Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 28
28
Accepted
Positive innovations and good practice, including Mockingbird model, support foster carers.
Conclusion
There are many positive examples of innovation and good practice in local authorities to support foster carers. In particular, we heard clear support for the Mockingbird model and were interested to hear of the Room Makers scheme to enable carers to renovate and expand their homes. We 86 welcome the additional funding for foster care placements announced in the Spending Review and look forward to seeing further detail as to how this funding will be spent. (Conclusion, Paragraph 72)
Government Response Summary
The government reiterates its commitment to supporting foster carers, investing £25 million via the Transformation Fund for recruitment and retention, capital investment for homes (related to the Room Makers scheme), and developing a national Foster Care Statement of Expectations.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We recognise the importance of supporting foster carers and addressing the challenges in recruitment and retention. The Government is investing significantly in foster care reforms through the Transformation Fund, including £25 million to support recruitment and retention initiatives. We are also committed to capital investment to refurbish and expand foster carer homes, further enhancing capacity. These measures are designed to increase the number of foster families and improve the support they receive, ensuring more children can benefit from stable, loving homes. We are also committed to developing a new national Foster Care Statement of Expectations, which will set out clearly what foster carers can expect from the system and what is expected of them, helping to provide consistency across local authorities.