In a significant move to bolster foster care support and address the pressing issues faced by care leavers, Blackburn with Darwen Council has announced an increase in the weekly payment for ‘Staying Put’ arrangements from £177.33 to £247.85. This decision is designed to help mitigate the decline in the number of families willing to engage in fostering, particularly as many young adults experience a challenging transition to independence upon reaching adulthood. The adjustments made to the financial support system reflect an essential effort to provide a more secure foundation for these individuals as they navigate a critical period in their lives.
Lancashire County Council, which administers children’s services for 12 boroughs—including Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Burnley, Pendle, and Rossendale—is also taking similar measures to improve the fostering landscape in the region. The trends affecting the recruitment and retention of foster carers have intensified in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for proactive solutions. The need for supportive frameworks for young care leavers is particularly acute, as many of these individuals have spent a considerable time in the care system. The adjustments being made aim to ensure that they do not find themselves in precarious living situations after reaching the age of 18, a critical milestone that can often lead to instability.
Cllr Julie Gunn, the officer leading children’s services for Blackburn with Darwen, has publicly endorsed the increase in payments for foster carers involved in ‘Staying Put’ arrangements. Her report emphasized the council’s responsibility to support young people aged 18 to 21 who are eager to stay with their previous foster families. This arrangement, referred to as ‘Staying Put’, is not only vital for providing continued stability but also allows young adults the opportunity to acclimate gradually to independent living, all while remaining in a familiar environment that can ease their transition.
The current financial structure for ‘Staying Put’ arrangements comprises a weekly maintenance allowance of £95.25 paid by Blackburn with Darwen Council to the foster carers, complemented by rent contributions from young adults and additional amounts, summing up to £177.33. However, in light of feedback from foster carers expressing concerns that this allowance does not adequately cover the costs associated with maintaining a home for care leavers, the council recognized a need to re-evaluate. Foster carers indicated that fostering allowances for children under their care generally exceed those provided for young adults, creating financial strains that could dissuade families from continuing fostering relationships with older youths.
In March 2024, with the approved increase, the revised ‘Staying Put’ payment structure will see the weekly maintenance allowance rise to £165.77, maintaining the young adult’s rent fee at £67.08 and their additional contribution to the foster carer at £15. This adjusted total of £247.85 aims to create a financially sustainable arrangement that encourages more care leavers to remain connected with their foster families, thereby promoting both emotional and financial stability.
Cllr Gunn’s report made a crucial point regarding the cost efficiency of the ‘Staying Put’ scheme compared to other forms of care and support. By investing in foster care that enables young adults to stay in supportive environments, the council anticipates not only improved life outcomes for care leavers but also significant savings. The financial commitment involved in placing care leavers in independent accommodations can be markedly higher than continuing to support these individuals within established foster family settings.
At the same time, Lancashire County Council is strategizing to bolster its recruitment of foster carers, recognizing that the fostering landscape has been increasingly challenged in recent years, with a noticeable decrease in the number of individuals coming forward to become foster parents. To counteract this trend, the council plans to offer additional incentives to current employees, encouraging them to consider fostering as a viable option. This initiative will include providing extra time off and greater flexibility in work schedules to allow foster carers time to settle new children into their homes, attend necessary meetings related to their foster children, and engage in training that enhances their understanding and ability to meet the unique needs of children in care.
Cllr Cosima Towneley, the authority’s children’s services leader, expressed that fostering has experienced significant challenges recently, describing it as “very squeezed.” The council is determined to turn this trend around by creating a supportive environment for both foster carers and the vulnerable young people they care for. By fostering a culture that encourages more individuals to engage in this critical work, the council hopes to rejuvenate the fostering community and ensure that all children in care have the chance to thrive with the support they need.
Through these comprehensive measures, Blackburn with Darwen Council and Lancashire County Council are sending a powerful message about their commitment to the welfare of children and young adults in their care. The adjustments to the ‘Staying Put’ payments, along with efforts to recruit and retain foster parents, underscore the importance of creating supportive pathways for care leavers who have spent years in the foster care system. By expanding financial support and fostering a positive environment for foster care, these councils aim to promote improved stability for young adults aging out of the system, ultimately leading to better outcomes in their lives.
The fiscal initiatives being put in place are not just about numbers; they reflect a deep understanding of the individual challenges faced by young adults transitioning out of care. The importance of maintaining connections with trusted adults and the emotional security that comes from these relationships cannot be overstated. These changes align with a broader movement within local authorities to address the overarching issues in the care system and improve the quality of life for children and young adults as they prepare to claim their independence.
As the councils move forward with these changes, the hope is that more foster carers will step forward, recognizing the essential role they play in shaping the future of vulnerable young people. The comprehensive strategy, combining financial incentives with better support systems, illustrates a commitment to partnership between local government and the community, ultimately fostering enhanced outcomes for children in care across Lancashire. In doing so, they aim to create a safer, more supportive environment in which young adults can transition confidently into adulthood, equipped with the resources and support they need to thrive in their new independent lives.