Foster Carers: Why they stay and why they leave

Foster Carers: Why they stay and why they
leave

Star Rating: 4/5

Ian Sinclair, Ian Gibbs and Kate Wilson, Jessica
Kingsley Publishers

ISBN 1843101726

£17.95

This book is one of a series reporting the findings of a study
of foster carers at seven councils and gives a wider view than the
title suggests, writes Elizabeth Webb.

It gives a positive view of foster care, with most foster
families reporting that fostering enriches their family (88 per
cent), while acknowledging the stresses and strains. But, as most
carers regard their efforts as deserving of some material reward,
it does question the lack of security, pensions and levels of
allowances.

The study is a timely contribution to the debate about carer
shortages and the need for a national framework of allowances.

Elizabeth Webb is manager, adoption services, TACT