Potential short-term foster carers are being urged to come forward to help children and young people during the coronavirus emergency.

Recruits will help care for children looked after, aged up to 18, and will be provided with all the support given to mainstream foster carers including a supervising social worker and weekly fee and allowance.

Somerset County Council is keen to hear from those who have had an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check in the last 12 months in any other role.

Cllr Frances Nicholson, cabinet member for Children and Families, said: “It does not matter if you are single or in a relationship, if you are a homeowner or renting, or whether you have children of your own – anyone can be a foster carer. We need carers as diverse as the children in our care.

“Children need a safe and secure home and in these very difficult times that is more important than ever.”

The council will assess candidates as COVID-19 Short Term Foster Carers completing a condensed assessment and intensive training.

Allowances start at £143.57 a week for each child, plus a minimum of £75 a week foster carer fee. Payments are higher for an older child or for those caring for more than one child.

To apply or find out more information contact Fostering In Somerset on 0800 587 9900.