A FOSTER parents scheme will be set up in Blackburn and Darwen over the next few months.

The aim is to have a system in place which will ensure the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children in the borough are properly protected.

The move is part of the break with County Hall and is being overseen by Blackburn with Darwen Council's recently created social services department.

A special meeting was organised by social services bosses and 50 foster carers from the borough took part in the talks.

Blackburn with Darwen social services chairman Sue Reid said: "Foster carers are the unsung heroes of the community who are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and often receive little thanks or recognition."

Maureen Rishton, chairman of the borough's children and family sub-committee, added: "I welcome the commitment of the social services department to work in partnership with foster carers and to help and support them as we develop an excellent foster care service for the children of this borough who need this care.

"The council looks forward to working with these dedicated people who do a magnificent job under difficult circumstances and whose skills are often undervalued."

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