England

It is imperative that all stakeholders are clear regarding the roles, responsibilities and expectations of all parties in staying put arrangements. All local authorities in England should have a staying put policy which is published and accessible; all independent fostering providers should also publish their policies. Local authorities should ensure that all fostering services, foster carers and eligible young people are aware of their local staying put policy. The policy should clearly state the local authority’s approach and must be compliant with the statutory framework.

The Fostering Network has a proven track record in supporting foster carers and fostering services. The Fostering Services Benchmark Survey(first collated in 2013) has proved to be an invaluable tool in assisting fostering services to focus on the recruitment and retention of foster carers in a time of economic austerity and changing demands of the types of foster placements needed.

Key points to consider

Fostering services are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of children they look after in foster care, therefore all appropriate checks during the assessment and approval of foster carers, including other adult household members and where appropriate support carers, must be given the utmost  priority and completed to the highest standards.

Please use the drop down list to access details of key primary legislation, regulations, national minimum standards and guidance relating to fostering and foster care in England.

Key legislation impacting on fostering

Children Act 1989 This is the primary legislation governing looked after children and fostering services.

Delivering a service that meets your needs

Independent support services can be provided for your foster carers in a variety of ways.

In England, this is through our advice and mediation and independent support services.

In Wales, this is through our independent support service.

Central Midlands (Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Stoke on Trent, Telford and Wrekin)

Bethan Houston

01905 622364

East Midlands (Nottinghamshire, Nottingham City)

Caron Heath

01332 959980

Norfolk

Antonella Parker

01379 608977

North East (Durham)

Carole Taylor

0191 262 2229

In general, any individual in England who wishes to be registered to care for four or more unrelated looked after children is required to register as a children’s home. Registration as a foster carer usually limits the number of unrelated children who can be cared for at any one time to three.

Across England, thousands of children live with their foster carers for many years. However, until 2015 long-term fostering had no legal status. The Fostering Network believes that the changes introduced in 2015 are very helpful in terms of introducing a consistent definition of long-term foster care placements across England, and in setting out the key steps and commitments involved for all parties. The changes rightly strengthen the importance of foster care as a permanence option for children and young people in care.