Foster carers should be seen as professionals and rewarded for their vital contribution to improving outcomes for society’s most vulnerable children and young people, the Fostering Network says this week.
At its annual conference on 28-29 September the Fostering Network will call for a change in the status of foster carers and will argue that while foster carers face increased demands and responsibilities, many continue to be seen as volunteers rather than equal partners in the childcare workforce.
Foster carers have always opened up their homes to children who could not live with their own families but today, as well as providing a safe, supportive and loving home, they are also expected to deal with a range of difficult and complex tasks. These include ensuring children have contact with their families, attending court hearings, taking part in meetings with social workers and teachers, and writing reports and assessments. They also need to be skilled in child development and have an understanding of the impact of abuse.
Robert Tapsfield, chief executive of the Fostering Network, said: “Moving towards a professional foster care service will mean foster carers get the recognition they deserve. We are encouraged that the Prime Minister Gordon Brown recognised the importance of foster carers in his opening speech at the Labour Party conference. We hope that this will be followed by concrete policies to improve support, training and pay for foster carers.
“Two-thirds of children and young people in the public care system are in foster care because it is by far the best option for the majority of them. Recognising and rewarding the work of foster carers will provide them with the support needed to provide a first class fostering service.”