NEW fees for carers have been unveiled to help meet a shortfall of people willing to foster youngsters in Essex.

The new project will see carers eligible to look after most children receive £28 a week.

Carers on intermediate and advanced schemes, who need to look after siblings, teenagers, children with challenging behaviour or disabilities, mother and baby placements and emergency placements, will receive between £125 and £250.

Carers will also receve full training and support from a dedicated social worker and other foster parents.

Sarah Candy, councillor responsible for children’s services, said: “I am delighted that in these times of financial pressure we have been able to announce this new scheme.

“This demonstrates the commitment that Essex County Council has to working with foster carers to improve the lives of looked after children.”

It is believed the authority wants to hire at least 30 specialist foster carers at a cost of £2.3 million a year.

They say the alternative of offering residential care would cost a million a year more and would offer fewer prospects for the youngster.

To find out more visit www.essex.gov.uk/fostering or call 0800 801 500.