The Fostering Network in Northern Ireland is bringing a pioneering approach to preventing children who are on the periphery of the care system from being taken into care, and instead supporting them to stay within their own homes.

The Fostering Network welcomes the publication of the Public Accounts Committee’s report into care leavers’ transition to adulthood in England, and in particular their call for the Department of Education to  conduct an early review of Staying Put.

Kevin Williams, chief executive of The Fostering Network, said: ‘We agree with the committee’s findings that, in too many cases, young people are being let down by the system which is supposed to support them.

The Fostering Network is encouraging young people in care to ‘tick the box’ when completing UCAS forms while applying for university.

A new publication to support young people accessing higher education, Pathways to Further and Higher Education for Looked After and Care Experienced Young People, is being launched this week at The Fostering Network’s annual Tick the Box event which is taking place on Thursday 29 October at the Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast.

Social enterprise Link Maker has launched Placement Link, a new matching service for local authorities to list children seeking long-term fostering. This will be supported by The Fostering Network, who will provide expert advice and support to foster carers accessing the service.

The Fostering Network has launched a new programme of work aimed to enable more young people in care to get their voices heard, and to increase their involvement in shaping services that affect them. 

The Fostering Network in Northern Ireland, and education minister John O’Dowd MLA, were joined by over 120 foster carers, social workers and young people, in celebrating the achievements of over 40 young people at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum on Saturday 10 October.

In response to prime minister David Cameron’s speech at the Conservative Party conference, Kevin Williams, chief executive of The Fostering Network said:

In response to the announcement that a record number of children are living in the care system in England, Jackie Sanders, director of public affairs at The Fostering Network, said: 

"With record numbers of children in care in England, the role of foster carers in providing homes for children who can't live with their birth families is more important than ever.

The enormous contribution made by the families of foster carers is being celebrated this October by The Fostering Network as the charity launches its annual Sons and Daughters campaign.