Press releases

BAAF statement on Public Law Family Fees

Issued: 1 May 2008

David Holmes, Chief Executive of the British Association of Adoption & Fostering (BAAF) said:

“We believe the decision to dramatically increase fees for care proceedings is not only misguided in principle but mis-timed in practice.

“The Government states that increasing the fees payable by local authorities from £150 to more than £4000 per case is necessary to ensure the family courts are properly funded. The Government also states that sufficient funds have been transferred to local authorities to cover the fee increases. But is this really the most efficient way to fund the family courts?

“We don’t expect the CPS to fund the criminal courts when they prosecute criminals so why should local authorities fund the family courts when they are complying with their statutory duties to protect children?

“This decision comes at a strange time given the recent introduction of the Public Law Outline and the Government’s broader Care Matters agenda.”

–Ends–

Notes to editors:

1. For more information, please call BAAF press office on 020 7421 2632/3 or email esther.freeman@baaf.org.uk. For out of hours enquiries, call the press office mobile on 07767 444 589.
2. BAAF is one of the UK’s leading charities for children in care. We provide services to meet the needs of some of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people. In 2006/2007 we helped place 486 children through Be My Parent and the Adoption Register, sold 42,500 books on adoption and fostering, and ran 2,000 workshops and training units UK-wide. For more information visit www.baaf.org.uk