News

MPs are recognising the rise in children needing foster homes and urging the Government to prioritise funding for children in care when considering future spending plans, by signing an early day motion.

Six leading child care charities have joined forces to call on the Government to ensure children in care remain a funding priority and to stress that cuts would be devastating to fostered children.

Chief executives from the Fostering Network, Action for Children, Voice, TACT, A National Voice and The Who Cares? Trust have signed an open letter ahead of tomorrow’s budget.

The Fostering Network Wales has received funding for a new project to reduce isolation felt by many foster carers and encourage them to play a more active role in developing foster care policy.

The Fostering Network Scotland has welcomed the Government’s publication of guidance on recent fostering legislation, but remains disappointed over some key omissions.

This year’s Foster Care Fortnight saw government ministers, the media, foster carers, young people and fostering services join the Fostering Network to call for more people to come forward and consider a career in fostering.

The Northern Ireland Executive has welcomed the issue of revised regional guidance for social workers and foster carers who look after young people after the age of 18, providing them with up to date and relevant information that will enable them to support and plan effectively for those in their care.

As part of its initial steps to tackle the budget deficit, the Government has announced it intends to bring an end to Child Trust Funds in January 2011. From 1 August 2010 the Government plans to reduce contributions from birth and stop payments at the age of seven.

A successful and pioneering project that helps foster carers across England have a stronger voice in their local communities starts today, following a new grant awarded by the Big Lottery Fund.