News - December 2023

Funding boost for fostering across Cheshire and Merseyside

A total of £2.3 million of Department for Education (DfE) funding has been secured to transform fostering recruitment and retention across Cheshire and Merseyside. Knowsley Council is working with seven other local authorities – Warrington (who are leading the project) Liverpool, Wirral, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Halton, and St Helens – on the programme which will be delivered over two years.

Over £1 million of the funding will go towards delivering a new, larger and improved Foster4 Recruitment Hub, which will launch in April 2024. The improved hub will help all councils in the consortium to deliver a more joined up approach to foster care recruitment and provide an offer that is attractive and supportive to prospective carers.

The remaining £1 million of funding will go towards the Mockingbird programme – which supports all cared for children and their foster carers. The Mockingbird programme has been introduced in other areas, including Warrington, and is a highly successful model that supports and retains foster carers effectively.

The award-winning, sustainable foster care model sees a constellation of fostering households set up in a similar arrangement to that of an extended family, structured around the support and relationships that provides. Each constellation features an experienced Hub Carer at its core, providing crucial support for maintaining placements and ensuring stability and consistency for the children and young people in their care.

Funding has also been awarded for a regional recruitment campaign following the re-launch of the extended Foster4 Hub, where all seven local authority areas will promote the new and improved offer that will attract and support foster carers for years to come.

Cllr Margaret Harvey, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said “I’m delighted to be part of this fostering project which will help to transform fostering recruitment and retention across Cheshire and Merseyside. “A key priority for us is ensuring our children and young people get the very best start in life and that foster carers have access to the very best support.

“This funding will help to make a huge difference to children and carers through the Mockingbird programme, and the new Foster4 Hub and campaign will help to address the recruitment and retention challenges every council is currently facing. To find out more about becoming a foster carer and request a free information pack today, please visit the Foster for Knowsley website or call 0151 443 3958.

News - October 2023

ANY OF US CAN FOSTER...

that’s the message of a powerful new short film produced by Council’s across the UK including three Merseyside Local Authorities. Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and have joined 80 other Council Fostering Services to get behind ‘Any of us’, a film which raises awareness of fostering. It highlights that we all have the potential to make a difference to a child’s life.

‘Any of us’ – the Story ‘Any of us’, looks at three very different people, Ayesha, Neil and Marsha, who each show in their own way, how they have nurturing personalities, from going to the aid of a pedestrian after an accident, to calming down an aggressive situation.Separate individuals in very different scenarios but showing a natural caring instinct which is fundamental to being a foster carer.These stories are all interwoven with that of a young foster child, Chloe, as we get an insight into her journey into fostering.

Three Merseyside Council’s Joining Forces There are over 2500 cared for children across the three local authorities and with a national shortage of local carers, authorities have no alternative but to look further afield, meaning some children are moved away from their school, friends, and familiar environment. Experiencing this can be traumatic for a child or young person.

Cllr Margaret Harvey, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Knowsley Council, said: It’s more important than ever that we find homes for our vulnerable children, so we’re delighted to be working together with other local authorities across the UK in funding this film and other similar initiatives so we can have a bigger impact when raising awareness.“The fostering message is the same wherever you live. If you feel you have love to give and can relate to the nurturing personalities portrayed in this film then please get in touch with your local council’s Fostering Service.“Fostering directly with your council means you can support your local community by working a with a fostering service that is dedicated to supporting local children and young people who need a nurturing, safe foster home.”

Local Launch Event In the hope of gaining more awareness and support, Knowsley, Liverpool and Sefton Fostering Services hosted a local launch of ‘Any of us’ on Thursday 19 October at FACT cinema in Liverpool. Local businesses, organisations, media and community groups were invited to hear real-life experiences from foster carers to understand that they are everyday people and as foster carers they’re being nothing but themselves as loving individuals.

Cllr Harvey continued: “We often hear the expression ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ and communities, businesses and organisations can help in many ways. For example, by sharing messages about fostering, by making workplaces ‘Fostering Friendly’ so it’s easier to work and foster at the same time, or even helping current foster families by offering discounts on days out or activities. Our children benefit when we all work together.”

