§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his policy on mandatory training for foster parents.
§ Mr. FreemanWe believe that preparation and training is necessary for all foster parents. The recently issued handbook of guidance on the Boarding-out of Children (Foster Placement) Regulations 1988 stresses that local authorities and voluntary organisations should provide intitial preparation and training, specialised training as appropriate and continuing training for foster parents.