Overview of FOCUS Fostering

Lincolnshire County Council, like all other Local Authorities, is facing increased demand for foster homes for children in care, with the numbers of children entering care rising year on year. In recent years, it is becoming more difficult to find fostering households for children aged between 12 and 15 years and children entering care at these ages are more at risk of entering residential care. 

In response to this, a 2-year pilot has been agreed which will have a specific focus on recruiting foster carers who specialise in caring for 12–15-year-olds who have been assessed as being ‘at risk’ of entering residential care. The aim of this pilot is ensuring that children remain close and connected to their community, network and school, and can be supported within a fostering family environment rather than a residential setting. 

We are looking to recruit 12 full-time FOCUS carers, and 6 emergency and/ or support FOCUS carers within the 2-year pilot.