Views sought on state of foster care
Derren Hayes
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
The government has launched a review of foster care in England to build a comprehensive picture of what the fostering system looks like and how it can be improved.
The government has launched a review of foster care in England to build a comprehensive picture of what the fostering system looks like and how it can be improved.
Plans for a "fostering stocktake" were first announced in the Putting Children First white paper published in July 2016.
In early April, the Department for Education formerly launched a call for evidence, seeking views on the current state of foster care and how to improve prospects for the 51,850 fostered children in England.
WHO IS LEADING THE STOCKTAKE?
Sir Martin Narey, former government adviser, and Mark Owers, professional adviser to the Adoption Leadership Board, have been appointed to oversee the process.
In 2014, Narey advised the government on adoption and the reform of social work education, and last year he completed a review of residential children's homes.
Owers is a children and families social worker who has held various senior positions including chief executive of the Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies.
WHAT ISSUES WILL IT CONSIDER?
The call for evidence document states the review will "improve understanding of current provision, where the system works well and what can be learned nationally from good practice".
It identifies the following areas:
- The types of fostering - to assess the full range of provisionavailable and when and for whichyoung people it is best used
- What works best within fostering settings to improve outcomes for children
- What improvements could be made to the way fostering provision is commissioned, delivered, regulated and inspected to improve outcomes and value for money
- The status, role and function of foster carers
- How the experiences of young people can be improved whenentering foster care, transitioningbetween placements and leaving foster care.
WHO SHOULD SUBMIT EVIDENCE?
The stocktake wants to hear from organisations and professionals involved in the care of fostered children, including children's services leaders, social workers, commissioners, independent and voluntary fostering agencies, charities, support agencies and academics.
The reviewers are particularly keen to receive the views of foster carers, parents, looked-after children and young people, and care leavers.
WHAT ARE THE KEY DATES?
The deadline for submissions is 5pm on 16 June. The stocktake is due to publish its findings in December.
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