Fostering Network demands clarity on carer standards under latest review
Lauren Higgs
Monday, September 6, 2010
The Fostering Network is calling for clarity on the requirements of carers amid plans to revise guidance on the training, support and development standards for foster care.
Since April 2008, all fostering services have been required to implement the standards, which demand foster carers demonstrate knowledge on issues such as principles of fostering, safeguarding and effective communication. To do this, carers must complete a workbook within a year of being approved to foster.
But the Children's Workforce Development Council is now revising guidance for social workers charged with helping foster carers complete the standards.
Lynn Woodhouse, regional consultant for the Fostering Network, called for the revised guidance to simplify what carers must do to meet the standards.
"There's a lot of confusion about exactly what foster carers are required to do, and how much detail they need to provide," she said. "We've seen workbooks that run to several folders, but these are basic-level standards. If foster carers are asked to put that much effort into attaining these, where is there to go with the next level of training?"
But British Association of Social Workers development manager Bridget Robb claimed plans to revise guidance in consultation with social workers are a "waste of money".
"Social workers working with foster carers need support," she said. "There is plenty of guidance already."
But a spokeswoman for CWDC denied that producing the new guidance is a waste of money, claiming the exercise would be "cost neutral".
"This work is a direct response to requests from frontline practitioners," she argued.
"The TSD standards support fostering services to offer consistently high-quality care provision and help to ensure foster carers are recognised for their role, doing their very best for the children in their care. As such, it is essential that supervising social workers have the support and guidance necessary to do the best job they can, bringing a range of benefits for their employer and the foster carers that they work with."
