Imaginative intervention from government is needed to solve the nationalshortage of foster carers, said Paul Fallon, director of social servicesat the London Borough of Barnet and the Association of Directors ofSocial Services' lead on out-of-authority placements.
"It's not just about fostering allowances," he said. "House prices inLondon are really high and the one thing you need to foster is a sparebedroom." Fallon's comments follow the on-going row generated by KentChild Protection Committee, which accused London boroughs of "dumping"vulnerable children in the county.
"We have a great deal of sympathy with Kent's concerns but it's not justa London versus Kent issue, there are similar concerns around thecountry where conurbations export children," said Fallon.
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