CMA study of children’s social care provision

NAFP welcomes the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) study and the opportunity to alleviate unwarranted concerns about the independent fostering sector, a sector in which 93% of agencies are judged good or outstanding by Ofsted and who provide excellent value for money in caring for young people experiencing some significant challenges. Fees in foster care seem to have risen little in the last decade, even though the needs of young people living with IFA foster carers have increased, and despite inflation and other cost pressures. There is much that can be improved about the way foster care is commissioned including the impact upon children of the placements chosen (the single most important factor), poor understanding of like-for-like costs and value for money, the role of local authority in-house fostering services in the wider sector. We would welcome the opportunity to work with government and commissioning local authorities to create a strategic approach where we meet children’s needs and improve their placement outcomes. We would create a commissioning environment where the independent sector does not compete but complements the work of our local authority partners. A CMA study which addresses these issues can only help.

CMA study of children's social care provision 12 March 2021