Future of foster care consultation
Retention of foster carers - allegations
Foster carers look after children who may have experienced trauma in their lives which has led to them being placed away from their birth family. This can mean that children and young people, and foster carers may need additional support.
In 2013, we published best practice Guidance for local authorities and independent fostering agencies on how to respond when there are concerns about the safety and well-being of children in foster care. The guidance is designed to both help to ensure positive outcomes for children in foster care and to minimise stress on foster carers.
Allegations against foster carers must always be investigated, as the safety of the child is paramount. A recent survey of foster carers showed that allegations can have an emotional, health and financial impact on foster carers and there is a need to improve practice around allegations and support foster carers through the process.