John Spellar – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Education

The below Parliamentary question was asked by John Spellar on 2016-01-06.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what her policy is on the use of private companies to arrange foster care placements.

Edward Timpson

The arrangement of foster care placements is the duty of local authorities. All placements must be made with consideration to the child’s assessed needs through a robust care planning process.

The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 set the statutory framework for all fostering services, including Independent Fostering Providers. The regulatory framework for the provision of foster care placements is clear that local authorities must have access to sufficient placements to meet the needs of the children they look after. As long as placements meet the needs of the child, it is for local authorities to determine whether placements are provided in-house or by independent providers.