CHILDREN have been taken to foster homes outside Southend because of a serious shortage of carers.

Ninety-two children from Southend have been placed with foster families outside the town. 

Councillors say the fostering service is under “enormous pressure”, adding there aren’t enough foster care placements in Southend to cope.

Mrs Jones said: “Consequently we’ve had to place children either outside the area with private foster care agencies or actually some significant way from home in specialist placement.”

Paul Ilett - who has cared for more than 30 children with his husband Gerry Murnane in their 15 years of fostering - has stressed the importance of keeping children as close to home as possible.

That being said, Mr Ilett acknowledges that this isn’t always possible, and is pushing for more foster carers to come forward.

Mr Ilett, 50, from Southend, said: “We foster with Essex County Council, and it’s been the best thing we’ve ever done.

“The ideal situation is to keep the kids local, so they’re not apart from their friends or have to move school. 

“This is an enormous shame, and going into foster care can be challenging - this is an added pressure. It makes the change seem even more significant.”

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Sue Benson, manager of the Southend Fostering Service, added: “Obviously we want to keep children as close as possible - it benefits them with their contacts with their families, what they know with their education and their friendship groups too.

"But there is a pressure in terms of placements. Fostering is so rewarding, it’s unlike any other role you will take on. These kids are cared for in your home and become part of the family.”

Speaking at a council scrutiny committee, Mrs Jones added: “Quite frankly, we don’t have enough foster carers at one point this year we were running at 130 per cent capacity which means we are under quite significantly in our placement demand.”

Kursaal ward councillor Matt Dent, said: “I’m very concerned about the 130 per cent capacity number and I’m sure the pressures that lead to it are not going to be letting up any time soon.

“Obviously it is going to be better for the children we are responsible for if we can place them closer to home rather than further away.”

The council is set to make an extra £3million available for children’s services next year to help.