New private fostering association to be launched next month

A new trade association representing independent and voluntary fostering providers will be launched in March.

The Nationwide Association of Fostering Providers (NAFP) has been established to give independent providers a voice in anticipation of regulatory changes. These will include an overhaul of the national minimum standards for children’s social care, due to be reviewed this year, and the development of regional commissioning strategies.

NAFP chair and co-founder, Jackie Edwards said: “There was no association that represented the commercial and business interests of independent fostering providers and we want to be a direct voice [so as] to have the desired impact on these regulatory changes.”

A steering group, which includes members from Barnardo’s, Compass Children’s Services, SWISS Foster Care and Foster Care Associates has been appointed to drive the organisation forwards. Responding to the launch, David Holmes, chief executive of the British Association for Adoption & Fostering, said: “Independent fostering providers have a reputation for providing high quality care to looked after children. BAAF welcomes the establishment of NAPF and we look forward to working with the new association as it develops.”

NAFP will be unveiled at events in London on 3 March and Manchester on 19 March.

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