Fostering reform: proposed changes to assessment and handling allegations of abuse
- From:
- Department for Education
- Published
- 4 February 2026
- Last updated
- 9 June 2026 — See all updates
Applies to England
Read the full outcome
Fostering reform consultation response
PDF, 716 KB, 45 pages
Detail of outcome
A summary of responses received to the consultation and the government’s response, outlining next steps.
Original consultation
Summary
Seeking views on proposals to improve assessment and approval of foster carers, and improve support during allegations.
This consultation iswas being held on another website.
This consultation closesran atfrom
to
Consultation description
The Department for Education is seeking views from:
- anyone working in fostering or related areas
- people with lived experience of fostering
We’d like your views on proposed changes to:
- the use of panels in assessment and approval processes
- handling allegations of abuse against foster carers
This consultation accompanies:
-
an overarching vision and action plan for the future of fostering in England,
Renewingrenewing fostering: homes for 10,000 more children -
a call for evidence asking for innovative ideas and views on further possible reforms,
Fosteringfostering for the future: improving the foster care system
We want to identify innovative ideas and seek views on how we can improve the foster care system to develop future reform proposals.
Alongside this plan, we have published a regional care cooperatives policy paper.
Versions of the action plan and call for evidence for children and young people are also available.
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Updates to this page
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Added the government's response.
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First published.
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Update history
2026-06-09 15:00
Added the government’s response.
2026-02-04 10:38
First published.