Bromley Council have taken their foster care services online, as the authority works to adapt to the Government-enacted coronavirus lockdown.

The council’s fostering team have switched to the digital forum while face-to-face visits aren’t possible, using video, telephone and email to contact more than 100 children and carers in the borough during the pandemic.

The update comes as the authority put out the call for more much-needed carers to step forward, with recruitment able to begin online.

Councillor Peter Fortune, Executive Member for Children and Families said the council was “hugely grateful to our foster Carers who do such an important job”.

“The fostering team stays in touch with more than 100 foster families in our borough to make sure all is well. We know it is difficult for all families at present so the team has extended their support to include some ‘nice to haves’ in addition to the necessities,” he said.

“This ably demonstrates their huge commitment to support our fostering families in whatever ways they can from expert guidance and training, to the more emotional issues that caring for children can throw into sharp relief, especially at the current time.”

Among the activities held online have been an art competition for the children, while personally addressed cards sent to carers to thank them for the vitally important work they do have been sent as well.

Anyone interested in pursuing a rewarding career as a foster carer is invited to contact the council and take part in an online meeting to find out more about the terms, payment and support on offer.