Member News: Together Trust - Our response to Fostering Better Outcomes

Last month the government released its response to the fostering stocktake and education select committee inquiry, Fostering Better Outcomes.
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We were pleased to see that the government puts children’s needs and views at the heart of their vision for foster care. High quality, stable and trusted relationships are also a welcomed priority. However, we, along with the Alliance for Children in Care and Care Leavers, were disappointed that the government did not outline how they would deliver this vision, or make a commitment to funding. Something which we agree is needed to achieve the best outcomes for children in care. We would welcome clear guidance from the government over how they hope to make this vision a reality.

A priority for our own fostering service is to ensure that we offer stable placements so we are pleased to see the introduction of the National Stability Forum. We agree that a joined-up approach by leaders from across the sector will improve the outcomes for children in care.

We would like to see the government to place more emphasis on the Staying Put policy. Having worked with other charities on the Staying Put report, this remains a priority focus for our own placements. We would like to see the government address the barriers that exist for the Staying Put policy.

Along with our colleagues in the Alliance, we are happy to see a commitment to improving fostering and look forward to working with the government so we can achieve an equal chance in life for the children and young people in our care. 

Jill Sheldrake, Service Director 

Source:
www.togethertrust.org.uk

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