Leading charities launch inquiry into care system

Eight leading children’s charities have today launched an inquiry into the care system in England.

The Care Inquiry – led by national charities including the British Association of Adoption and Fostering, the Fostering Network and TACT – will explore how more than 90,000 children involved in the care system can best be provided with stable, permanent homes.

Supported by the Nuffield Foundation, the inquiry will collect and explore evidence on the interventions and services that work for children, gathering the information during three evidence collating sessions over the next three months.

A final report, due next spring, will make a number of recommendations to central and local government about how to improve the care system.

In an open letter sent to prime minister David Cameron, the chief executives of the eight children’s charities said the care system must focus on finding homes that meet children’s individual needs and avoiding unnecessary delays.

“Different options – foster care, adoption, special guardianship, being cared for by family or friends or in children’s homes – will be right for different children.

 “The care system must work to improve the lives of all children who come into contact with it.

“The crucial thing, for every child, is to find a home which provides them with stability, helps them develop a strong sense of identity and gives them a feeling of belonging,” the letter stated.

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