It was bought by a private equity firm in 2000 and there are now fears that many in the fostering sector will follow a similar fate.
YES - BILLY GRACE, director of operations, residential care home provider Northern Care
The private equity backers entered the market when there was a necessary need for diverse market development.
So if a venture capitalist is investing to help build a world-class organisation, that is no different than a privately-owned or voluntary organisation and should be welcomed.
However, I would challenge the cycles of venture capital investment, as strategies with children's services are over a longer period. If what the venture capital presence has done is drive up quality by increasing investment and the realisation for all that quality care costs, we should continue to support a diverse market.
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