Wales has become the first UK nation to legislate to end private profit in children's social care with the passing of the Health and Social Care (Wales) Act 2025. This will ensure that fostering and residential care services are provided only by public, charitable, or not-for-profit organisations. The transition will be phased in by 2030, with new providers required to be not-for-profit from 2026.
Care experienced young people have welcomed the change, which they feel prioritises wellbeing over profit and aims to improve outcomes for children looked after.
The Fostering Network welcomes the rebalancing towards not for profit in children’s social care in Wales. We know this may be a worrying time for some of our members and are working to ensure you are kept up to date with the transition and what this will mean for you as much as possible.
