A special pilot event to match prospective foster carers with children in care has proved a success. A number of potential matches were confirmed following the Activity Days for Fostering session held by Fostering for Wolverhampton earlier this month, attended by 10 carers and 16 children aged between four and 14. It was organised with the help of CoramBAAF, the Adoption and Fostering Academy that supports agencies and professionals working with children and young people in care.

Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "This event enabled approved foster carers to meet children waiting for a placement in a supported, safe and fun environment.

“The day involved play, activities and entertainment to encourage positive interaction between the children and their prospective carers, and three or four possible matches have resulted."

Sally Beaumont, Service Manager at CoramBAAF, said: “Our Activity Days for Fostering are an important addition to the existing range of family-finding practices for children.

"They provide an invaluable opportunity for prospective carers and children to connect, and help to speed up and improve the matching process.

"There are currently 50,000 children in foster care across the country and they deserve placements where they feel settled and secure and are able to achieve their full potential.”