This document establishes the standardized operational benchmarks and professional expectations for foster care services within the United Kingdom. The Fostering Network, as the leading membership organization for foster care, provides this framework to ensure consistency, safety, and quality of care across local authorities and independent fostering agencies. The text outlines the necessary competencies and ethical obligations required of foster carers to meet the diverse needs of children in out-of-home placement.

Professionals in the social care sector utilize this text as a foundational reference for maintaining compliance with national fostering standards. Experts frequently note that the document serves as a critical benchmark for auditing agency performance and ensuring uniform care quality across different regions.