Independent fostering agency or local authority fostering?
Once you have made the life-changing decision to foster, another choice awaits: Should you foster through an independent agency or the local authority? Both pathways are equally important, and each has unique benefits and challenges. Understanding the differences between fostering with the local council and fostering with an independent agency, like Unity Foster Care, can help you determine which is the better choice for your circumstances.
Whether you’re new to fostering or are considering moving from local authority fostering to an independent foster agency, understanding the key differences between public and private fostering can help you make an informed decision.
What is Local Authority Fostering?
Local authorities (LAs) are responsible for the welfare of children in their area. When you foster through a local authority, you work directly with the council’s children’s services, who are often the first point of contact for children entering the care system.
What is an Independent Fostering Agency?
Independent fostering agencies (IFAs) were established in 1995 to assist local authorities in meeting the overwhelming demand for carers. IFAs helped to address the shortage of foster carers, especially in cases where young people with complex emotional and physical needs required more specialist support.
Unity Foster Care is an IFA, meaning we are a private agency that recruits and supports foster carers. We have a positive relationship with local authorities, working closely together to provide carers for children in need.
Independent Fostering Agency or Local Authority: Which is better?
When deciding between fostering with an independent agency or a local authority, consider the following factors:
Level of training and specialised foster care
If you value extensive support and training, an independent agency might be the better choice, due to the specialised resources and often lower caseloads. At Unity Foster Care, our foster carers receive 24/7 support and in-depth training. As well as short-term and long-term fostering, we also offer a variety of specialist types, including parent and child fostering.
Placement preferences and speed
If you prefer the idea of consistent and potentially quicker placements, local authorities might be advantageous due to their direct role in placing children.
If you are open to caring for children with more complex needs, sibling groups, teenagers, or parent and child placements, then an independent agency could be well suited to you.
We offer dedicated support throughout the fostering journey. Our placements team also follow a thorough matching process, to ensure every child and foster carer is well suited.
Geographical considerations
IFAs tend to cover a wider geographical area. If you are flexible with placements and are willing to support children from various areas, independent agencies may provide a broader range of opportunities. At Unity Foster Care, we provide comprehensive training and personalised support to foster carers across Leeds, Yorkshire, and areas of the North East.
Both independent agencies and local authorities offer valuable pathways to becoming a foster carer. The right choice largely depends on your individual preferences, support needs, and circumstances.
Whether you choose to foster through a local authority or an independent agency, your commitment is certain to make a world of difference in the lives of children or young people you care for.
If you live in Leeds, Yorkshire, or surrounding areas in the North East, get in touch today to learn more about fostering with an IFA.
Start a conversation by calling us on 0333 772 2333. Alternatively, book an initial chat with our friendly advisor Gemma, who is here to answer any questions and guide you through the process.