Fostering reform: proposed changes to assessment and handling allegations of abuse

Overview

This consultation focuses on changes to the assessment process and to the handling of allegations of abuse and standards of care concerns in foster care. 

 

Why your views matter

This consultation document makes two proposal(s): 

Proposal 1: Amending the role of fostering panels and strengthening quality assurance standards within the assessment process  

Proposal 2: Improving the handling of allegations and standards of care concerns 

These proposals relate to improved support for both children in foster care, as well as for foster carers themselves. We want to hear your views on how we can improve fostering.

 

Ready to respond?

Closes 17 Mar 2026

Opened 4 Feb 2026

Audiences

  • Designated safeguarding leads
  • Directors of children's services
  • Foster carers
  • Parents
  • Principle social workers
  • Service managers
  • Social workers
  • Team managers
  • Those researching children’s social care or education systems, with links to educational outcomes of Children in Need
  • Young people

Interests

  • Accommodation (Looked after children)
  • Advocacy (Looked after children)
  • Care leavers and former looked-after children
  • Financial support (Looked after children)
  • Fostering
  • Friends and family care
  • Health and wellbeing (Looked after children)
  • Keeping children safe in education and other settings
  • Preventing neglect, abuse and exploitation
  • Programmes and initiatives (Looked after children)
  • Short break care
  • Social care standards and guidance