Urgent call for 'emergency' foster carers in Hertfordshire
The Council has launched an appeal for volunteers to come forward
Since the launch of Hertfordshire County Council’s emergency foster care scheme in 2022, over 100 children have been supported during moments of crisis.
However, as demand for placements grows, the council is calling for more people to come forward to provide this vital, short-term care.
The scheme focuses on offering children a safe and nurturing place to stay for about 10 days when they need to leave their family home or current care provider at short notice.
These temporary placements provide a crucial window for professionals across social care, health, and education to assess the child’s needs and determine the most appropriate longer-term care plan.
Lisa Cozzi, an emergency foster carer from Stevenage, has been a foster carer for over 20 years and is currently part of the emergency scheme.
She said: "The majority of children I’ve had come to me at all different hours. It’s a really scary time for them, so I try to make them feel safe."
The need for emergency foster carers has grown considerably, with reports of 14 young people requiring emergency placements in just one day.
Despite the strain on available resources, carers like Lisa continue to provide a stable environment for children during these crucial moments.
She said: "Lots of the children arrive with no belongings, nothing, just the clothes they are in.
"I leave a welcome basket out, and I provide a very safe space for them."
Emergency foster carers play an essential role in helping children through this uncertain time.
Beyond offering emotional support, emergency foster carers are responsible for addressing practical needs, including ensuring children have basic essentials like clothing and toiletries.
"We work with the charity Comfort Cases, which provides rucksacks for all different ages, so I always have something for the right age," Lisa added.
"It’s important they feel cared for right away."
While emergency foster care can be demanding, Lisa highlighted the rewards of the role, explaining that the bond formed with the children often lasts beyond the initial placement.
With the demand for emergency foster carers rising, Hertfordshire County Council hopes that more people will be inspired to take on this vital role, offering children the safety and stability they need in times of crisis.