Future of foster care: consultation analysis – updated final report

11. Conclusions

A range of individuals and organisations with detailed knowledge and lived experience participated in the consultation, sharing their time, views and experiences on the future of foster care in Scotland. This report provides a high-level summary of the consultation responses. For more detail, readers are encouraged to read individual responses, where permission was given for publication, via the Scottish Government’s consultation website.

High levels of support for the proposals on the future of fostering were evident across the consultation questions, particularly from organisations, though sometimes support was qualified. The proposed vision was welcomed by many, though challenges were identified with implementing it, such as existing system pressures or that it could require improved terms and conditions for foster carers.

It was noted that many of the elements of the proposed flexible fostering role are already being developed across Scotland, though implementation was considered inconsistent by respondents across sectors and geographic areas. While most of the elements of the flexible fostering approach were supported, concerns were raised over how realistic or achievable these aims were. Challenges with foster carers’ capacity to take on an extended role were raised, as were perceptions that other members of the team around the child, such as social workers or family support workers, were better placed to undertake certain roles. Concerns were raised, in particular, over the proposal for foster carers to stay in the homes of birth families.

Respondents agreed that Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs) should be required to have charitable status and should not be able to make a profit. They also highlighted the need for a level playing field between local authorities and IFAs, with some respondents expressing views that there should be less reliance on IFAs in the future.

Developing a national recruitment ‘offer’ to improve recruitment within local authority fostering teams was welcomed. This was seen as helpful in coordinating recruitment efforts and enabling a more effective use of local resources. However, respondents felt better remuneration, improved status, and consistent access to learning and development opportunities could also support successful recruitment and retention of carers. Calls were made for foster care to become a salaried role, for improved support and respect from others in the team around the child, and for training to be flexible and accessible. Ways to support those undertaking specific roles, such as caring for infants or those with additional support needs, were emphasised, with a call for more resources to enable this such as practical support or bespoke training.

Views varied on the value of a national approach to matching or having a national register for foster carers, with questions raised over how a register would operate. Conversely, there was extensive support for updated guidance on dealing with allegations and for a national approach to Continuing Care allowances and fees.

Overall, there is widespread support for the proposals included in the consultation. Alongside other evidence, the consultation responses provide valuable and informative evidence for the Scottish Government to draw upon when finalising their proposals.