Plans to increase foster care provision across Worcestershire
Worcestershire County Council announced the plans, as part of budget saving measures
A Worcestershire county councillor says making sure people get the right care they need is vital ahead of the council's plans to look at increasing foster care provision.
Worcestershire County Council announced in this year's budget it would be aiming to have more foster care places available as an alternative to residential placements.
The decision came as part of it's savings plan to help plug the £33.6 million pound gap it had in its finances, which it has since received support from the government for.
In previous papers published by the council ahead of last month's full council meeting, it stated, "the average cost of an agency residential placement was £6,365 per week, rising from £4,913 in December 2021 which is a 30% increase in 3 years".
It also said independent sector fostering has also increased to an average of £983 per week compared to £841 in December 2021 (17%).
Cabinet member for children and finances Steve Mackay says despite this rise in costs their focus remains on getting the right care for people.
"The difference in paying in cost between paying for foster care and residential care is staggering," he said.
"Foster care brings about that consistency and security which develops life skills and social behaviours, that's in a family setting and that can bring about individual care and attention.
"Children in care need a loving and stable environment and foster carers know they make a difference to children's lives, they want to help."
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