She regretted that she was not involved in decision-making in Worcestershire and "found a different approach" in an independent fostering agency. Foster carers in Worcestershire are encouraged and enabled to attend meetings about children in their care, and their views are sought and listened to by social workers. But given that the decision makers are ultimately the children's social workers rather than the carers', and these remain the same whether the child is in a local authority or an agency foster placement, I'm somewhat puzzled by the comment.
We're sorry to lose any foster carers to independent providers. In Worcestershire we have to compete with seven local agencies. We're delighted that we are having some success now in attracting foster carers back, however, as "local homes for local children" is very much part of our recruitment and retention strategy.
Although in money terms we can't compete with the agencies' flat weekly rate, we do offer some degree of income protection through payment of retainers following the end of the placement, whereas the money ends as the child leaves in the independent sector.
Our training for carers has improved enormously over the last few years and we offer a unique package of support through, for example, regular contact with fostering social workers, team meetings and out-of-hours support.
Alison King, assistant service manager, fostering and adoption, Worcestershire County Council.
