Independent fostering agencies uncovered: the findings of a national study

Sellick, Clive W. and Connolly, Jo (2002) Independent fostering agencies uncovered: the findings of a national study. Child and Family Social Work, 7 (2). pp. 107-120. ISSN 1356-7500

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Abstract

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.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Social Work
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Centres > Centre for Research on Children and Families
Depositing User:	Vishal Gautam
Date Deposited:	09 Dec 2010 18:02
Last Modified:	28 Mar 2025 04:46
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/16684
DOI:	10.1046/j.1365-2206.2002.00235.x

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