Fostering News: Fostering Network's CEO encourages the Independent Fostering Sector to participate in the discussions about the future direction of fostering

Robert Tapsfield, Chief Executive of Fostering Network, outlined the challenges facing the foster care sector over the coming months during a speech at Community Foster Care's 'Building Communities – Developing Confidence' Conference in Gloucester yesterday. He stressed the need for sector representatives to make their voices heard with central government about the key issues under review during 2012. 

These include: recruitment and retention of carers, assessments and approvals, training and support, delegation of authority and commissioning. 

Robert also reminded delegates of the need to evidence good practice and to consider different models of service delivery, highlighting the opportunities that social pedagogy offers.