Foster carers make a significant difference in the lives of fostered children and young people, helping them to flourish and achieve their full potential.

If you would like to find out more about Fostering for Knowsley and to watch the film, please visit https://fostering.knowsley.gov.uk or call 0151 443 3958.

News - February 2023

Foster carers and Special Guardianship carers will be receiving a one-time additional allowance from Knowsley Council in recognition of the extra expenses incurred during the current cost of living crisis.

The decision was taken after councillors became concerned about the financial burden that the cost of living crisis combined with the soaring energy costs are having on Knowsley Council’s Foster Carers, who are crucial in supporting some of the most vulnerable children and young people in the borough.

Foster carers have seen an increase in costs for a range of things including food, toiletries and other costs including heating and petrol. The Council has now agreed additional financial support to help carers meet these additional costs – and as recognition for the hard work and dedication these incredible people provide.

As a result, Foster Carers working directly for Knowsley Council will receive a one-time additional allowance from the Council and are able to apply for additional money if they have specific expenses that aren’t covered.

In total, the Council is investing around £60,000 to support carers this winter, funded from the £9m support package being managed by Knowsley Council - £3.415m from the Council’s own Knowsley Better Together Hardship Fund, along with £5.586m from the Government’s Household Support Fund.

Cllr Harvey, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We have been listening to our Foster Carers and Special Guardianship carers, who are telling us that the cost of caring has increased due to the current cost of living crisis. Our foster carers provide exceptional care on behalf of Knowsley Council and on behalf of our community. It is important that we support them in order that they can continue to deliver the very best quality care to some of our most vulnerable children.”

Foster carers in Knowsley provide support and care in a family setting and enable children to stay in their local community with everything that is familiar to them. This minimises further disruption to their lives by helping them stay in their school, close to their friends, and maintaining connections with other family members.

If you would like to find out more about fostering or if you are an existing Foster Carer who is thinking about transferring, then get in touch with Knowsley’s Fostering Service who would be delighted to speak to you about it.

To find out more or to get in touch call 0151 443 3959 or visit https://fostering.knowsley.gov.uk

News - August 2022

Knowsley Fostering Team will be joining in the fun this weekend at the Feelgood Festival this Saturday 6th August and Knowsley Flower Show on Sunday 7th August at Court Hey Park.

The two days promise to provide something for everyone to enjoy.

From fantastic floral displays to fun family activities to boost your wellbeing and mental health. There is a packed programme of events for the whole weekend including live music, art workshops, story trails and a tempting range of food and drink stalls.

Our fostering team will be at both events to answer any questions you may have about fostering along with lots of fun games and activities too.

If you would like to find out more about fostering or if you are an existing Foster Carer who is thinking about transferring, then get in touch with Knowsley’s Fostering Service who would be delighted to speak to you about it. Call 0151 443 3959 or enquire online.

News - April 2022

Too often, due to a lack of foster carers, children are placed with foster families away from their local communities, and sibling groups are separated. This warning comes from the UK’s leading fostering charity, The Fostering Network, joined by Knowsley Council. This issue is highlighted during Foster Care FortnightTM which takes place 9th-22nd May, the charity’s annual awareness raising campaign, as they call for more people to come forward to foster, to ensure that children in need of a foster home can be cared for locally.

This year's theme for Foster Care FortnightTM is #FosteringCommunities. Foster care is at the heart of our communities, enabling children to stay with foster families, local to everything they are familiar with already. Foster care provides vital care to children and young people in all our communities. Foster carers also support each other and share skills and expertise.

In Knowsley there are over 300 children looked after, and the number of children coming into care keeps rising. More fostering households are needed to make sure every child that can’t live with their own family gets the care they need and are well supported within their community. The reasons children become looked after vary widely, including a parent’s illness or another problem which means they can’t be cared for by their own family. Some children may have witnessed domestic violence or drug abuse, and others may have been abused or neglected. Some foster families look after children on a short-term basis, but for many, fostering offers them a secure, permanent home. Foster carers in Knowsley provide support and care in a family setting and enable children to stay in their local community with everything that is familiar to them. This minimises further disruption to their lives by helping them stay in their school, close to their friends, and maintaining connections with other family members.

