Cheshire East seeks foster carers for local teenagers and siblings: what residents need to know
Foster Care Fortnight is currently underway across Cheshire East, running from May 11 to May 24. This annual awareness campaign serves as a critical window for the local authority to address a specific shortage in the region: the need for dedicated homes for teenagers, sibling groups, and children with additional needs.
Under the 2026 theme ‘This is fostering,’ Cheshire East Council is highlighting that modern fostering is not a one-size-fits-all role. Instead, it offers a variety of paths tailored to different lifestyles and professional backgrounds. While the need for long-term care remains, there is an urgent call for residents who can provide stability to older children and ensure that brothers and sisters are not separated during their time in care.
Urgent need for teenage and sibling placements
Teenagers in the care system often face the greatest difficulty in finding stable placements, yet they are at a pivotal stage where consistent support can define their adult lives. Similarly, keeping siblings together is a priority for the council’s children and families committee, as maintaining these family bonds is essential for the emotional well-being of vulnerable young people.
Councillor Laura Crane, chair of the children and families committee, noted that while the commitment of existing carers is celebrated year-round, this fortnight is a vital time to reach new residents. The council is particularly looking for individuals who can offer ‘short break’ care for children with additional needs, providing vital respite for families and other full-time carers.
Financial support and professional benefits for carers
Fostering in Cheshire East is structured as a professional career path rather than just a voluntary commitment. The council provides a comprehensive support package designed to ensure that carers can focus entirely on the welfare of the children in their care without financial strain.
| Benefit Type | Details for Cheshire East Carers |
|---|---|
| Financial Package | Competitive salary plus a dedicated fostering allowance |
| Professional Support | Access to a dedicated supervising social worker and 24/7 advice |
| Training | Ongoing professional development and specialist training sessions |
| Community | Regular social events and membership in a local fostering community |
| Incentives | £500 referral bonus for introducing new carers |
| Lifestyle | Free leisure passes for the household and organized family days out |
Diverse fostering paths and flexible options
The ‘This is fostering’ campaign aims to dispel myths that fostering requires a specific family structure or a stay-at-home parent. The council offers several flexible models to suit different circumstances:
- Respite and Short Breaks: Providing temporary care for a weekend or a fortnight to support other foster families.
- Emergency Care: Short-notice placements for children who need a safe place immediately.
- Remand Fostering: Supporting young people who are involved in the court system as an alternative to custody.
- Step-down Care: Helping children move from residential care homes back into a family environment.
- Parent and Child: A specialist role where the carer supports a young parent and their baby, helping them learn essential parenting skills.
How to start your fostering journey
Cheshire East Council has also established itself as a fostering-friendly employer. This means staff members who choose to foster receive additional flexibility and support to manage their caring duties alongside their professional roles. This policy is intended to set a standard for other local businesses to follow, recognizing that many potential carers are currently in full-time employment.
Residents who are curious about whether they meet the criteria or which type of fostering would fit their life are encouraged to reach out for an informal discussion. The council’s fostering team provides guidance on the application process, which includes home visits, background checks, and initial training.
To begin the process or request an information pack, residents can visit the dedicated portal at foster4.co.uk, email the team at enquiry@foster4.co.uk, or call the local support line on 03456 460098.
Source: Cheshire East Council
