Independent Fostering Agencies 2026-09-14
2026-09-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner is concerned about the impact of independent fostering agencies on fostering sufficiency in England, noting an increasing number of vulnerable children in need of foster care and a recruitment crisis for foster carers.
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of independent fostering agencies on fostering sufficiency in England?
We must expand fostering to create 10,000 extra places in foster care for children this Parliament. We are shaking up the system to deliver this through the fostering action plan, and independent fostering agencies can play their part, bringing fresh energy and supporting new fostering hubs.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific assessment requested was not provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner highlights the increasing number of vulnerable children in need of foster care and the crisis in recruiting foster carers. They propose a commissioning system that includes both local authorities and independent fostering agencies.
The Minister will know that there is an increasing number of vulnerable children who desperately need good-quality foster care. At the same time, there is a crisis in the recruitment of those foster carers. Will he undertake to set up a commissioning system that includes not only local authorities but independent fostering agencies, so that these vulnerable children can get a safe place where they are cared for, which they desperately need?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for bringing this important issue to the attention of the House. We are introducing fostering hubs, including in the local authority in the area that he represents, and rolling out regional care co-operatives across the country. In the coming weeks, I will publish a new rule book for fostering that simplifies the system, consolidates a whole series of different bits of guidance and humanises foster care.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific undertaking to set up a commissioning system including both local authorities and independent fostering agencies was not addressed.
Response accuracy