LATEST SOCIAL MEDIA
WEEK ENDING 21ST JUNE 2026
THE LATEST POSTS WE HAVE SHARED ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS THIS WEEK
PANELS
This week we’re looking at the Government’s response to the fostering consultation and, in particular, fostering panels.
From years of experience across many panels, a consistent issue is a lack of real understanding of foster care practice.
Too often, panels appear to treat social work reports and opinion as if they are fixed facts and evidence, rather than opinion that should be properly scrutinised.
We’ve also seen concerning practice where representation has been blocked from attending panel meetings, including attempts to cut off access when joining remotely. This required legal action, as carers have a right to representation and participation in decisions affecting their lives. While this is improving in some areas, it remains inconsistent.
There is good practice out there, but it is outweighed by variability and lack of independence.
The decision not to remove fostering panels is therefore unsurprising. The consultation question effectively framed panels as essential to safeguarding, rather than properly testing whether they actually deliver it in practice.
In reality, asking only “keep or remove” misses the point. Removal alone is not the answer, but neither is maintaining the current system.
What is needed is a genuinely independent, consistent external mechanism that meaningfully improves safeguarding and fairness.
✋ We can REPRESENT you in panel like no one else does, don’t delay join today:
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Date: 16/06/2026
THE ‘REGISTER’
This week we will be having a look at the outcomes of the Government’s call for evidence, and their response to it.
On a ‘Register’ for foster carers
We’re pleased to see the Government has not proceeded with a national foster carer register at this stage, following consultation feedback that showed no clear consensus on its purpose, scope or design.
The Government is explicit:
“Overall, feedback shows no clear consensus on the purpose of a register, its scope, or content.”
“In light of these mixed views, we have not taken decisions at this stage on whether to introduce a national foster carer register.”
They also acknowledge both potential benefits and significant risks, including concerns about burden, duplication, data accuracy, safeguarding, and impacts on recruitment and retention.
We found it concerning that carers and the sector were asked their view at all given that both the organisation and the government are unclear as to what this ‘register’ will even look like, so how people were expected to support it was questionable.
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Date: 17/06/2026
THE HANDLING OF ALLEGATIONS
The Government’s fostering consultation has confirmed what foster carers have been saying for years.
Across the country, allegations processes were described as one of the most distressing parts of fostering.
Carers spoke about investigations that are slow, inconsistent and lacking transparency. Many described the emotional, practical and financial impact allegations can have on families, even when concerns are not upheld.
We welcome that at last the government have publicly acknowledged the ‘climate of fear’.
The consultation also heard concerns about children being moved unnecessarily, carers losing income during investigations, and a growing culture of fear that affects relationships between carers and children.
One contributor summed it up perfectly:
“Children lose their homes, carers lose their good name and society loses good foster carers.”
As a union, we have long argued that safeguarding and fairness are not competing priorities.
Children must always be protected, but allegations processes must also be proportionate, evidence-based, and transparent.
The consultation findings suggest the Government has finally heard what foster carers have been saying for years.
Join the NUPFC for the ultimate legal team in allegations: https://nupfc.com/join/
Date: 18/06/2026
Following the consultation, the Government has agreed to make significant changes to how allegations against foster carers are handled.
The commitments include:
✅ Timely investigations
✅ Continued foster carer payments during investigations
✅ Independent advocacy for both children and foster carers
✅ Better communication and transparency throughout the process
✅ Avoiding placement disruption wherever possible
✅ A stronger focus on proportionate decision-making rather than unnecessary escalation
Perhaps most importantly, the Government has explicitly recognised that a culture of fear and risk aversion can damage children, undermine relationships and drive foster carers out of fostering.
We welcome these commitments.
As always, the real test will be whether these promises lead to meaningful change on the ground for foster carers and the children they care for.
Join us for peace of mind in your everyday fostering: https://nupfc.com/join/
Date: 19/06/2026
The Government’s response on allegations contains many things foster carers have been asking for for years.
Faster investigations. Better communication. Continued payments. Independent support. Fewer unnecessary placement disruptions.
The problem is that none of these ideas are new.
Most of them already exist in guidance, standards, regulations or established good practice.
The real question is not what should happen. It is HOW do we make sure it actually does happen?
The fostering sector does not have an effective mechanism for enforcing standards when they are not followed.
So whilst we welcome the Government’s commitments, the biggest question remains unanswered:
What happens when providers simply don’t follow them?
Because without accountability, standards become aspirations, guidance becomes suggestions, and foster carers and children continue to experience the same problems we’ve been discussing for years.
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Date: 20/06/2026
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IMPORTANT WARNING FOR ALL FOSTER CARERS Did you know that non‑conviction information — including allegations, opinions, and even mental health detentions — can now be added to your Enhanced DBS?
One of our members recently contacted us after finding deeply worrying information online about what can be disclosed:
Arrests or allegations that never led to charges Ongoing investigations Fixed Penalty Notices if deemed “relevant” Section 136 mental health detentions Cautions, warnings, reprimands that aren’t filtered AND the DBS can bar you from working with children or adults even without a convictionAt the National Union of Professional Foster Carers (NUPFC), we are seeing this happen more and more — and yes, you should be concerned.
In today’s increasingly authoritarian climate, police forces can add information to your DBS based on third‑party opinions, not proven facts.
This is why every incident in your life must be documented and evidenced — and why membership BEFORE anything goes wrong is absolutely vital.
If incorrect information appears on your DBS:
Apply immediately to the Chief of Police in the area where it was added
If they refuse to correct it, you may need to appeal to the Upper Tribunal 
This process is expensive and rarely covered by insurance
NUPFC members have access to specialist DBS lawyers who can help you challenge incorrect or unfair disclosures — but only if you are already a member when the issue arises.
Protect yourself. Protect your career. Join today: