Support for foster carers

A report from Ian McMillan, acting director of social services, to Hartlepool Borough Council's cabinet, which meets next Tuesday, recommends a centre be created in the town to provide better support to Hartlepool's 73 foster carers.

The report recommends the former Flint Walk Children's Home, on the Throston Estate, be transformed to provide the 24-hour, seven-days-a-week facility.

The report said: "The aim of this centre would be to provide better support to foster carers, particularly outside office hours, and provide short-term support to young children who may benefit from a break from their existing foster placement.

"The centre will consist of a base for support workers and a facility for up to a maximum of three places where young people aged 11 to 17 can stay for a short period not exceeding nine days."

Earlier this year, Hartlepool social services launched a campaign aimed at recruiting 20 foster carers to cope with the demand and more than 120 people responded.

Five have completed their training, eight are undergoing the programme and six more are due to start training shortly.

Councillor Cath Hill, cabinet member with responsibility for children's services, said: "Foster carers are no different to anyone else in that they face periods of pressure from time to time and I will certainly be supporting this project."

Consultation has been carried out and this has involved speaking to residents living in the vicinity of Flint Walk.