Changing the message and utilising all channels. Held at Westminster Studios, London SW1

There is serious concern for the future of fostering services as children’s services experience an unprecedented increase in the number of children entering the care system.  Managing the increased demand on the system will require an urgent look at the face of foster care and a strategic analysis of the marketing techniques currently used to recruit new foster carers. Overcoming these difficulties at a time of austerity has fostering providers looking to new, innovative and cost effective ways to communicate the many incentives to foster. This conference provided delegates with the opportunity to hear from sector leaders, academics and government who will inform on future policy developments and best practice. Delegates were shown new recruitment techniques while networking with peers to ensure local authorities and independent providers can work together to tackle the increased demand on the system.