Representing members' views in a period of significant change
Over the past few months, CoramBAAF has responded to a significant number of consultations, inquiries and calls for evidence on behalf of our members. Given the scale of reform and policy development currently taking place across children's social care, we wanted to bring together details of these submissions in one place so that members can see the issues on which we have been engaging and how we have represented their views. Our responses draw on the expertise, experience and insights of members working across fostering, adoption, kinship care, legal and health services, as well as wider sector engagement, including the views of those with lived experience, and the latest research evidence.
We recognise that this is a period of considerable change for the sector. CoramBAAF remains committed to supporting our members, championing effective practice, and advocating on behalf of children, families and those who work with them.
Period of consultation
The Summer was marked by significant areas of formal consultation activity across fostering, adoption and kinship care. These included:
- Fostering standards consultation
The Government announced a consultation on revised fostering standards and guidance, which was open until 16 September. The proposed changes represent a fundamental rewrite of the current framework, with a stronger focus on children's outcomes, stability and wellbeing, including supporting foster carers to build strong, trusted and lasting relationships with children. It also proposes the replacement of the 31 National Minimum Standards with seven new Quality Standards for fostering services. CoramBAAF response is here - Kinship Law Commission
The Law Commission has published its Kinship Care Consultation Paper. It sets out the key issues they have identified with the legal frameworks that govern different types of kinship care. Alongside analysis, the paper also sets out their provisional proposals for reform. There were over 70 questions in a consultation spanning 300 pages. The Commission will respond next Autumn. You can read CoramBAAF’s response here. - Retention of adoption records
The government consultation proposed extending the minimum retention period for adoption records created between 1976 and 2005 from 75 years to 100 years, bringing them into line with post-2005 records. CoramBAAF responded and recommended that Government use this amendment as a first step towards a consistent 150-year retention framework across adoption and care records, rather than treating 100 years as the endpoint. Our response is here. - Ofsted
This consultation set out proposals to change the way that local authorities, fostering services and other agencies are inspected. This including new key areas of focus such as how children’s relationships are supported and the cadence of inspection visits. You can read our response here. - National Framework for children’s social care
This consultation reflected the significant reforms that have been underway in children’s social care. Key changes consulted upon included LADO reform; multi-agency child protection teams; the delivery of Family Help and earlier more joined-up support for families; family networks and family group decision making; and implementation of the Children’s Social Care National Framework. You can read our response here - Adoption and Special Guardianship Support
The consultation Adoption support that works for all has concluded and we are anticipating a response from the Government this Autumn or Winter. CoramBAAF’s response to this consultation is here. When the announcement is made, this is likely to have a significant impact on the support available to children and families in adoption and kinship care. - Breaking the Cycle: Intergenerational Care Involvement Inquiry
Birth Companions and NYAS have launched the Breaking the Cycle: Intergenerational Care Involvement inquiry, examining the experiences of parents who have previously been in care and the support available to prevent repeat involvement across generations. CoramBAAF submitted a response to the call for evidence and plan to give oral evidence.
As the Government progresses its ambitious agenda for children’s social care reform, it is vital that the expertise of practitioners continues to inform policy development. We wanted to thank members for engaging with us across practice forums, events, surveys and conferences. Your knowledge, experience and insights help to shape policy and practice in ways that can lead to better outcomes for children, young people and families.