Press releases

White paper proposals could lead to biggest overhaul of care system for a generation, says BAAF

Issued: 21 June 2007

Charity welcomes:

• Wide-ranging proposals and more than £300 million investment that could transform outcomes for children in care
• Decision not to set targets to reduce care population
• Recognition of failures in the care system
• Crucial focus on stability and permanence for every child

BAAF today backs Care Matters and says its proposals have the potential to radically change the lives of the next generation of children in care. It cautions though of the need to take urgent action so that children in care now can benefit from the reforms as soon as possible.

David Holmes, Chief Executive of BAAF, says: "This white paper is of vital importance. It is honest about failures with the current system - such as variations in service provision from one geographical area to another and the fact that too many children are still moving around too often. Professionals and carers are already working incredibly hard, but the Government has also recognised that local authorities need more support and resources to deliver the very best service to all children in care.

"It is rightly ambitious and looks at every aspect of the system - from commissioning services and recruiting and training foster carers to providing support for care leavers looking for employment.  Some of these proposals will require considerable funding. The Government has already committed to invest a significant sum of money. We look forward to seeing more detailed implementation plans.”

The charity says proposals to increase placement choice and promote stability of placements are key. These include: plans to pilot regional commissioning units; a commitment to ensuring every child has a plan for permanence by the time they have been in care for four months and a new statutory duty on local authorities to secure a sufficient and diverse provision of quality placements within the local authority area. In addition, plans better to recruit, train and support foster carers and proposals to give young people the choice to stay in care for longer are welcomed.

BAAF supports the Government decision not to set a target for the numbers of children in care. Instead, local authorities will need to proactively monitor their care populations and focus on thresholds and decision making to ensure that children come into care at the right time for them.

Notes for Editor:

Further information on about Care Matters visit http://www.dfes.gov.uk

For more information, please call BAAF press office on 020 7421 2632/3 or email daisy.oclee@baaf.org.uk For out of hours enquiries, call the press office mobile on 07767 444 589.