Over 260 Children In Foster Care In Barking And Dagenham
The latest figures are fuelling a recruitment drive across the borough, as Barking and Dagenham Council look for more carers.
A total of 263 children in Barking and Dagenham are being cared for by foster parents, new data has revealed.
Another 26 are in children’s homes and 30 young people are being cared for by a kinship carer, a family friend or relative.
As of the end of February, four young people (under 25) were missing from care in the borough.
Anyone over the age of 25 with a spare bedroom could foster a child regardless of marital status, religious or sexual orientation by either applying directly through the council or through fostering agencies.
Barking and Dagenham council offers up to £454 per week per child for foster carers, while private agencies offer up to £575 per week if the candidate undertakes extra therapeutic training.
Cllr Evelyn Carpenter said: “Barking and Dagenham residents are warm-hearted and generous, and make excellent foster carers.
“We are very proud of our foster carers who do a wonderful job for us.
“Barking and Dagenham is always on the look-out for foster carers of diverse backgrounds and ages. The borough offers excellent support and training.”
To find out more about becoming a foster carer with the council, go to their website.
The findings were sourced by media literacy charity The Student View in a Freedom of Information request submitted to Barking and Dagenham Borough Council.