This Foster Care Fortnight, we want to celebrate the strength and resilience of fostering communities, and all they do to ensure children are cared for and supported to thrive. In Knowsley, we’ve got lots planned over the next two weeks and the team will be out and about in the borough during Foster Care Fortnight with information about how to become a foster carer, and whether it could be right for you. If you think you have the relevant skills and experience, we're calling on you to consider becoming foster carers so that you can join our community and become a part of the biggest family in the Knowsley… our fostering family.

You can come and chat to Knowsley’s Fostering Team on the following days:

Come and Meet the Fostering Team at Huyton Town Centre Monday 9th May, 10am – 2pm

Fostering Information Drop in at Stockbridge Village Library Tuesday 10th May, 2pm - 4pm

Fostering Information Drop in at Prescot Library Thursday 12th May, 10am – 12noon

Fostering Information Drop in at Huyton Library Monday 16th May, 12noon – 2pm

Fostering Information Drop in at Halewood Library Thursday 19th May, 10am-12noon

Fostering Information Drop in at Kirkby Library Saturday 21st May, 10am – 12noon

You can also find out more from the comfort of your own home and join the team at one of their Information Event Webinars on Wednesday 11th May, 6-7pm and Wednesday 18th May, 6-7pm. You can also get in touch by calling 0151 443 3959 or visit https://fostering.knowsley.gov.uk

News - March 2022

Knowsley Council have announced an uplift in the skills payment paid to their in-house foster carers of 7.5%. The skills payment boost will deliver increased financial support to Knowsley foster carers.

The overarching aim of the increase is to support the recruitment and retention of Knowsley foster carers during a national shortage of suitable carers. It also supports the council’s strategic aim of placing children in local fostering placements as close as possible to their home, school, and support networks.

Cllr Margaret Harvey, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said: “Knowsley Council recognises and values it’s foster carers. They do a remarkable job every day ensuring some of our borough’s most vulnerable children are safe, cared for, supported, and loved. “The uplift in the skills payment acknowledges the challenging role and the commitment of these individuals and families. It also recognises the unique nature of the skills needed and acquired to foster. We also want to ensure that we are offering a competitive payment scheme that supports the recruitment and retention of in-house foster carers.”

Foster carers make a significant difference in the lives of fostered children and young people, helping them to flourish and achieve their full potential. There is an increasing need for more foster carers in Knowsley to care for children of all ages.

Fostering offers children and young people a home when they are unable to live with their own family. Sometimes children stay with a fostering family for a few days, while others can live with foster carers on a permanent basis.

Both types of fostering provide children and young people with a safe and loving home in what is a really difficult time for them. By fostering with Knowsley Council, you will receive 24 hour support 7 days a week, specialised training, and you can be sure that you’re helping children and young people in your community who need you most.

If you would like to find out more about Fostering for Knowsley, please visit the Foster for Knowsley website, or call 0151 443 3958.

News - March 2022

The hunt is on for more foster carers to look after children in the Liverpool City Region as part of a region-wide recruitment campaign.

Knowsley, Liverpool, St.Helensand Sefton Councils have joined forces to raise awareness about fostering with your local authority.They will be holding a joint virtual recruitment event on Tuesday 1st March at 6pm via zoom which means you can find out more about fostering without evenleaving your home.

The Fostering Network identified a need for at least 7,300 new foster families in England this year.Applications to foster children and young people has declined significantly throughout the region since the start of the pandemic, yet there are nearly 3000 children looked after across the four authorities, which is why the need to find safe and loving homes for some of the most vulnerable children in our regionis more important than ever before.

Cllr Margaret Harvey, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Right across the Liverpool City Region, foster carers are needed to help look after children at the time when they need it most. Our foster carers tell us again and again what an incredibly rewarding role it is. It’s also incredibly flexible – there are lots of different types of carers. So, if fostering is something you’ve been thinking about for a while, now might be the right time to go ahead. And when you foster for your local authority, you know you’ll get the right support and the training you need.”

Fostering is so flexible and there are lots of different roles available to suit you and your family. You don’t need any special skills or qualifications, fostercarers don’t need superpowers, they just need to be able to provide a solid and reliable foundation for children and young people to find theirs.If you are interested in fostering,then your Local Authority is the best place to find out moreas you will benefit from thesupport and training they provide. Securing a stable home environment for foster children is vital if they are to have the best chances in life and realise their ambitions.”

