Children's Minister announces new funding for foster carer recruitment at the National Fostering Agency Annual Conference
The Children's Minister, Edward Timpson, pledged new funding to help promote foster caring at the National Fostering Agency Group's (NFA) annual conference at Coventry.
The minister, whose parents were foster carers, said the government were putting up to £750,000 into supporting fostering services over the next two years to do better and boost fostering locally.
Mr Timpson said: "I can announce today that we'll also be giving money to three consortia of local authorities and independent fostering services to develop new ways of recruiting and retaining more diverse foster carers - such as working professionals and those who can foster those often difficult to place sibling groups.
"Naturally, I'm very much looking forward to seeing what comes of this innovation - because one thing we do know is that we're missing out on an untapped groundswell of interest and goodwill."
Mr Timpson said research commissioned by his department suggested that more than half a million people thought they were ‘very likely' or ‘certain' to consider fostering in the future.
"We still need to attract more foster carers from a wider range of backgrounds who can take on children with what appear to be ever more complex needs," said Mr Timpson. "And we must do more to support and hold on to existing carers.
"We recently announced that there will be a clearer, fairer and more timely assessment process with more flexibility to amend foster carers' terms of approval.
"So, for example, we're removing the requirement for two personal referees where a foster carer has a reference from another service they've fostered for within the last year. A sensible shift that recognises fostering experience without creating unnecessary bureaucracy and wasting foster carers' time.
"But fundamental to improving recruitment and retention, is the need for a better understanding of the needs of children awaiting placement. And a better understanding of what motivates - and puts off - new or existing foster carers who can meet those needs."
Mr Timpson said he knew from his own childhood of living with foster children what a critical job NFA Group staff do to support carers and make sure placements succeed.
"I want to say now how much I appreciate your tireless efforts," he said. "This work and the significant work that's under way to improve fostering, is absolutely fundamental to our transformation of the care system. It's key to ensuring that the majority of disadvantaged children and young people who come into care have the chance to experience stable, loving family life and go on to have brighter futures."
Following the Minister's address, Iain Anderson Group CEO for the National Fostering Agency commented: "I am pleased that Mr Timpson chose our annual conference to make these announcements. In particular, I am delighted that the minister has given such a high profile to carer recruitment; it is essential that both local authorities and the independent sector continue to drive carer recruitment to sustain the capacity needed for foster placements"
Picture Caption: Iain Anderson (left) with Children's Minister, Edward Timpson
Note to editors:
National Fostering Agency Group:
The National Fostering Agency Group is one of the largest independent fostering Agencies in the UK, working closely with local Authorities to provide safe and secure placements for over 2,300 children and young people.
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