The number of 'looked after' children being place in foster care placements has increased by almost a quarter over the past year.

At the end of February 2019, 156 of Bucks County Council’s (BCC) looked after children were in foster care placements, compared to 125 in March 2018 – an increase of around 24 per cent.

Now BCC is calling on more families to think about fostering a child.

Cabinet member for children’s services, Warren Whyte, said: “Buckinghamshire’s fostering team works extremely hard all year round to find safe and loving homes for children in need, and this is an absolute priority for us.

“We are very pleased with the increase in our foster care placements since last year, but we are always working to improve this.

“We have an amazing group of people who help us look after these children, but we still need more like them to come forward and become foster carers.

“To encourage people to foster for Bucks, we have improved allowances and support over recent months. We also have a number of recruitment and information events coming up over 2019. So, if you are interested in becoming a foster carer, please contact us to find out more.”

BCC has recently introduced improved weekly allowances provided to foster carers – which brings it closer in line with what is offered by independent fostering agencies.

A child and adolescent mental health clinical psychologist is also available to offer support to children and foster carers.

A series of fostering information events are due to take place over the coming months.

Information events:

Wednesday, February 20 from 7pm to 8.30pm at the BCC offices in Walton Street, Aylesbury

Wednesday, March 13 from 7pm to 8.30 pm at the Micklefield Community Centre in Micklefield Road

Wednesday, May 29 at the Buckingham Opportunities Centre in Well Street