Fostering - Government package to help attract and retain more foster carer

Fostering – The government has unveiled a new package of support to help local authorities attract and retain more foster carers from a wider range of backgrounds.

Speaking at the National Fostering Agency’s annual conference, the Children and Families Minister Edward Timpson announced a new package of support totalling £750,000 which will be used to:

• provide Fostering Network with £250,000 over 2 years to boost local recruitment of foster carers and help councils share good practice nationally
• provide intervention programmes for looked-after children and those on the edge of care and custody and their families
• fund 3 partnerships between local authorities and independent fostering services to explore new ways of recruitment and retaining a wider group of foster carers – including working professionals and those with the skills and experience to care for children with more complex needs

Today’s announcement will support local authorities in recruiting foster carers who have the specialist skills to care for vulnerable children with different needs – giving them the support and stable environment they need to thrive and reach their full potential.