A government commissioned fostering stocktake, published in February, made a series of recommendations to improve the system, including allowing councils to drop the role of independent reviewing officers (IROs), who scrutinise local authority care plans for looked-after children.
The stocktake also suggested a single social worker to supervise carers and support children in long-term foster placements, instead of the current system, where children have their own social worker.
The proposals have proved controversial, with a coalition of more than 40 leading children's organisations and experts writing to government urging it to reject them.
The social workers association Nagalro and the National Association of Independent Reviewing Officers have previously raised concerns that removing IROs would place vulnerable children at risk.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
