Outcomes from fostering: insights from BERRI data

To mark Foster Care Fortnight, dozens of MPs gathered at Parliament on Wednesday 22nd May to celebrate the vital contributions of foster carers from independent fostering agencies (IFAs). 

The event also saw the launch of a new report, commissioned by the Nationwide Association of Fostering Providers (NAFP), that examines the increased effectiveness of IFAs in supporting high-needs children when compared to the service provided by loca l authorities.

The Nationwide Association of Fostering Providers (NAFP) represents independent fostering agencies (IFAs), and the children for whom they care. They are a not-for-profit organisation with over 100 members, representing over 96% of children living in foster care with IFAs. The NAFP campaigns to ensure that vulnerable children in care can benefit from stable, loving foster parents.  

The study, conducted by BERRI, provides a comprehensive analysis of data from both local authority and independent provider placements since 2021. The findings underscore the significant impact that IFAs have on the well-being and development of vulnerable children. The report contains several key recommendations to government: 

• In close collaboration with local authorities and IFAs, the government should consider developing a dedicated foster care strategy that includes a more streamlined approach to commissioning and improve transparency behind local government decision-making
• The report also calls for the government to: acknowledge that a “mixed economy” approach to commissioning fostering services (ie: utilising foster carers from both independent and local authority providers equally) is the most efficient model and improves outcomes for vulnerable children; advocate for the removal of unnecessary hierarchies and obstructive bureaucracy in local authorities; and commit to increasing the number of foster carers available to care for children

The report was launched at a parliamentary reception with contributions from a range of speakers, including Robin Walker MP, chair of the Education Committee and Robert Buckland MP. Guests also heard from speakers with foster care experience. The event was attended by those working in the foster care sector, those who grew up in foster care families, civil servants and dozens of parliamentarians. 

Harvey Gallagher, CEO of NAFP, commented on the study's findings: “Independent fostering agencies have always played a crucial role in facilitating stable and loving environments for high-needs children. This study adds to the existing wealth of evidence that demonstrates the strength of IFA services, and we look forward to working with the government to identify ways to make it easier for IFA services to place vulnerable children with loving families sooner.”

Robert Buckland MP said: “Foster Care Fortnight is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the amazing work being done by thousands of foster carers across the country. More needs to be done to support their work so that they can continue to give vulnerable children the love, stability and support they desperately need.”