Freedom of information response

Q1. How many foster carers/families do you currently need in your area?

We currently have 74 mainstream fostering households who are approved by Thurrock. There will also be IFA carers in the area but the LA does not hold a central list of these. It is difficult to provide a number in terms of the foster carers required, as this is dependent on the age and level of need for individual children. However we are in need of foster carers that are able to provide care to children of primary and secondary school age, and are able to provide long term care to children.

Q2. How many children/young people in your council area were in foster care in the following years?

2022/23 – 102

2021/22 – 112

2020/21 – 110

2019/20 – 116

2018/19 – 118

Q3. Would you say your council area has seen an increase in young people going into care in the past 12 months?

Care numbers have largely remained steady 2018 - current. The area there has been a slight increase has been unaccompanied asylum seeking children.

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