MPs call for register of private foster carers

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.”