William Eichler 22 December 2017

Committee calls for ‘fundamental review’ of foster system

MPs have called on the Government to carry out a ‘fundamental review’ of the whole foster care system to ensure children and foster parents get the support they need.

The Education Committee has published a report into foster care in the UK which says Whitehall should do more to prevent unnecessary placement breakdowns as children are forced to move from one home to another.

‘The foster care system is under significant pressure and yet this is an area of arguably greatest need,’ said the committee chair Robert Halfon MP.

‘Foster children are some of the most vulnerable young people in our society but many are currently being failed by a care system which doesn’t meet their needs.’

Mr Halfon said children in foster care should not have to face ‘a dizzying number of placements’ and they should not be ‘excluded’ from decisions about their future.

He also insisted efforts needed to be ‘redoubled’ to place children with their siblings.

‘The best gift the Government could give foster children this Christmas is to commit to improving the support they receive to enable them to climb the ladder of opportunity and thrive in their lives ahead,’ said Mr Halfon.

The report also says the Government should increase the number of foster carers in the system and improve working conditions by establishing a national college to support carers.

‘The Government also needs to do more to recognise the valuable service which foster carers provide,’ Mr Halfon said.

‘Establishing a national college would be a welcome step in this direction.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Supported Lodgings Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 9 - £35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / Grade 11 - £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
Are you passionate about the real difference supported lodgings carers can make to the lives of children and young people in our care?   Are you an ex Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisors

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
2x Lunchtime Supervisors Required as soon as possible Grade 1    £24,796 pro rata Permanent We are seeking to appoint two Lunchtime Supervisors to jo Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£28,142 - £31,022 pro rata
Part-time Enhanced Teaching Assistant  Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 pro rata 15 hours per week, term time only plus 2 weeks Permanent Required from 3rd N Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£28,142 - £31,022 pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 pro rata Permanent Full time, term time only + 2 weeks Required as soon as possible The Woodlan Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Home Care and Support Worker

Durham County Council
£12,791 - £13,412 p.a. (hourly rate of £13.26 rising to £13.90) -part-time Grade 4
If you have elderly friends and relatives, you will understand the value they place on independence. This role will give you the opportunity to work Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner