FOSTERING chiefs have reported an increase in inquiries from people in Waveney who are considering opening their doors to children needing homes. Last month it was reported that officers at Suffolk County Council were concerned about falling levels of inquiries on fostering since the autumn, which they believed could be linked to the economic situation.

FOSTERING chiefs have reported an increase in inquiries from people in Waveney who are considering opening their doors to children needing homes.

Last month it was reported that officers at Suffolk County Council were concerned about falling levels of inquiries on fostering since the autumn, which they believed could be linked to the economic situation.

It was also revealed that in the previous few months, four people who were in the process of becoming approved foster carers had put their applications on hold.

With 700 children in care across the county and only 403 foster carers, fostering chiefs urged potential carers not to be put off by financial uncertainty, and highlighted Waveney as an area which needed more homes for children in care.

Now they are 'delighted' after fielding 35 calls from potential applicants in Suffolk over the last month, five from the Waveney area.

Although this is only about half the number of inquiries made in the same month last year, they believe it is a cause for optimism as a higher proportion of this year's potential applicants have taken the next step of attending an information session. It is also a rise on December's figure of 28 inquiries.

Sue Lowndes, head of Suffolk Fostering Service, hoped the publicity had 'sowed a seed' for other people considering coming forward.

She said: 'We are always keen to hear from anyone considering fostering, and are particularly interested to hear from people in the Lowestoft and Waveney area. It is important that where possible we can try to keep children in care close to their family and friends, and a shortfall in foster carers in the Waveney and Lowestoft area can sometimes lead to more disruption for these children as they may have to move to other parts of the county.'

She said each potential applicant was invited to attend an information session. The next one will be held in Lowestoft on February 24.

Anyone considering fostering can contact the service on 0800 328 2148 or visit www.suffolk fostering.com