TACT celebrates fostering

Thursday, 21 July 2011 10:13 AM

TACT celebrates fostering

On 19 July, TACT launched a short film, ‘What foster care taught me’, to celebrate the positive experiences of fostering. Watch it here!

The event which took place at The Library, 61 Whitehall, was well attended with guests including the Children’s Minister Tim Loughton MP and the Shadow Minister for Education, Toby Perkins MP.

The film looks at the experiences of not only children in care but also, their carers and children who foster. It features John and Alex Timpson who have fostered nearly 90 children and actor, Jimmy Akingbola who used to be fostered.

Quotes

· Tim Loughton MP, Children’s Minister said: "I want to make it absolutely clear that there is a completely level playing field. There is no hierarchy. Adoption is not better than fostering, it’s not better than being in a residential home…it’s all about what is best for that young person."

· Toby Perkins MP, Shadow Children’s Minister added: "Even if the Government doesn’t see any hierarchy, clearly there is a perception that a hierarchy exists. A perception that adoption is an opportunity to have a normal life, that fostering is the next best and that if you go into residential care then you’re really in trouble. It is really important that decisions are made in the best interests of that child at that moment in time. That financial considerations made by local authorities do not pre-empt the best interests of that child."

Tags:
• adoption
,
• children and family
,
• fostering