FtSE Member News: PACT reaction to PM's 'foster to adopt' plan

PACT welcomes the government's commitment to improving adoption rates for young children and particularly the concept of 'foster to adopt'.

David Cameron’s vision for children to be fostered by people who go on to adopt them mirrors PACT’s own dual approval scheme, announced yesterday, where carers are simultaneously approved to adopt and foster.

Families who are able to provide a secure and loving home for older children through fostering with PACT will be able to access therapeutic support for their child so that in time they can progress to permanently adopt them.

Satwinder Sandhu, PACT’s Director of Adoption and Fostering said: “The research and evidence available from concurrency models in the UK clearly suggests that children placed under such schemes fare much better than children in traditional foster placements.

“The evidence also suggests that the model allows much more meaningful work to be done with birth families, regardless of the outcome.

“PACT absolutely believes in better life chances for all children and our own Dual Approval scheme which allows older children to be fostered with a view to adoption is a great example of this.

“PACT welcomes anything the government can do improve permanence planning for all children and we now routinely discuss concurrent options with all our prospective adopters."

PACT Chief Executive Jan Fishwick said: “As a fostering and adoption charity, we are best placed to achieve results quickly.  We are encouraged by discussions with local authority children’s services who are increasingly open to these new approach to finding forever families for children.

"We also call for effective support and processes from the judiciary service as critical to the success of these innovative new schemes. 

“I would ask anyone interested in becoming a concurrent or dual approved carer for PACT to contact out duty team today on 020 7492 3923."

PACT’s dual approval scheme was launched yesterday (5th July) at BAAF conference on concurrent planning. The presentation by Satwinder Sandhu and PACT’s Assistant Director of Fostering Jean Smith was well-received and generated lots of positive interest and comment.

Source: www.pactcharity.org/news/107