In July, the Department for Education published new draft standards and guidance for fostering in England for consultation which closed on 16 September. The draft documents replace the current National Minimum Standards for Fostering (2011), Training, Support and Development Standards (TSDS) from 2012, and Children Act 1989 Volume 4 guidance on Fostering.
We responded to the consultation on behalf of our members following engagement with more than 200 fostering services and foster carers. This included focus groups, in-depth discussion with the National FCA Forum and our IFP Steering group, and a member survey. Thank you to all our members that took part in these sessions over the summer.