The event on Tuesday 1st March will be anopportunity to learn about the process, benefits, support and training available when fostering with your Local Authority.

There will also be the opportunity to listen and chat to anexperienced foster carer who will share their experiences of what fostering is like on a day-to-day basis and reveal why they are so passionate about caring for local children as part of a local authority team.

For more information about the event please visit https://fostering.knowsley.gov.uk/Home/Event_Zoom_20220301 or call 0151 443 3958

News - February 2022

You can view information about E-Scooters and the Law by clicking here

News - March 2021

On average, it takes 3 – 6 months from your enquiry to becoming a foster carer. This can be different for everyone but it generally follows the steps below and starts in the same way – with you getting in touch so we know you’re interested! This way we can answer any questions you have and advise you on how to get started.

7 steps to becoming a foster carer

1. Submit your enquiry online or over the phone. In the next few days, we will call you back to answer your questions about fostering and find out a bit more about you.
2. If you’re ready to get started, we’ll ask you to fill out an application form.
3. One of our experienced fostering social workers will visit you in your home. They’ll be able to offer advice on the types of fostering placements that would work for you. They’ll also ask you some questions, check your home to make sure there’s nothing that would be a danger to a child and answer any questions you have.
4. You’ll join us on the Skills to Foster training course. Usually, the course is delivered face-to-face but at the moment we’re holding it virtually. Skills to Foster gives you an idea of some of the scenarios you may come across as a foster carer and how to respond to them. It’s a great introduction to foster care.
5. You’ll now be ready to start the assessment to become a foster carer! This is called a Form F assessment and is the longest stage in the process. One of our social workers will work with you to gather different references and build up a portfolio to show you’ll make a great foster carer! This includes background checks, character references and weekly meetings with your social worker to talk about things like your experience of caring for children and why you’d like to foster.
6. When you’ve got everything together, you’ll be able to go to the fostering panel, who will make the decision as to whether you’re ready to become a foster carer, or advise on anything else you need to do first (but our social workers will make sure you’re ready to be approved before you go to the panel!)
7. Welcome to the team! Once you’re approved, you’ll have your own social worker to support you as well as someone to contact 24/7, so you’ll never be on your own. You’ll have lots of training to choose from so you can carry out your new role as foster carer with confidence and will receive a financial reward for fostering to help you commit to your new role.

If you’d like some more information on the fostering process, please contact us here or join us on one of our monthly information sessions – we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

News - February 2021

We know that there are still myths held around whether you can foster as a same-sex couple. The fact is, yes you can! This month, we chat to Jackie and Karolina, who have been fostering with us for almost a year now, about their fostering experience.

Hi Jackie and Karolina! Thanks for joining us today. What was it that made you decide you wanted to be foster carers?

We decided to foster for a number of reasons. We’re a same-sex couple as so it’s not as easy to have our own children. We also faced our own challenges when we were growing up and wanted to help children that may have had a similar upbringing.

What was the process to becoming a foster carer like?

The process is lengthy and thorough but it’s worth it. When we first thought about fostering, we were worried that it may not be easy for us, being a same-sex couple. However this wasn’t the case at all – it really didn’t make a difference – what was most important was that we could offer a safe, secure and loving home.

That is the most important thing! How have you found being a foster carer?

We’ve had both amazing times and very challenging times as foster carers. It’s so rewarding, when you see how far the children have come on in the time you have spent with them. We also have very supportive social workers. The positives definitely outweigh the negatives.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of fostering?

Our advice to anyone thinking of becoming a foster carer is to make sure you understand what is required of you and be prepared for plenty of meetings when you first take a child! We have found it very rewarding and wouldn’t change what we do.

Thanks Jackie and Karolina! If you’d like to find out more about fostering, click here to contact us.

News - January 2021

Happy New Year - we’re glad to finally be able to look back at 2020 and hope 2021 will be much more positive. Last year really threw some challenges at all of us – no less foster carers. We caught up with Rita, one of our foster carers, to hear about the challenges she faced being a foster carer during the pandemic.

Hi Rita! Thanks so much for joining us today. So, what do you feel was the biggest challenge you faced being a foster carer through the pandemic?
For us, the biggest challenge has been keeping the lads in a good routine – we have 3 teenaged boys who want to lie in bed all day and play on the PlayStation all night! We decided to turn the WiFi off at 10pm and we encouraged them to spend some time outside as we know it’s good for them – to go on bike rides or long walks.

What activities have you been doing during the pandemic?
Plenty of walking and bike riding. When the gym opened up the lads went every day. They also helped around the garden and washed the car.

Have you found any positives to come out of it?
My garden is nice and my car is clean!! On a serious note, if we didn’t have the boys to look after during the pandemic, we can’t imagine what we would have done during lockdown. Having them here has given us a reason to get up every day.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a foster carer?
Go for it! Your life will change for the better.

Thanks Rita!
When you make the decision to foster for Knowsley, you’ll be well supported from start to finish. Once you’re approved as a foster carer, you’ll work with your own social worker who will help you with advice, guidance and training. You’ll also have someone to call day or night, 7 days a week if you need to.

If you’re interested in fostering, or just want to find out more, please click the ‘make an enquiry’ button on the top left of the screen – we’d love to hear from you!

Happy New Year from Knowsley Fostering Team!

News - April 2020

It’s important that we look after ourselves, our family and friends during the Coronavirus outbreak. But have you considered how you could also help our local community?

If you want to make a difference to children and young people in Knowsley our fostering team is still available to answer any of your questions. Knowsley Council has staff and technology to help you with your application to be a foster carer, simply give us a call 0151 443 3958 if you’d like to have a chat about fostering or make an enquiry online.

Cllr Margaret Harvey, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services in Knowsley, said: “Our Foster Carers are amazing, all year round and in all kinds of emergency situations. With the Coronavirus outbreak making us all think about what we can do to help our communities, it’s a reminder that fostering is a way in which you can change young lives for the better and make a lasting difference to so many people. “If you are someone who thinks you can give a loving and nurturing home to a child at a time when they need it most, please consider fostering. Our team will be happy to talk to you today and answer any questions you might have.”

News - 14th May 2019

Have you ever had a moment in your life which you can look back on and see that your future changed at that time?

Perhaps it was a teacher telling you that you were really good at something that is now your career?

Or a relationship which led you to move?

Or a trip overseas which gave you a different outlook on life?

What was your moment?

We believe that foster care changes futures – the futures of fostered children and young people and the futures of the foster families who care for them. This Foster Care Fortnight we are asking people to think about the change foster care can make to a child’s future.

Knowsley’s Fostering Service has launched a new film to promote foster care across the borough and encourage new carers to come forward. The moving film focuses on the true life story of 10 year old ‘Elliot’ whose life was changed the day he met “the nice people” – his foster carers who shaped his life for the better. The film also highlights a key issue facing Knowsley’s Fostering Service; the need for more foster carers who would consider caring for older children. The film uses actors to tell the real life experiences of a formerly looked after child and we have worked closely with young people to deliver this unique film to raise awareness about fostering.

‘Elliot’s Story’ conveys that with love and guidance the lives of some of Knowsley’s most vulnerable children can be changed for the better. The film also highlights the positive impact of foster care and how equally rewarding it can be for the foster carer’s.

If you think you have the relevant skills and experience, we're calling on you to consider becoming foster carers so that you can also change a future.

In Knowsley, we’ve got lots planned over the next two weeks and the team will be out and about in the borough during Foster Care Fortnight with information about how to become a foster carer, and whether it could be right for you.

You will find them on the following days:

1. Tuesday 13th May, 10am – 12.30pm @ Huyton Library
2. Wednesday 14th May, 10am - 6pm @ Tesco, Prescot
3. Saturday 18th May, 10am - 12noon @ Costa Coffee Kirkby
4. Tuesday 21st May, 10am – 6pm @ Tesco Prescot
5. Friday 24th May 2pm – 4.30pm @ Halewood Library

You can also get in touch with Knowsleys Fostering Service by calling 0151 443 3959 or visit https://fostering.knowsley.gov.uk