What’s happening in foster care? Hazel Halle

What’s happening and what does it mean for you?

Budget cuts £6.2billion to be saved this year Funding for children in care has not been ‘ring fenced’

Fostering is already drastically underfunded Another £580million is needed Urging Government to consider in the autumn Comprehensive Spending Review

Tim Loughton visited our offices in Foster Care Fortnight (first visit as minister) Early Day Motion tabled to protect funding for foster care Joined forces with six other charities to call on Govt to ensure that funding for children in care remains a priority

“The experiences and opportunities for children in care need to improve. For some children, care is the best option, but the system must work better so that their life chances and education do not suffer. I want to see local authorities working more effectively together to provide more stability for children in care. And at the frontline, we want to free social workers from red tape, enabling them to work more closely with children and families, intervening earlier and more effectively. This will not only improve outcomes for children, but be more cost effective as well.” Tim Loughton, Minister for Children

CWDC £15million from budget. Many cuts coming from abolishing programmes not yet scoped, pilots and communications. Practitioner-led research funding cut. As far as we know, foster care work continues

National Minimum Standards Still due this year. We have been asked to feedback on the final proposal. What are the significant changes? The Fostering Network is developing workshops to help fostering services implement changes.

And finally some good news… Jacky Slade, regional consultant Role is to support organisational members in the regions Can attend meetings with foster carers and staff Advice and information sharing

Thank you Hazel Halle Director of Services