The Fostering Network has welcomed the publication of today's consultation Care matters in Northern Ireland - a bridge to a better future.
Phyllis Elwood, deputy director of the Fostering Network Northern Ireland, said: "The plans outlined in the paper could make a real difference to the lives of children in care. We are particularly pleased to see that the Government has listened to the Fostering Network and recognised the importance of foster carers as child care professionals and is now planning to empower them to make everyday decisions for the young people in their care.
"The emphasis being placed on improved family support and on ensuring children can live with their wider families if their parents cannot care for them is also very encouraging.
"We are also pleased that the Government has recognised the importance of allowing children to remain with their foster carers after they are eighteen.
"The plan to fund forty additional specialist salaried foster carers is another positive move but the Fostering Network argue that all foster carers be properly paid. In the past foster carers were considered as volunteers, who received an allowance to cover the expense incurred from looking after an extra child, today foster carers are expected to work as part of a professional team, alongside a range of professionals including social workers and teachers. We will be urging the Government to introduce wider payment schemes for foster carers, increase training opportunities and introduce qualifications.
"This consultation paper builds on recent initiatives and lays the foundations for an ambitious programme of change. Implementation of these proposals will undoubtedly require significant funding: in order to translate well-meaning words into meaningful action, legislation must therefore be backed up by real resources."