CHESHIRE West and Chester Council with Cheshire East Council has launched a new collaborative project to recruit more foster carers.

Foster4 operates across four Cheshire authorities including CWAC and CEC

Foster4 aims to recruit more foster carers and provide even greater support, training opportunities, rewards and benefits to existing ones.

Cllr Nicole Meardon, cabinet member for children and young people said: “Working together means that we can increase our pool of in-house carers, providing excellent care and the best start in life for children and young people who need it the most.

“Our priority is to keep children in the local area with local carers so that they can be close to what is familiar to them, such as their school.

“This can improve a child’s life chances, including the likelihood of successfully returning to their parents or wider family, where appropriate.”

A new website has been launched to provide a one-stop-shop where prospective foster carers can request information and take the first step.

Councillor Jos Saunders, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for children and families, said: “By increasing our pool of in-house carers we can provide the best possible care for those children and young people who need it most.

“Our commitment to improving the lives of cared for children in Cheshire East is more than a priority, it is the way in which we behave, think and feel about our young people in every aspect of our work.”

There are events regarding the new service across the four authorities starting today in Winsford from 10am in the Dingle Recreation Centre, in High Street.

On Monday, November 12 there will be another event in Cledford House, Long Lane South, Middlewich from 6pm.

For more information visit foster4.co.uk or call 01925 444100.