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Differences Between Fostering Agencies and Local Authorities

25/01/2025 by Jack Gill

Within this blog we will highlight the differences between fostering agencies and local authorities…

Local Authorities

All children in the care system, sometimes referred to as looked-after children, are legally subject to the safeguarding and results of local authorities (councils).

Fostering Agencies

Self-governing fostering organisations When local authorities are unable to place a child with one of their own approved foster parents, FCA, an independent fostering agency (IFA), works closely with them to find appropriate foster carers for the children in their care. The child may have extremely complex needs, which FCA is uniquely prepared to handle, or they may be experiencing a shortage of registered foster parents. We have a team of experts to support our foster carers and looked-after children, as well as a robust infrastructure in every region of the nation to assist local authorities. This includes support groups, activities and events for children, youth, and foster families, as well as general advice and guidance.

Main differences

  1. Fostering agencies generally have older children – The children who require foster care from private organisations are typically older than those who can be found through local government agencies. This is due to the fact that placing older children is more challenging for local authorities.
  2. Support and Training – Private fostering agencies and local authorities provide very different levels of support; the former do not provide quality training or support. Our foster carers are the focus of our unparalleled support and training program at Beacon Fostering. In addition to providing excellent respite opportunities, we have a team of social workers, therapists, and educational support workers and offer 24 hour support for all of our foster carers.
  3. Agencies are often able to offer better pay – Compared to local authorities, foster allowances offered by private fostering agencies like Beacon Fostering are frequently much higher.

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