Health Minister today launched a 13-week
consultation on draft Northern Ireland Fostering Services Minimum
Standards.
The draft Minimum Standards, together with The Foster Placement
and Fostering Agencies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 (when
made), will form the basis of the assessment framework for the
conduct of fostering services provided by Health and Social Care
Trusts and independent fostering agencies.
There are now more than 4,000 children in care in Northern
Ireland, and the numbers have increased by 40% over the past 10
years. Most of these children are living with foster parents.
Minister Nesbitt said: “The majority of children who are
in care are cared for by foster carers, who provide loving,
caring, warm and stable family environments.
“As the number of children in care continues to increase,
we will need more foster carers. It is intended that the draft
Minimum Standards will be used by fostering service providers to
focus on securing positive welfare, health, and education
experiences for children, and reducing risks to their welfare and
safety.
“They will ensure that all providers and staff of
fostering services aim to provide the best care possible for the
children for whom they are responsible, and that foster parents
are properly supported.
“I would encourage you to respond to the consultation so
that the standards continue to reflect collaboration with all
relevant stakeholders to ensure the best possible quality of
fostering services in Northern Ireland.”
The consultation is due to close
on 7th September 2025.
Notes to editors:
1. The consultation package, including the response
questionnaire, can be accessed at the following link:
https://consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/doh-1/consultation-on-fostering-services-min-standards
2. The Minimum Standards have been informed by extensive
consultation, in particular a working group comprising
representation from all key stakeholders, including those
representing care experienced children and young people and
foster parents, as well as foster parents themselves.
