Tony Blair has failed to improve life for children in care, claims Fostering Network

Tony Blair has failed children in care during his 10 years as Prime Minister, charity Fostering Network has claimed.

The charity said the under-investment in children in care during Blair’s premiership was demonstrated by the fact that just one in 10 attained five good GCSEs in 2006 and more than a quarter of adults in prison had spent some time in care.

Ahead of Blair’s resignation expected this week, it pointed out that more than one in 10 pre-school children in care could expect three or more placement moves each year and half of 10-15 year olds will also suffer the same fate.

The charity called on the new prime minister to introduce a fee structure that pays foster carers for their work and skills and a framework for training foster carers in line with other occupations in the child care workforce.

Network chief executive Robert Tapsfield said: “Under Tony Blair insufficient effort has been made to recognise the vital role and contribution foster carers make in today’s society. Despite raised expectations placed on foster carers by the government they have continued to be treated as volunteers, receiving inadequate support, training and pay.

“I urge the next prime minister to commit to making a real difference to the lives of these forgotten children by becoming a good corporate parent to the country’s most vulnerable children.”

The charity says there is an 8,000 shortage of foster carers in England and launches a two week campaign next week to address the recruitment crisis.

More information

Demand for under-18s to have veto on leaving care 

Adoption and fostering

Foster care fortnight

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