Foster4 steps up summer push across the borough
Knowsley’s drive to recruit more foster carers is moving out into town centres and community venues this month, with the council’s Foster4 team staging a series of face‑to‑face drop‑ins to meet would‑be carers and answer questions. The outreach comes amid what the authority describes as an urgent need for more households willing to provide safe, stable homes for children who cannot live with their birth families for a period of time.
The council is urging residents who are curious about fostering — whether taking first steps or ready to apply — to speak directly with the team. Staff will offer information about the application process in Knowsley and can help prospective carers start paperwork on the spot.
Where and when to meet the team
Foster4 will be available at the following venues and times across the borough in July:
| Date | Time | Location | Postcode |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 July | 12pm – 2pm | The Coffee House, Kirkby | L32 8US |
| 23 July | 11am – 1pm | Home Bargains, Telegraph Way | L32 8US |
| 28 July | 10am – 12pm | Esposito’s, Court Hey Park | L16 3NA |
| 28 July | 2:30pm – 4pm | Whitakers Garden Centre, Prescot | L34 3AB |
The pop‑ups are intended to make it easier for residents to have informal, no‑obligation conversations close to home, without the need to book an appointment or travel to an office. Attendees can take away printed guidance on fostering locally and discuss the support available.
‘Pivotal role’ for local carers
Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Sean Donnelly, emphasised the difference foster carers make for children whose circumstances require alternative care, even if only for a short time.
“We know that, for a variety of reasons, some children and young people are unable to live with their family for a period of time. Foster carers step in a play a pivotal role during this time, helping our children and young people to develop and succeed. You’ll also be supported at every step of the way. I’d encourage anyone to come along and find out more about becoming part of our foster care family.”
The council says fostering in Knowsley comes with structured guidance and ongoing assistance from the local team. That includes help throughout assessment, training opportunities and practical support once a child is placed, aimed at enabling carers to provide consistent, nurturing care.
Why this matters in Knowsley
Children’s services nationally continue to report pressure on placements, and Knowsley is no exception. When there are not enough local households available, children can be placed further from their schools, friends and support networks. Recruiting more carers within the borough increases the chance that children can remain near their communities, minimising disruption to education and routines and helping maintain vital family contact when appropriate.
The council’s outreach approach — bringing advice desks to shopping areas, parks and garden centres — is designed to reach residents who might not otherwise seek information. Foster4 is encouraging conversations with single people, couples and families who can offer a spare room and the stability children need, whether on a short‑term, long‑term or other basis assessed by the service. The team stresses that every enquiry is welcome, and that suitability is determined through a careful assessment process.
How to take the next step
- Visit a drop‑in session at one of the July locations listed above to ask questions and collect information.
- Call Foster4Knowsley for an informal discussion on 03456 460098.
- Email FosteringAdmin@knowsley.gov.uk to request details about fostering locally.
- Find further guidance at https://www.foster4.co.uk/knowsley/.
With multiple dates across Kirkby, Court Hey Park and Prescot, the council hopes residents from different parts of the borough will find a convenient time to attend. For those who prefer not to wait, telephone and online routes remain open for confidential, no‑pressure conversations with Foster4 staff.
