Local authorities in the UK should invest in support care schemes as a cost-effective way of supporting families and keeping children out of more expensive full-time care, the Fostering Network has urged.
The charity’s call comes with the publication of new research by Loughborough University showing that support care, including the accompanying support services for families, has a far lower unit cost than the foster care it replaces and aims to avoid longer term.
Support care is short-term preventative foster care aimed at families in crisis with a view to avoiding a child being take into care full time and long term. Support carers look after the child on a part-time basis, for example one night a week or one weekend a month, for a time limited period. At the same time a package of other support services is offered to the family, giving them space, guidance and help to work through their problems.
Philippa Williams, who runs the Fostering Network’s support care project, said: “At a time when local authorities are facing budgetary pressures and too often cutting support services for families, this research shows the real value of investing in support care.
“Unfortunately the “invest to save” mentality is not prevalent at the moment, and we are seeing local authorities cutting early support services such as support care. This research shows that this is a false economy. The more innovative fostering services are already recognising the value of support care, and we are urging others to do the same.”
Contact our solicitors
Our specialist solicitors can advise on any family law matter, including issues involving children and child custody. Call us on 01463 898 650 or click here to make an online enquiry.
