Hodge backs call for sleepover rights

Looked-after children will be given the same freedom as those
living with their own families to stay overnight in their friends’
homes.

Children’s minister Margaret Hodge has published guidance
clarifying the issue after a recommendation from England’s
children’s rights director, Roger Morgan.

Morgan made the recommendation after looked-after children
repeatedly raised the issue with him during consultations.

Maxine Wrigley, national co-ordinator of looked-after children’s
organisation A National Voice, said the issue had caused distress
to both her and her friends when they were in care in the 1980s.

“We felt discriminated against when our non-care peers were able to
enjoy sleepovers without police checks,” said Wrigley.

“Resolving such a simple issue will make a huge difference to the
lives of tens of thousands of children and young people in care
today.”