Children Entering the Care System 2020-01-20
2020-01-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Concern about increasing number of children in care since 2010.
The Minister is concerned about a 21% increase in children entering the care system since 2010. She mentions a multi-tiered approach that aims to keep families together and improve supply of various types of care, including fostering. The Minister also highlights the importance of permanence.
Absolutely. The system needs to be child-focused. In my letter to local authorities last week, I highlighted other forms of permanence including kinship care and special guardianships in particular. However, 41% of children with a placement order have not been placed in an adoption setting within 18 months, which is unacceptable.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Concern over unregulated hostels where vulnerable children are placed without proper support.
Children in the care system are being placed in unregulated hostels, with recent cases highlighting risks. A young person on bail for murder was placed with a victim of child trafficking involved in drug dealing. The questioner argues these placements put children at risk and calls for regulation now.
We are committed to getting this right. I am working with Ofsted, local authorities, and the Children's Commissioner. All placements must be suitable as per current requirements; under-16s should not reside in unregistered settings where care is provided, which are illegal.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy