Black Country councils unite to establish regional fostering hub

Four Black Country councils are joining forces to establish a regional fostering hub that will transform how foster carers are recruited, supported and retained across the region.

The new fostering hub will bring together the expertise and resources of Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton to create a stronger, collaborative approach to fostering. It aims to make it easier for people to find out about becoming a foster carer and access the training, advice and support available throughout their fostering journey.

By working together, the four local authorities will strengthen recruitment efforts and enhance support for foster carers, helping to ensure more local children can grow up in safe, stable and loving homes close to the communities they know and value.

The regional hub will build on existing partnerships between the councils, creating a more consistent and coordinated fostering offer across the Black Country. Prospective carers will have a single point of contact to access information and guidance more easily, while benefitting from continued support and development opportunities for those already fostering.

The hub forms part of a major national children's social care reform programme led by the Department for Education, aimed at improving outcomes for children in care, increasing fostering capacity, and enabling more children to remain close to their families, schools and communities.