Ombudsman issues learning report for councils on fostering services

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has today (20 February) published a focus report on councils’ fostering services in England, which demonstrates what can and has gone wrong in the cases it has investigated.

Cases highlighted in the report include a pair of siblings who appeared settled with a couple who wanted to adopt them, but were removed without warning.

Another involves a single, first-time foster carer who was not told about the child’s extensive needs leading to the placement breaking down.

The report, which is the second of a pair of reports into councils’ adoption and fostering services, offers good practice and guidance to those councils responsible for children’s services.

It also includes a number of questions members can ask to scrutinise their offer and council officers can use to reflect on their departments' performance.

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, Amerdeep Somal, said: “When councils become responsible for children - such as those who are fostered - it is often because there is no one else to look out for them, so it is all the more important they get it right. Who else would fight their corner?

“Foster carers play a key role in helping to provide stability for these children but need to be given the right tools to do it well. Councils need to ensure they provide the right information and support for the foster carers who look after the children they have ultimate responsibility for.

“I hope councils will read my report and take it in the spirit it is intended – we all want the best for children, and to give them the best start in life, regardless of their family set up.”

Lottie Winson