BACK TO NEWSWe are proud to announce that the FosterTalk Allegation Survey Report is now live!
In response to the ongoing foster carer recruitment and retention crisis, we understood just how important it was to conduct an extensive survey, one that would help us understand the impact of allegations within the fostering sector.
Our goals with the FosterTalk Allegations Survey
Our key focus was simple – we wanted to:
- Uncover how the allegation process is implemented in practice
- Understand its impact on our foster careers
- Reveal the preparedness of foster and kinship carers for potential allegations
Allegations can profoundly affect foster and kinship carers and the young people they support. We wanted to hear directly from the fostering community – real opinions, real stories, real impact. The Allegations Survey has provided us with valuable insights into the challenges foster carers face in the event of an allegation.
With over 2,102 respondents, we have gleaned an incredible amount of information into the lives of foster carers and the impact of allegations, including:
You can read the full report here:
What happens next?
The FosterTalk Allegations Report revealed the need for improved support and resources for foster and kinship carers across the UK. One respondent stated that:
“If something isn’t done about the way allegations are handled, the rate of foster carers quitting or being deregistered unfairly is going to keep going up. Retention of the carers is most important and the building of relationships between FC and their employers is crucial.”
Foster carers want:
- Openness and communication from fostering services
- Support and respectful treatment
- Mandatory time limits for investigations
- Consistency and transparency of the process and its application
- Training in allegations for foster carers and staff
- Guidelines on financial support available to carers
- Employment rights
There is confusion, dismay and frustration being experienced by many carers currently living through the allegations process. Change needs to happen, and it needs to happen imminently.
Read the report, get informed, and let’s advocate for change together
Improving support for foster carers living through allegations is of utmost importance. Read the FosterTalk Allegations Report here:
If you’d like to better understand the allegations process, you can read our guide to allegations here:
Should you require support, or if you need to talk about a FosterTalk support membership, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team by calling on 0121 758 5013, or by clicking here.
Foster carers should never have to go through an allegation alone. We’re here to help.
