If you live in Lancashire and are considering fostering, then starting this journey with a council in Lancashire is one of the best decisions you can make. Foster with us is a dedicated, not-for-profit, government funded hub that is a collaboration between three councils in the area. These are Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Blackpool Council. Foster with us also works alongside and recruits foster carers on behalf of Cumberland Council, and Westmorland and Furness Council too. This means we cover a large area in the north west.
Fostering in Lancashire
Fostering with your local authority in the Lancashire area has many benefits that can help you start the process of becoming a foster carer, and to excel in fostering children and young people in your own community. Along with other benefits and support you will get:
- generous, tax free, allowance
- 24/7 support
- full training and support throughout the process
- access to our buddy system
- discounts and benefits from local services and retailers
Dependent on which local authority in the Lancashire area that you choose, you may receive other support and services that are distinctive to each council area.
How do I become a foster carer in Lancashire?
The first step to starting your journey to become a foster carer in Lancashire, is to contact the Foster with us Recruitment Hub. You will be given an opportunity to speak with one of our friendly advisors. Throughout this initial conversation you can ask any questions you may have about fostering and even speak to current and experienced foster carers for a real-life perspective. It is a perfect opportunity to discuss anything you are unsure about or gather more information to help you to make the right decision. If you are ready to go ahead and take the next step, we can discuss your options, start the process, and arrange an initial home visit. At that point your fostering journey will officially begin.
You will then be given pre-approval training and guided through the process with a dedicated representative from your preferred council in the Lancashire area. This will consist of pre-approval training where you will be able to learn even more about fostering before you are approved, to help you to prepare to welcome a child or young person into your home.
Is there a need for foster carers in Lancashire?
Yes! In the region and across the UK there is high demand for foster carers. An increasing number of children in the county are looking for a safe, secure place they can call home. This is why, if you are considering becoming a foster carer in Lancashire, it would be beneficial to these children and the community around you if you consider starting your journey with your local authority.
Which local authority in Lancashire should I choose?
This is entirely up to you. It is worth considering however that the best outcome for children is for them to remain in the area they already live. Their friends, family, routine, schools and the area is what they know best, and generally where the feel the most comfortable. Staying close to the area is also beneficial to you as it makes travel to appointments like family time or school easier. Which council you decide to go with can be discussed with one of our advisors. You may be asked to consider which area you pay your Council Tax to, where your own support network resides, and to do your own research on your local authority fostering website, to help you to make your decision.
Get in touch about fostering in Lancashire
There are multiple ways you can get in touch with us, so choose the one you feel most comfortable with. This could be by calling us on 0300 019 0200 or by completing our online enquiry form. Once completed, a member of our friendly team will get in touch and help you with any queries you may have.
