Is Fostering in Wales Different to Fostering in England and Scotland?

Fostering is about providing children who cannot live with their birth families an alternative stable and nurturing home. Across the United Kingdom, fostering plays a crucial role in safeguarding and supporting children in need. However, as with many aspects of social care, fostering practices can vary between different regions and nations. In this blog post, we'll explore how fostering in Wales differs from fostering in England and Scotland, we’ll also discuss the role that we in Family Fostering Partners play in supporting foster carers across Wales.

Understanding the Legal Framework

One of the most significant factors shaping fostering practices in different parts of the UK is the legislative framework. While there are some overarching laws and guidelines set by the UK government, each devolved nation has its own legislation governing social services, including fostering.

Fostering in Wales is regulated by a number of different laws, one of the most important being the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014. This legislation emphasises the importance of promoting children's well-being and ensuring their voices are heard in decisions affecting their lives. Independent fostering agencies in Wales are inspected by CIW (Care Inspectorate Wales); an independent regulator of social care and childcare in Wales.  CIW describes Family Fostering Partners as “Family Fostering Partners is a service which clearly places children’s well-being at the centre of everything it does.” Our child centred approach makes up just one of our core values, you can read more about that here.

In England, fostering is governed by the Children Act 1989 and the Care Standards Act 2000, among other legislation. While many principles align with those in Wales, there are also a few differences in specific regulations and procedures. If you’re interested in learning more about fostering in England, you can visit our sister website www.fosteringengland.co.uk.

Scotland has its own distinct legal framework for fostering, which includes the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 and the Looked After Children (Scotland) Regulations 2009. Like Wales and England, Scotland prioritises the well-being and rights of children in care but may have unique approaches to assessment, training, and support for foster carers.

Assessment and Training

One area where fostering practices may differ between Wales, England, and Scotland is the assessment and training of prospective foster carers. Each nation has its own requirements and standards for assessing individuals or families seeking to become foster carers, however, anybody interested in fostering will likely need to complete a fostering application form. 

For those embarking on become foster carers in Wales, the application and assessment process focuses on the individual strengths and circumstances of applicants, with an emphasis on their ability to meet the specific needs of children in care. Prospective foster carers undergo thorough checks and training to ensure they are equipped to provide a safe and supportive environment for children. At Family Fostering Partners, our foster parents are guided through the assessment process by dedicated assessing social workers. Click here to learn more about the assessment process.

Similarly, in England and Scotland, fostering assessments involve rigorous checks and training to assess applicants' suitability and readiness to foster. However, there may be variations in the specific training programs offered and the criteria used to assess applicants' suitability.

Support for Foster Carers

Support for foster carers is essential for ensuring successful placements and positive outcomes for children in care. Each nation within the UK has its own systems in place to support foster carers, including financial assistance, training, and ongoing guidance.

Foster parents fostering in Wales receive support from local authorities or independent fostering agency which offer a range of services. These can include financial allowances, access to training and development opportunities, and support groups. The level of support and training tends to be of higher quality when fostering with an Independent Fostering Agency.  Click here to find out how Family Fostering Partners offer support to the fostering families in their care.

In a similar manner to Wales, in England foster carers are supported by local authorities or independent fostering agencies. However, there may be differences in the level of financial support on what specific resources are provided or what training programs are required.

In Scotland, foster carers receive support from local authorities or independent fostering agencies, with a focus on providing comprehensive training, guidance, and financial assistance. Scotland, just like in England and Wales, also emphasises the importance of ongoing support for foster carers to ensure they feel valued and empowered in their role.

Cultural Considerations When Fostering in Wales

Cultural differences and regional identities can also influence fostering practices within each nation. Wales, England, and Scotland each have unique cultural traditions, languages, and community networks that may impact how fostering is practiced.

In Wales, there is a growing recognition of the importance of preserving Welsh language and culture within fostering placements. Efforts are being made to recruit Welsh-speaking foster parents and provide support for children to maintain their linguistic and cultural heritage. Did you know that Family Fostering Partners is a fully bilingual fostering service? Our training and support can be delivered in both Welsh and English. Our website, leaflets and information provided to prospective foster parents can all be provided in Welsh and English.

First Steps into Fostering in Wales

While fostering practices across Wales, England, and Scotland share common goals of providing safe and nurturing environments for children in need, there are distinct differences shaped by legislative frameworks, assessment processes, support systems, and cultural considerations. Understanding these differences is essential for ensuring that fostering services effectively meet the diverse needs of children and families across the UK.

If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent in Wales, you can get in touch with us by using the live fostering chat feature on our website. Alternatively, you can visit our “contact us” page, or phone us directly on 0330 0948816.