East Midlands Conference Loughborough Kevin Williams CEO The
East Midlands Conference Loughborough Kevin Williams, CEO The Fostering Network 8 February 2018
“I am determined to ensure that the state and wider society play a much stronger and more active role in improving care leavers’ life chances. For me it’s the hallmark of a compassionate society. . It[care leavers strategy]asks local and central government to up their game as corporate parents, using the level of support that we expect a reasonable parent to provide…” Edward Timpson former Children’s Minister
Keep on caring • Transition to adulthood and lifelong support • Existing relationships • Support that is individual
Corporate parenting • Joined up approach welcomed • Covenant • Information and delivery • Health services?
Education, employment and training • University tuition fees • Internships – local authorities and government departments • Apprenticeships – in the family firm
Staying Put • Staying Put • Issues: – foster care financial disadvantage – use of benefits – status and relationship
Funding • We are calling on the Government to fully cost and fund staying put for all who want it
Foster care finance • A minimum allowance should be established and no financial detriment for carers
Benefits • Reallocation of housing benefit direct to carers could be through children's services
Relationships • Right to return and extra support
Key Messages • “Leaving” care gives wrong message • Support needs to be lifelong
Thank you kevin. williams@fostering. net @tfn_Kevin www. thefosteringnetwork. org. uk
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