Foster carers get £400k to help county’s vulnerable kids

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THE most vulnerable foster children in Cumbria will benefit from a new Pfund400,000 pilot scheme, one of only eight in the country. Cumbria County Council will lead the intensive programme for seven to 11-year-olds, giving them daily contact with care teams, foster carers and school. The two-year scheme aims to prevent the youngsters from being excluded. Half of Cumbrias allocated funds will be spent in the first year, directly helping six children. Foster carers will get intensive positive parenting training, and children will receive high levels of supervision and care. The aim is to encourage youngsters to join in recreational activities, have a greater involvement in school and break contact with other kids who may be a bad influence. Helen Smith, Cumbria County Councils head of child and family care, said: The initiative recognises the importance of changing childrens behaviour while they are still young enough to get back on the right track. The support and guidance this care model allows will give them the best possible opportunities to change their lives for the better. Cumbria County Council was one of 12 local authorities in the country to be shortlisted for the money. Leaders from the councils Childrens Services department had to go to London to make a presentation to the Department for Children, Schools and Families.