Foster children in England are increasingly becoming commodities, as nearly a quarter of placements are now provided by private equity-backed companies. This shift has raised alarms about the ethical implications of profiting from foster care, with large agencies making millions while foster carers often struggle financially. Independent fostering agencies have gained significant market share, now accounting for about half of all placements. Concerns have also been expressed regarding the stability and regulation of these agencies, particularly as they expand and absorb smaller providers, potentially leaving many children at risk should these companies fail.
Almost a quarter of all foster places in England are now provided by private equity-backed companies, leading to millions in profits at the expense of vulnerable children.
Independent fostering agencies are making millions via public funding while foster carers struggle to pay bills, creating concerns about the commodification of children.
With private equity firms dominating the fostering landscape, stability for foster children is at risk as regulations become harder to enforce and smaller providers go bust.
The largest independent fostering agencies are now managing 23% of all fostering places in England, raising alarms over the potential consequences for children.
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