Evidence of foster carers being "blackmailed" by social workers to take children was also uncovered. Vicky Swain, campaigns manager for the Fostering Network, said some foster carers spoke of social workers trying to "guilt trip" them into taking a child they were not approved for by saying the child had nowhere else to go. "Experienced foster carers can resist the pressure and say no, less experienced ones find this harder," she said.
The problem is compounding the shortage of foster carers. "Foster carers are leaving because they can't cope," said Swain.
Ian Johnston, director of the British Association of Social Workers, said he was "extremely concerned" by the findings. "It is quite unsatisfactory that foster parents should be used for children they're not approved for, no matter how difficult a situation the local authority is facing.
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