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More than 20 MPs have backed a call by MP Hilton Dawson for the registration of private foster carers, writes Bill Jacobs.

A total of 23, mainly Labour backbenchers, have signed a special Commons motion on the issue put down by the Lancaster and Wyre MP.

It reads: "We deeply regret the shocking death of Victoria Climbie at the hands of the couple who were privately fostering her in February 2000.

"We are disturbed to note the conclusions of a report published by the British Agencies for Adoption and Fostering that some 8,000 to 10,000 children are privately fostered while the majority of private foster arrangements are never notified to the authorities."

The motion calls for the government to bring forward "appropriate amendments to the Adoption and Children Bill to ensure that this group of children, who are particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect, are afforded the same level and protection and care given to all others who live away from home.''