It's not often that I go to conferences. They're usually extortionately priced and beyond the reach of most project budgets. I recently attended one which was free - whoopee. Free that is, until I looked at the impressive list of sponsors on the podium. They were mainly independent fostering agencies.
Now let's be clear. These agencies provide an excellent service for children who are unable to settle in mainstream foster care. Of course we need alternatives and they do provide specialist childcare that, due to the national shortage of foster carers, local authorities can't meet. However, it ain't cheap.
Most social care departments are in huge debt because external placements cost up to 5,000 a week. When the going gets tough, children are moved back, simply to save money. I have seen heads of service in tears over making decisions to move children when they are settled and happy - but getting the overspend down is the main priority.
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