Study reveals lack of consultation

Foster carers and children in their care want more support from
social services, a Commission for Social Care Inspection survey
this week reveals.

It found that one-third of the children felt they knew too little
about their foster carers before they moved in, while one-third of
carers said the same about the children they had  fostered.

Carers complained about a lack of money and insufficient support
from social services.

It also revealed that two-thirds of foster children had no choice
where they were placed, and more than a quarter were not consulted
on their care plan.

However, more than eight out of 10 carers said they were given
enough training to meet the needs of the children.

The report from Dr Roger Morgan, the CSCI’s children’s rights
director, includes the views of more than 300 carers, 410 foster
children and 20 birth parents.

• Report from www.csci.org.uk