As the UK marks Foster Care Fortnight this May, Foster for East Midlands Councils is celebrating the milestone of a successful first 12 months of foster carer recruitment across the region.
Formed in April 2024, Foster for East Midlands is a collaborative initiative between Derby City, Derbyshire, Nottingham City, and Nottinghamshire Councils, funded by the Department for Education. United under one name, the councils are working together to find loving, local foster homes for children in their communities.
This regional approach brings together years of experience, good practice, and shared values. Instead of competing to recruit the same foster carers, the councils now work together making it quicker and easier for prospective foster carers to begin their journey.
Among the new carers are Sharnie and Zak, who live with their young daughter. Inspired to foster through Foster for East Midlands Councils, they are now encouraging others to explore this life-changing path.
Foster carer Sharnie said:
We chose to foster through Foster for East Midlands Councils because we knew it would connect us to a supportive network within our local community. Foster carers play a vital role in helping councils provide the best care for children, and it’s comforting to know we’re part of a system that genuinely prioritises their wellbeing. The ongoing support and resources we’ve received from our local council have been invaluable—whether it’s training, guidance, or just someone to talk to when we need it.
The moment we were approved to foster was incredible. We were excited but also nervous at first, and everyone we’ve met has been so kind and helpful. We’ve never felt alone in this journey. It’s truly rewarding to know we’re making a positive impact on children’s lives right here in our own area.
Over the past year, Foster for East Midlands Councils has also implemented the Mockingbird programme—a global award-winning model that creates extended families of foster carers for mutual support. Led by The Fostering Network, Mockingbird nurtures relationships between children, carers, and support networks, promoting resilience and long-term stability. Following its success, two new constellations will launch this year in Nottinghamshire and Derby City, extending support to even more carers.
Highlights from the first year of Foster for East Midlands Councils (April 2024 – March 2025) are:
- 1,204 enquiries received
- 420 converted into initial applications
- 215 initial home visits completed
- 110 households submitted a full application
- 19 households approved following panel taking the total across the two counties to 58 over the year
- 4 successful Mockingbird constellations
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Council’s Cabinet Member for Foster East Midlands said:
The launch of Foster for East Midlands Councils is a big step forward in how we find and support foster carers in our region. By working together, we’ve created a more joined-up, user-friendly service for anyone thinking about fostering. This teamwork helps us break down barriers and make the process simpler, more consistent, and better suited to the needs of carers and the children we look after.
At the heart of this partnership is a shared goal: to build a strong, supportive system that helps more children stay close to home—near their schools, friends, and the communities they know. We understand how important a stable, loving home is for a child’s future, and with this new approach, we’re determined to offer that chance to even more young people across the East Midlands.
Janet Daby, Minister for Children and Families said:
As a former fostering social work registered manager, I’ve had the privilege of seeing so many children flourish thanks to foster care. It’s fantastic to see the success of Foster for East Midlands Councils, enabling more children in the region to grow up in safe, loving homes.
As part of our Plan for Change, we want to encourage more people to transform a child’s life chances through fostering, which is why we’re investing £40 million across the country to increase the number of foster homes and strengthen support for families.
Foster for East Midlands Councils welcomes people from all backgrounds, what matters most is your dedication and your desire to support children who need a safe and loving home.
If you're considering fostering find out more visit www.fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk, call 03033 132 950 or email hello@fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk
