TACT (The Adolescent and Children's Trust) welcomes the 'House of Commons Children, Schools and Families Committee Report into Looked-after Children'

Monday, 20 April 2009 12:00 AM

Today (20 April 2009), TACT welcomed the publication of the Committee's report into looked after children.

The report acknowledges the Government's commitment to improved outcomes for looked after children but criticises inconsistency in practice and policy.

Commenting on the report, TACT Chief Executive, Kevin Williams, who gave evidence to the Committee, said:

"Crucially the Committee recognises that for some children care should be seen as the best option rather than a last resort. A loving and stable fostering environment can transform a child's life."

The report also identifies many of the disadvantages faced by looked after children.
It expresses concerns that in some circumstances local authorities' decisions are motivated by cost. Commenting on this Kevin Williams said:

"Children in care face discrimination across the board in education, health services, housing and in the justice system. Local authorities cutting corners may make short term savings but failing vulnerable children is a long term cost to us all."

Notes to editors

Contact TACT's Executive Director of External Affairs, Gareth Crossman, on 020 8695 8120 for further information.

The Adolescent and Children's Trust (TACT) is the UK's largest charity provider of fostering and adoption services. Our core work involves providing high quality and well supported fostering or adoptive families for children and young people in the care of local authorities. Working in partnership with local authorities from our offices across England, Wales and Scotland, we are dedicated to providing creative, effective and outcome-focused services. We also campaign on behalf of children and young people in care, carers and adoptive families.

TACT called for an enquiry into Looked-after Children in 2007.

ENDS

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