Children in foster care suffer too many moves

Foster children in Scotland are suffering too many moves between
foster parents, a new study reveals.

A survey by the Fostering Network shows that almost two thirds
of foster children north of the border have lived in three or more
foster homes, with 10 per cent experiencing more than 10 moves.

Of the 111 children and young people quizzed a quarter said they
are not told where they were going next or given any information
about the family they were joining.

A third said they were not allowed enough contact with their
families, and half did not have sufficient contact with their
social worker.

The children of foster parents, who were also questioned, said
the support and recognition from their social work department was
inadequate.

There are 4,500 children living with 2,200 foster families in
Scotland on any one day.

Kausar Karim, of the Fostering Network in Scotland, said: “This
new research clearly highlights the need for more investment in
foster care, to help local authorities increase the pool of carers
and reduce the number of times each child is moved, thereby
limiting the disruption to their lives.”

The study is available from Central Books Ltd on 0845 458 9910
or tfn@centralbooks.com
priced £8 plus p&p