You Said We Did Foster Care Offer Consultation

We Asked Tameside Council developed a new a new Foster Care Offer. The aim of this was to support and retain existing foster carers and attract more foster carers so that Tameside can build its proportion of in-house local placements for cared for children. Following a review of the offer in 2020, it found possible improvements that could be made to help Tameside’s ambition to deliver a good fostering offer, including bringing fees in line with competitive rates, improving the level of support to foster carers and improving the training and development model. Views were sought from local foster carers and the general public.
The consultation asked for comments on the different aspects of the new offer, including training, support and payments/rewards for foster carers. Foster carers were approached directly, including via a series of workshops which gave opportunity to speak directly on the topic.

You Said The majority of respondents were foster carers for Tameside. The response to the consultation was, on the whole, positive and that the majority of those who responded stated that they were in agreement to the proposed recommendations and could see the benefit of the new offer to them and new carers. The majority of participants felt that the improved offer would enhance the support that foster care’s received and enhance them in their role as foster carers. Some noted that more may need to be done to attract new foster carers, however overall the feedback was that they felt that the offer would support them remaining as foster carers for Tameside.

The findings of the consultation were considered by the Fostering Service and put before decision-makers. It was acknowledged that the foster carers who responded found the new model would make them feel more valued. While it was said that it would be difficult for the local authority to compete with Independent Fostering Agencies, the payment & reward level set would be reviewed annually as set out in the new offer. The new proposals were agreed taking into consideration the findings of the consultation as well as affordability.