The number of people requesting more information about becoming a foster carer in Inverclyde has risen significantly in recent months.
It comes on the back of a publicity campaign, which kicked off in April, consisting of a new website, branding, advertising and recruitment pack.
Since then, there have been 30 enquiries made to Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) – compared against just 12 in the whole of 2025.
A report to this month’s integration joint board (IJB) – the body that oversees the HSCP – highlighted the success of the opening months of the project.
Vice-chair Councillor Francesca Brennan, who is also convener of the social work and social care scrutiny panel, said the update made for “great reading”.
She added: “I’m delighted the service is already seeing an impact.
“So much so that the figure in the report on the number of enquiries is already out of date with more coming in all the time.
“We know there are people in Inverclyde who are willing to open their hearts and their homes to young people going through a difficult time.
“Having more foster carers means that young people have a better chance of staying in Inverclyde, near their schools, nurseries and families and everything that’s familiar to them.
“This campaign isn’t just words, we’ve put money behind it by increasing the payments foster carers receive to clearly demonstrate how much we value the important job they do.
“I know this campaign is just a few months old but the early signs are really positive and I hope it continues.”
Fees paid to foster carers have increased to £350 per week, per child, to reflect the complexity, skill and commitment involved in taking on the role.
Inverclyde Council and the HSCP have also begun exploring becoming a fostering friendly employer to increase awareness and the number of employees signing up.
