East Midlands Conference Loughborough Kevin Williams, CEO The Fostering Network 8 February 2018

“I am determined to ensure that the state and wider society play a much stronger and more active role in improving care leavers’ life chances. For me it’s the hallmark of a compassionate society ..It[care leavers strategy]asks local and central government to up their game as corporate parents, using the level of support that we expect a reasonable parent to provide…” Edward Timpson former Children’s Minister

Keep on caring Transition to adulthood and lifelong support Existing relationships Support that is individual

Corporate parenting Joined up approach welcomed Covenant Information and delivery Health services?

Education, employment and training University tuition fees Internships – local authorities and government departments Apprenticeships – in the family firm

Staying Put Staying Put Issues: foster care financial disadvantage use of benefits status and relationship

Funding We are calling on the Government to fully cost and fund staying put for all who want it

Foster care finance A minimum allowance should be established and no financial detriment for carers

Benefits Reallocation of housing benefit direct to carers could be through children's services

Relationships Right to return and extra support

Key Messages “Leaving” care gives wrong message Support needs to be lifelong

Thank you kevin.williams@fostering.net @tfn_Kevin www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk