Government fails to meet fostering target

The statistics published by the Department of Children Schools and Families revealed that just 67 per cent of children aged 16 or under were in the same placement for at least two years. In 2004 the government set a target of 80 per cent by 2008.

The network’s chief executive Robert Tapsfield said: “It is disappointing that the government has not met this important target. In fact there has been hardly any improvement since 2004. It is critical to a child’s wellbeing and development that they have the stability at home and school that will enable them to succeed in later life.”

The high number of children being forced into independent living before they are ready was another major concern, the network said. Only 9 per cent of 19 year olds in care when they were 16 continue to live in supported placements with foster carers and only 7 per cent of those in care at 16 have gone on to higher education.

Tapsfield said the network would be making further recommendations to government as the third reading of the Children and Young Person’s Bill approaches. He added: “The government must make it possible for young people in foster care to stay with their foster carers when they reach 18.”

The government figures also show a “worrying increase” in the number of looked after children being placed with foster carers outside their local authority, leading to “more disruption in a child’s life”.