Press releases

BAAF statement on sentencing of foster carers found guilty of sexual abuse

Issued: 23 June 2006

BAAF statement on sentencing of foster carers found guilty of sexual abuse

David Holmes, BAAF Chief Executive, says: “However rigorous the foster carer assessment process is, tragically there will always be people who will seek to subvert the system to gain access to vulnerable children. This is why close supervision of foster carers, regular visits and ensuring that children are spoken to on their own when in placement is so important. And we must have a climate in which children feel able to speak up about abuse. It is right that these men have been prosecuted and that they will now face a substantial period in jail for their crimes. It is also crucial that they are never allowed to work with children again.

“The crimes they committed are a shocking betrayal of the children involved.  They are also a shocking betrayal of the amazing work done every day up and down the country by thousands of dedicated, hard working foster carers in providing safe, loving and stable homes for vulnerable children.”

He adds: “The fact that the case involves a gay couple is irrelevant – we must not confuse the sexuality of the carers with the commission of sex crimes against children. There are many examples of highly successful adoption and fostering by gay and lesbian couples.  This awful case must not be allowed to discourage suitable potential foster carers and adopters from coming forward from across all parts of the community.  That will just make it even harder for looked after children to have a family life.”

Ends

Notes to Editor

For more information, contact Daisy O´Clee on 020 7421 2632/3 or email daisy.oclee@baaf.org.uk or email lucy.handford@baaf.org.uk. For out of hours enquiries, call the press office mobile on 07767 444 589.