Press releases

BAAF statement on Children and Young Persons Bill

Issued: 6 November 2007

BAAF today welcomes the announcement of the Children and Young Persons Bill and in particular the emphasis on improving placement stability and ensuring consistency for children in care.

David Holmes, Chief Executive of BAAF, says: "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.

“We know how desperately important stability and permanence are for children – which is why, right now, during National Adoption Week, we are urging people to think about what they could offer a child in the long term through adoption. But this alone is not enough.

“We know that adoption works, but it is only right for a small proportion of children. We must ensure that children who need to remain in the care system in the long term have stability and support too – just like any other child or young person.

“It is absolutely right that the Government is committed to ensuring young people only leave care when they are ready and to giving them more say in important decisions that affect their future. We look forward to seeing the detail when the Bill is published.”

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Notes to editors

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.