Waltham Forest Council is set to lead a new regional fostering recruitment and assessment model, a strategic move designed to boost capacity and standardise practices across the area. The decision, formalised at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, sees the council continuing its involvement in the Local Community Fostering initiative as one of four key regional authorities.
The expansion of the Local Community Fostering service will concentrate on developing this new regional model, a key component of the government's wider fostering reform agenda. This initiative aims to enhance regional fostering capacity and consistency, secure continued access to Department for Education funding, and create a system that is responsive to local needs while adhering to national standards.
Local data has highlighted existing variations across the region concerning assessment timescales, thresholds, and conversion rates. The new model will therefore focus on improving consistency and transparency in these areas, serving as key indicators of its success. The alternative of withdrawing from the regional service was deemed unadvisable due to the potential forfeiture of future funding opportunities.
The Strategic Director for Children's Services, in collaboration with the Strategic Director of Resources, has been granted the authority to oversee this expansion. The full details of the Cabinet's decisions can be found in the Decisions 02nd-Jun-2026 14.00 Cabinet document.