Laura Sharman 23 January 2015

Charity calls for research on cost of siblings separated in care

Local authorities have been urged to provide data on the number of siblings separated in care by a charity, after figures show it costs the UK economy £800m a year.

Siblings Together is highlighting the cost of separating the 40,000 children from their brothers and sisters in the care system. It is calling on the Government to collect data from councils on this practice.

Delma Hughes, chief executive and founder of Siblings Together said: 'The level of sibling separation in care is a national scandal. The emotional and physical cost of this industrial level of separation is obviously going to impact heavily on the individuals concerned, but it is also an unnecessary drain on the UK economy as without family networks, children in care are likely to have poorer life outcomes and contribute less to society.

'This could be avoided with better planning and multi-agency collaboration between government, local authorities, fostering agencies, social services and charities like ourselves.'

The charity argues that if just over a third of children in care separated from their siblings fall into the NEET category, this could cost the UK more than £800m, of which £400m represents the 'excess' of NEET rates for children in care.

A recent report found 71% of looked after children with a sibling in the care system were separated during 2014. This figure rose to 95% for those in residential homes.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Casual Early Years Practitioner

North East Lincolnshire Council
£24,796 FTE
Do you have a passion for delivering high quality care and guidance? North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Trainee Trading Standards Officer

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC11 - £28,142
If you’re someone who’s curious, community-minded and keen to make a real difference, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Communications Support Officer - Children's Fostering Team

North East Lincolnshire Council
£25,583
Create content with heart and soul to make a real, lasting difference North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Oracle Systems Administrator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£51429 - £58140 per annum
Help shape the backbone of our services - and build smarter systems for a stronger borough.Help shape the backbone of our services - and build smarter England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Health & Safety Advisor

Wakefield Council
£39,152.00 - £41,771.00, Grade 9, 37 hours, Permanent
Wakefield Council’s Health & Safety team now have an exciting opportunity for a Health & Safety Adviser. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner