Health Minister launches 12-week consultation on fostering

Health Minister Edwin Poots today launched a 12-week consultation on The Foster Placement and Fostering Agencies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013.

The proposed regulations aim to strengthen the operation of fostering services provided by Health and Social Care Trusts, voluntary organisations and independent fostering agencies.

Mr Poots said: “This consultation seeks views on a draft set of fostering services regulations. At 31 March 2013, there were 2,807 looked after children in Northern Ireland, and 75 per cent of these children were in foster care placements. The regulations are designed to support and strengthen the invaluable provision of fostering services within the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors.”

The Minister added: “While primarily aimed at organisations within these sectors, foster parents and young people in care, I welcome all responses and would encourage all who have an interest in these proposals to make their views known.”

The consultation is due to finish on April 7.