Introduction

The Fostering Network has, for many years, promoted the importance of good care planning and process in helping young people move from foster care into the wider world and adult life. "Moving to adult life" is a pivotal process for the child who has been in the care system, and how well that process works or otherwise will have a major influence on adulthood (The Fostering Network’s Long-term Foster Care Policy, Autumn 2006). Research shows how poor the outcomes can be for young people who are not appropriately supported at this crucial time through the transition into adulthood (Throughcare and Aftercare in Scotland, Jo Dixon and Mike Stein, 2005). The lack of consistency of approach across all public authorities means that young people are subjected to a "postcode lottery" when it comes to entering the adult world, and this too requires attention.

The Fostering Network understands from its contact with foster carers and fostered young people that while the role of foster carers in this process is vital it is often experienced as being under-valued and in some cases completely disregarded by leaving care services.

The importance of caring and permanent relationships to all young people cannot be under-estimated. Foster carers provide the opportunity for a sense of normality, of family membership, and the opportunity to experience a framework for emotional and physical development that encourages the formation and maintenance of stable relationships through to adulthood (The Fostering Network’s Long-term Foster Care Policy, Autumn 2006). It allows children and young people to make mistakes, to learn, to mature and to feel cared for and encouraged – in a safe and stable environment. It allows them to build attachments. It means that they have an advocate and that someone is looking out for them, supporting their ambitions and aspirations in much the same way that good parents do for their own children. Young people need to be enabled and empowered to continue those relationships beyond the point at which they move on from foster care into adult life.

This paper strongly advocates that all young people must have the option of staying with their foster carers until they are 21 if this is what they desire and need, as this will substantially affect the young person's future outcomes.

In some cases they should have the option of returning and leaving again during this period if that is what is needed. This long-held view has recently been reflected in Care Matters (Care Matters – transforming the lives of children and young people in care, DfES, 2006, Green Paper) and the National Fostering and Kinship Care Strategy (Consultation paper, December 2006, Scottish Executive) and in a new scheme recently developed in Northern Ireland. (tFN NI are part of a regional Task Group led by the NHSSB that is implementing a 3 year scheme whereby 150 young people aged 18–up to 21 will be enabled to stay in their foster home. The scheme will be evaluated to ascertain the benefits in terms of improved outcomes in education, training and employment for these young people. This scheme includes financial support to foster carers to help this to happen.)

Young people should only move on from foster care when they are ready; and they have the right to an ongoing relationship with those with whom they have built a strong and safe contact whilst in foster care. It also highlights the necessary changes that will need to be in place to ensure that foster carers are provided with support, including financial support that will allow them to continue to be a resource to the young people they have fostered.

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