When a policy issue has been worked on for some time, this can be frustrating and disappointing to those involved. Where possible, an announcement is made to ensure that some of that work scrapes in just under the purdah wire. One such issue is the announcement by the Department for Education of a ‘Fostering Stocktake’ – looking at what works, what doesn’t, and where more research is needed.
Of the 70,000-plus children in care in 2015/16, just under 52,000 were in foster care; 12,680 children in care were under five. There are many requirements within a fostering process, and foster carers (as well as the child) are obviously core to what happens. They must possess sensitivity, warmth, commitment and motivation, as it is their responsibility to create the equivalent of a family life for the child, adapted to the child and the specific circumstances of the placement. At the same time they are likely to be dealing with very anxious, fearful, upset children who may have experienced abuse or neglect. This leads to further questions: are they allowed to cuddle the child? Are male foster carers allowed to undress and bath the child? What happens if a child wants to jump into the foster carer’s bed in the morning?
Unsurprisingly, there have been significant issues in recruiting and retaining foster carers. There have also been challenging questions about their status – are they professionals, should they be employees? What does it mean to a child to know that the adult who cares for them is receiving money for doing so? There are also complex questions about carers who are part of local authorities, and those part of an independent agency.
There is an urgent need to develop a policy framework that answers these questions. The early years sector will have direct experience of foster children. The Fostering Stocktake (a link to the consultation is below) is a chance to express your views.
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/national-fostering-stocktake-call-for-evidence
John Simmonds is director of policy, research and development at CoramBAAF