Council calls for more foster carers of teenagers and siblings during Foster Care Fortnight

11 May 2026

As Foster Care Fortnight (11–24 May) begins, Cheshire East Council is calling on residents to step forward as foster carers, highlighting a growing need for support for teenagers and sibling groups.

This year’s theme ‘This is fostering’ shines a spotlight on the many different types of fostering available – including respite, short term, short breaks, emergency, remand, step-down and parent and child.

During the fortnight the council is aiming to increase awareness of the benefits of a career in fostering, including becoming part of a fostering community with regular social events, access to a dedicated supervising social worker, ongoing training, a generous salary, leisure passes, a fostering allowance, a £500 referral bonus and more.

The council is also taking the time to reward its existing foster care families during the awareness campaign, by hosting events and days out for foster carers and their families, as a thank you for supporting vulnerable children and young people in Cheshire East.

Councillor Laura Crane, chair of Cheshire East Council’s children and families committee said: “Foster Care Fortnight may offer a two-week period to really reflect on the importance of fostering, but throughout the year, every year, we’re always in awe of the commitment and dedication of our Cheshire East foster carers.

“A career in fostering is so special, rewarding but also extremely selfless with no two days the same, and this year’s theme will help to highlight the many different types of fostering and flexible options available.

“In particular we’re on the lookout for more foster carers of teenagers, siblings and for those with additional needs in the form of short break carers, so it’s vital we reach out to those considering trying their hand at a new profession.

“We can’t wait to celebrate and reward our existing foster carers and thank them for their hard work this month and showcase insights into a career in fostering.

“We’d urge anyone curious about fostering to have a chat with our friendly team, who can find the right form of fostering for them, that fits within their lifestyle.”

Cheshire East Council are also proud to be a fostering-friendly employer, enabling staff the flexibility and any additional support required to fill out their fostering caring duties, whether they are a fully-fledged foster carer, or are in the process of becoming one.

If people are considering starting their fostering journey, they are encouraged to get in touch by visiting www.foster4.co.uk and emailing mailto:enquiry@foster4.co.uk or calling 03456 460098.