Some individuals believe that fostering cannot be combined with full-time employment or that previous childcare experience is compulsory.
The hub is promoting the opportunity to consider fostering among people from all walks of life.