End the Allegations Nightmare: Foster Carers Are Innocent Until Proven Guilty

UK Government, Local Authorities and Fostering Service Providers

Foster carers are in a uniquely precarious position, vulnerable to losing the children in their care if any allegation is made against them - regardless of whether it’s true or not.

These carers may have provided years of love and stability, only to have children suddenly removed from their homes without explanation - causing deep grief for both the carer and the child. Many of these allegations are later found to be unfounded or unproven.

Yet shocking new guidance from The Fostering Network said carers should be treated as if those allegations were true - with the accusation left permanently on their record, devastating their careers in fostering and beyond.

After an outcry from foster carers nationwide the Fostering Network removed the guidance from their website - but this does not mean it has ceased to exist or disappeared from carers’ lives.

This guidance violates the core British principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ and singles foster carers out for deeply unfair treatment. The Fostering Network, which foster carers are enrolled into without choice and which is funded by the same local authorities investigating them, reports that 44% of carers are leaving the profession over allegations-related issues. The Foster Care Workers Branch of the IWGB - an independent union led by and for foster carers - is calling for urgent reform.

We need your support to raise awareness and demand justice. Protect foster carers, so they can continue protecting the children who need them most. Sign our petition here

To: UK Government, Local Authorities and Fostering Service Providers
From: [Your Name]

End allegations nightmare: foster carers are innocent until proven guilty
We, the undersigned, call for urgent action to protect foster carers from harmful and unjust practices arising from the recently published “Allegations Toolkit” by The Fostering Network. After a huge outcry from the document disappeared from their website - but this does not mean the guidance has disappeared from the lives of foster carers.

The toolkit shockingly advised that even when allegations against foster carers are unsubstantiated, fostering services should proceed as if the allegation were founded. This undermines the fundamental principles of natural justice, fairness, and the presumption of innocence.

Foster carers play a vital role in providing safe, nurturing homes for vulnerable children. They must be treated with respect, dignity, and fairness - not assumed guilty without evidence, nor left unsupported during one of the most traumatic experiences of their lives.

We demand:

- An immediate public apology from The Fostering Network over the publication of their “Allegations Toolkit"

- The signposting of truly independent representation and advocacy for foster carers facing allegations, including from independent and foster-care-led unions like the IWGB

- A presumption of innocence for foster carers throughout any investigation

- Full adherence to the principles of natural justice and fairness in all allegations processes, including transparent, evidence-based decision making.

Foster carers are the backbone of children's services. Betraying their trust not only damages their lives and careers, but also destabilises the care provided to the vulnerable children who rely on them.

We call on Parliament, Local Authorities, and fostering service providers to take immediate action to ensure foster carers are protected, respected, and treated fairly.

Sign this petition to stand up for foster carers, justice, and children’s welfare.