This paper presents the findings of a survey of independent fostering agencies (IFAs) in England, Scotland and Wales. Information was gathered about their operational arrangements, services, fees, staffing, foster carers and the children and young people in placement. This information is supplemented by an earlier evaluation of one large English IFA and by reference to the available relevant literature. The expansion of the IFAs has been generally greeted with hostility by local authority managers because of what is perceived as the loss of foster carers to the independent sector, the costs of the IFAs and their position outside the public welfare sector. This paper questions the validity of these views following an examination of the status of the agencies, the background of their foster carers and the circumstances surrounding the placements of the children and young people. It concludes by identifying gaps in our knowledge and areas for future research.

The quality of relations between social workers and foster carers can virtually make or break a placement. Clive Sellick uses a wide range of social work literature to examine some of the conditions needed for these relations to succeed, both in the realm of practical organisation and in terms of individual qualities such as reliability, honesty, empathy and warmth.

Independent fostering agencies have grown significantly in recent years in an era which encouraged the expansion of non-governmental welfare services. Clive Sellick reviews the practice and research literature in respect of this placement sector and its associated services to children and foster carers. He also summarises some major issues which have emerged from the recent evaluation of one independent fostering agency. The views of agency foster carers and local authority social workers are considered, alongside case material relating to children placed. Conclusions are drawn about the future relationship between public and independent fostering agencies.

No abstract

Support services for the birth relatives of adopted children have received far less research scrutiny than those for adopters and the children themselves. Clive Sellick reports the first stage ‘mapping’ survey of a government-commissioned study into birth relative support services and services supporting contact following changes in policy and legislation. The type, range and delivery of such services, commissioned or provided by local authority and voluntary adoption agencies and adoption support agencies in England and Wales, are examined. The survey found that good opportunities exist for linking birth relative and contact support services. However, real challenges remain in promoting support services and reaching birth relatives and in funding and commissioning such services, particularly from the non-governmental sector.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract