Fostering in Wales the All Wales Review

Abstract

Andrew Pithouse and Odette Parry present key findings from the All Wales Review, a review of all local authority fostering services in Wales. Examination of provision in relation to fostering policy, service arrangements, foster carers, payments, parents and service evaluation revealed both similarity and marked contrast among providers. There was broad similarity around policy orientation towards fostering and general consistency over procedures for managing the fostering process. There was, however, considerable variation in areas such as operational structures, types of fostering provision, foster carer and parent involvement, and monitoring and evaluation of service quality and outcome. Such differences are not necessarily indicative of variable quality. Indeed, the diversity of fostering initiatives was considered by the Review as a valuable repository of models, knowledge and experience.