Open consultation

Fostering reform: proposed changes to assessment and handling allegations of abuse

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 4 February 2026

Applies to England

Summary

Seeking views on proposals to improve assessment and approval of foster carers, and improve support during allegations.

This consultation is being held on another website.

This consultation closes at
11:59pm on 17 March 2026

Consultation description

The Department for Education is seeking views from:

• anyone working in fostering or related areas
• people with lived experience of fostering

We’d like your views on proposed changes to:

• the use of panels in assessment and approval processes
• handling allegations of abuse against foster carers 

This consultation accompanies:

• an overarching vision and action plan for the future of fostering in England, renewing fostering: homes for 10,000 more children

• a call for evidence asking for innovative ideas and views on further possible reforms, fostering for the future: improving the foster care system

We want to identify innovative ideas and seek views on how we can improve the foster care system to develop future reform proposals.

Alongside this plan, we have published a regional care cooperatives policy paper.

Versions of the action plan and call for evidence for children and young people are also available.

Published 4 February 2026