Member News: Barnardo’s responds to independent review of the fostering system in England

Barnardo’s has responded to an independent review of the fostering system in England which makes recommendations to the government about improving foster care.

The review by Sir Martin Narey and Mark Owers, published by the Department of Education today, makes 36 recommendations following a consultation in April and June 2017.

Barnardo’s Chief Executive, Javed Khan said:​

"We are pleased the report highlights the positive and important role of independent foster agencies, (IFAs), like Barnardo’s in placing vulnerable children in loving stable families.

It’s vital these children have the right foster carer to help them recover from trauma and go on to lead positive futures. This, rather than cost, should always be the primary consideration when placing a child.

While we welcome the idea of a national register of foster carers, we urge the government to consider how IFAs like Barnardo’s can be fully involved in ensuring that the right number of carers with the right skills are on it.

We work with authorities to meet the care needs of vulnerable children, which includes providing support for families so that children can remain with their birth families.

We look forward to working closely with national and local Government on improving foster care for England’s most vulnerable young people, including siblings and disabled children, who are among the harder children to place."

Source:
www.barnardos.org.uk

---