To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what assessment he has made of the level of diversity of foster care providers; and if he will make a statement. (196434)

[holding answer 25 March 2008]: A recent review of fostering provision commissioned by my Department reported that as at 31 March 2005, there were 188 independent fostering agencies, 146 total authority fostering agencies, 46 voluntary fostering agencies and five agencies categorised as “other”¹.

¹ Source:

RW74, DfES Children’s Services: Children’s Homes and Fostering (published by DfES/DCSF on 31 August 2006)