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<p>Ofsted is responsible for the regulation and inspection of all independent fostering
services and includes local authority fostering services within their wider inspection
protocol.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>In 2013, the government streamlined and strengthened
the assessment and approval process for foster carers. All foster carers continue
to undergo a full and comprehensive assessment before they are approved by a fostering
service. Supporting the recruitment and retention of foster carers is a priority -
it is through the skills and dedication of these foster carers and those who work
with them that we will improve outcomes for looked-after children. From 2013 to 2015,
the government also invested £750,000 to support four local authority regional consortia
to develop innovative strategies to help them recruit and retain the foster carers
they need in their local area. In April 2015, the government also amended regulations
to introduce ‘long term foster care’ as a distinct placement type. In cases such as
these, statutory guidance is clear that the local authority should assess the ability
of the identified foster carer to care for the child (this may be the foster carers
currently looking after the child, or new carers who are best able to meet the child’s
needs).</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
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