Response to the reports published by the Children's Commissioner for England today

Responding to the reports published by the Children's Commissioner for England today, Kevin Williams, chief executive of The Fostering Network, said: 'We welcome the reports from the office of the Children's Commissioner for England.

'The vast majority of children in care in the UK are living with fostering families and it is essential that all children who need a foster family are able to live with one.

'They should never find themselves placed in an unsuitable setting which is unable to meet their needs, be this on a short- or long-term basis. It is essential that every placing authority has a sufficient population of foster carers to choose from so that children can be matched with families that meet their needs.

'Improving the recruitment and retention of foster carers is vital. This can be achieved by ensuring foster carers are supported and recognised as childcare professionals. This support and recognition will also improve stability for children in foster care by reducing the number of fostering arrangements which break down.'

You can find the reports here.