Foster Care Fortnight, running from May 11 to May 24, marks a significant period for social care in the region. Cheshire East Council has issued a specific call for residents to consider fostering, with a particular focus on the urgent need for homes for teenagers, sibling groups, and children with additional needs. The 2026 campaign, themed ‘This is fostering,’ aims to demystify the various roles available to local volunteers and professionals.
Support package for Cheshire foster families
Becoming a foster carer in Cheshire East involves more than just providing a room; it is treated as a professional career path with a robust support structure. The council provides a comprehensive package designed to ensure that carers are financially stable and professionally guided throughout their journey.
| Benefit Category | Details of Local Support Package |
|---|---|
| Financial Support | Competitive salary, standard fostering allowance, and a £500 referral bonus |
| Professional Guidance | Access to a dedicated supervising social worker and continuous specialist training |
| Lifestyle & Leisure | Free leisure passes for the household and invitations to regular community social events |
| Workplace Support | Flexibility for council employees through fostering-friendly employment policies |
Focus on keeping siblings together and supporting teenagers
The current demand in Cheshire East is highest for those capable of taking in teenagers and sibling groups. Keeping siblings together is a priority for the 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 committee, noted that while the Carers Week events provide a focus for reflection, the dedication of local carers is a year-round asset to the community. The council is currently seeking individuals who can offer ‘step-down’ care, emergency placements, or short breaks for children with additional needs. This variety allows potential carers to choose a path that fits their existing lifestyle and professional experience.
Flexible fostering options for local residents
The campaign highlights that fostering is not a one-size-fits-all commitment. Residents can explore several different avenues depending on their availability and skills:
- Respite and Short Breaks: Providing temporary care to give permanent carers or parents a break.
- Emergency and Remand: Offering immediate, short-term security for children in urgent situations.
- Parent and Child: Supporting a young parent to learn essential parenting skills while staying together with their baby.
- Long-term Fostering: Providing a stable, permanent home for a child until they reach adulthood.
Cheshire East Council also operates as a fostering-friendly employer. This initiative ensures that staff members who are foster carers, or in the process of applying, receive the necessary flexibility to manage their caring duties alongside their professional roles. This approach is intended to make fostering accessible to those who may have previously thought full-time work was a barrier.
How to begin your fostering journey in Cheshire
To mark the awareness fortnight, the council is hosting a series of events and days out to reward existing foster families. These gatherings serve as both a thank-you and an opportunity for prospective carers to speak with those already active in the community. Hearing firsthand accounts of the daily rewards and challenges of the role provides a realistic insight into the profession.
Residents who are curious about the process or want to check their eligibility can contact the dedicated fostering team. Initial enquiries can be made through the Foster4 website, via email at enquiry@foster4.co.uk, or by calling 03456 460098. The team is available to discuss how different types of fostering can be integrated into various household setups and professional lives.
Source: Cheshire East Council
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