BASW asks for member views on Martin Narey and Mark Owers independent review on Foster care in England
BASW asks for member views on Martin Narey and Mark Owers independent review on Foster care in England
The Department for Education has published Sir Martin Narey and Mark Owers’ independent review of the fostering system in England. It includes 36 recommendations to the government about how the outcomes of children in foster care can be improved.
We would like to hear your views on the report.
Please provide your feedback to BASW by email online@basw.co.uk by 12th February 2018.
Amongst the 36 recommendations are the following, which we would welcome your views on:
Foster care in England: Recommendations 6,7 and 8
6. We suggest that local authorities should decide which individual social worker is best placed to offer the support to the foster family in long-term placements. As well as resulting in a welcome reduction in family intrusion, and sometimes confusion, this change would deliver cost savings to hard-pressed local authorities. But it is important to stress that we recommend this, not simply to save money, but because we think it will be in the interests of fostered children.
7. Our conclusion is that, despite the commendable commitment of some individuals, there is little to recommend the IRO role and believe local authorities should be allowed to dispense with the role; re-investing savings in front line staffing.
8. We believe there needs to be a thorough assessment and consultation with the sector and with carers about the effectiveness, cost, and value for money of fostering panels and we urge the Department for Education to commission such an assessment.
A full response to the recommendations from BASW will follow.