Could you help and support a child in a tough situation as a foster carer?

Central Beds Council’s fostering team is launching the PACE fostering scheme, and is looking for competent, caring and resilient people who can give overnight care to under-18s charged with criminal offences before they attend court.

PACE foster carers will need to collect the young people from the police station after office hours and transport them the next day to court, where they will be met by a social worker.

The carers will get full training, support and £237 for each week on duty, plus additional allowances for each night providing care.

Director for children’s services Sue Harrison said: “Young people can find themselves in trouble with the law for many different reasons, and the immediate hours after they have been arrested and charged can be very confusing, scary and troubling.

“That’s why we’re appealing for residents to come forward as PACE foster carers who can offer overnight care to a young person before they attend court the next day.

“We understand that people could be apprehensive about coming forward, but your help is needed and we will provide you with full training and ongoing support if you do decide to become a PACE foster carer.”

To find out more, call 0300 300 8181 or email fostering@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.