Every foster carer – whether they view fostering as a job, a way of life, an alternative form of family, or all of these – should receive everything they need to sustain themselves and the children they care for.
Since the launch of the fostering reforms in England, and following the Minister’s subsequent comments, I have spoken to many foster carers. It is clear that there is a broad and diverse range of views within the fostering community, particularly around the question of employment status. With approximately 60,000 foster carer members and 400 services, The Fostering Network is committed to reflecting the full breadth of perspectives our members hold.
There is currently an active court case in England exploring whether foster carers should be defined as workers. In the Government’s strategy, a specific paragraph addresses their position:
“We are clear that in our view fostering should not be considered a form of employment. Foster care should be a family-based vocation, and we do not believe that standard employment regulations reflect its distinctive nature. Fostering homes should feel like family homes with people who love them, not a workplace with staff. We do not believe foster carers need to be considered workers to get the support and respect they need and deserve. But we must ensure that support and respect is provided with far more consistency across the country.”
Some foster carers I have spoken to welcome this clarity and are reassured by the Government’s stance, as they do not wish to become employees. Others feel differently and believe that worker or employee status would provide important rights, protections and professional recognition. Children and young people have also shared strong views about not wanting to feel that the adults caring for them are motivated by ‘a job’ or ‘the money’. Their voices must also be part of the national conversation.
Regardless of these differing views, fostering is currently classified by the Government as a form of self-employment. Some foster carers see what they do as work; others do not. Foster carers should feel free to describe their role in the way that feels most authentic to them. Crucially, however, this debate must not distract from what all foster carers need and deserve: adequate remuneration, consistent practical and emotional support, appropriate recognition, autonomy, and status as essential members of the team around the child.
This was the core message of our press release responding to the Government’s strategy, and it will continue to shape our submission to the consultation.
I believe those who step forward to foster are among the most generous and selfless people in our society. No job title or salary could ever express the full value of what they give. At The Fostering Network, we will continue to listen to our members, represent their views, and challenge for the support, remuneration, and recognition that all foster carers – and the children and young people they care for – deserve.
Our Director for England has also written a blog sharing his reflections as a foster carer. You can read it here: thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/a-week-that-has-stung-for-foster-carers/
