In response to the publication of Sir Martin Narey’s independent review of children’s residential care in England, Kevin Williams, chief executive of The Fostering Network, said: 'The Fostering Network welcomes the publication of this review, and we believe it is a positive addition to the wider discussion on how to provide stability for young people living within the care system.

'Throughout the review the positive contribution of foster carers is highlighted and we support the calls by Narey for foster carers to be paid well – on top of the allowance that they receive to cover the cost of caring for a child. By not taking residential care in isolation this report leaves the door open to innovative approaches to caring for young people, such as the No Wrong Door scheme referenced in the report, which allows a fluidity of care settings and gives young people a sense of choice and empowerment which can be vital as they approach independence.

'We are also pleased that a pilot of the recommended Staying Close scheme will be introduced, something which The Fostering Network has supported since the introduction of Staying Put in foster care in 2014. We also welcome the call for a Governmental review of foster care and would hope that it would cover many, if not all, of the issues raised in our manifesto for foster care.'

You can read the full review on the Government website.

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