Local Authority Fostering or Independent Fostering Agency?

Local Authority Fostering or
Independent Fostering Agency?
Comparing the Differences
Copyright © 2015 TCI Pathway
www.tcipathway.co.uk

A guide to help you understand the differences,
and how carers make a choice between local
authority fostering, and fostering through an
independent agency.

Why is There a Choice?
In the past, it was only the local authorities (LA’s) who had the task of placing
children in foster homes. These authorities had the sole responsibility of all
children going into care.
Over time, local authorities found that they could no longer cope with the
demands placed upon them. This is when the existence of independent
fostering agencies (IPA’s) came about, as the need for foster carers became
more pressing.
Whether work is carried out through an LA or an ISA , providing a safe and
stable home for children is a worthwhile role.

1. THE REGISTRATION PROCESS
Both local authorities and independent fostering agencies have a registration
process. This includes rigorous background and security checks as part of the
application.
There is always a requirement for foster carers to have a spare room available
in their homes, for the children to move into. However, IFA’s may allow carers
to begin an application without a room being available at the time- As long as
there is a guarantee of one becoming free afterwards.

2. TRAINING PROGRAMMES
The training programmes and support may vary between local authority
fostering and independent fostering agencies.
Some agencies specialise and take children with challenging behaviour, those
with special needs, or those needing long-term placement. Because of this
reason, agencies sometimes provide carers with more training and support.
They also have a better ratio of supervising social workers to foster carers, so
one is usually able to step in during an emergency.

3. THE CHILDREN
As previously mentioned, some independent fostering agencies may
specialise in placing children with special needs.
The age of children needing foster care through agencies is more than often
higher, as older children are more difficult for local authorities to place.

4. PLACING THE CHILDREN
In common practice, local authorities place in house first, so those
working for an LA are unlikely to have an empty bed for too long.
However, independent agencies usually cover a wider geographical
area. So carers would need to be prepared to travel farther for contact
meetings, appointments, training, school runs etc.

5. PAYMENTS & SUPPORT STRUCTURES
Whether the fostering services have been provided through an agency or
local authority, carers will always receive financial compensation. This will
either be in the form of payments or a fostering allowance. The amount
received and how it will be used for tax purposes, may differ.
Independent fostering agencies are known to pay a little more, this is usually
down to the general nature of the placement, and the often, higher number
of challenges within it.

POINTS CONSIDERED
When trying to decide between fostering through the local authority or an
independent agency, applicants are usually advised to consider the following:
• Make enquiries with both LA’s and ISA’s and consider how efficiently an
initial enquiry has been dealt with.
• Attend introductory events or ‘open days’ if possible.
• Ask to see a training schedule for the year, or the level of support a carer
can expect.
• Think what best meets their requirements, in terms of geographical
restrictions, continuity of work, and financial support.

Everything starts with a conversation, so let’s talk:
Safaraz Ali
Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/safaraz
Twitter Handle: @SafarazAli
Tel: 0121 707 0550

Local Authority Fostering or Independent Fostering Agency?

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