National Minimum Standards for the provision of Fostering Services and for Children’s Homes
Two separate documents - The National Minimum Standards (NMS) for the provision of Fostering Services and The National Minimum Standards (NMS) for Children’s Homes were published on 16 March 2011.
The standards in both documents are designed to be flexible. In relation to fostering services they are applicable to the wide variety of different types of fostering service.
In relation to chldren’s homes they are designed to be applicable to the wide variety of different types of children’s homes. They aim to enable individual providers to develop their own particular ethos and approach based on evidence that this is the most appropriate way to meet the child’s needs.
In both documents, STANDARD 12 – 'promoting independence and moves to adulthood and leaving care' includes the requirement for fostering services/children’s homes to support children in developing financial capability, knowledge and skills.
The overall outcome of standard 12 in both documents is that:
- Children are prepared for, and supported into, adulthood so that they can reach their potential and achieve economic wellbeing
The overall list of support requirements in this standard are that children are supported to:
a) establish positive and appropriate social and sexual relationships;
b) develop positive self-esteem and emotional resilience;
c) prepare for the world of work and or further or higher education;
d) prepare for moving into their own accommodation;
e) develop practical skills, including shopping, buying, cooking and keeping food, washing clothes, personal self-care, and understanding and taking responsibility for personal healthcare;
f) develop financial capability, knowledge and skills;
g) know about entitlements to financial and other support after leaving care, including benefits and support from social care services.
