Government must be 'pushy parent' for children in care

At present the state is failing in its parental role because it is too timid in demanding that the health, criminal justice and asylum systems give special consideration to children in care, the group said.

The Children, Schools and Families Committee warns in a report published today that luck continues to play too big a role in determining how a looked-after - or a former looked-after - young person's life turns out, with inadequate protections against the risk of offending, sexual exploitation or homelessness.

Social workers and foster carers - who are "undervalued and overburdened" - also need to be given the right backing to allow them to respond to the needs of children in care in a more parent-like manner, it added.

Barry Sheerman MP, the chairman of the committee, said: "Children should not have to feel lucky if they get a decent break in care; they should have that as a right.

"The government needs to make sure social workers are well-trained and resourced, and have the time to build relationships with children and families. My personal view is that we need a whole rebranding of the social work profession."

The report also argued that the inspection framework for the care system is not good enough. "We must make sure that inspection is not just a paperwork exercise," said Sheerman.