This opinion piece by Harvey Gallagher, Chief executive of the Nationwide Association of Fostering Providers, argues the need for a “ re-think to rid ourselves of outdated notions” when it comes to foster care in the UK. According to the piece, foster care placement decisions are too often made based on cost, rather than fit or the best interests of the child. Gallagher calls for better partnership between fostering providers and authorities to provide the best services for children. “It is time to bring in modern ways to understand the constantly changing resource that foster carers offer,” says Gallagher. “It’s a challenge – but we have to put children, not short-term spending, at the heart of what we do. Let’s be brave.”
