In the few years since Arthur’s diagnosis Kim discovered her little boy was happiest outside, completely in his element when he was outdoors, in the fresh air. The garden became an open sensory room, with many sounds and smells appealing to him along with finding many different areas to explore. Arthur is instantly calmed and at ease in the […]
Cafcass care application stats
Cafcass has published its monthly care application statistics for England. In March 2016, Cafcass received a total of 1,221 care applications. This figure represents a 14% increase compared to those received in March 2015. Click here for stats […]
Increase in unaccompanied child asylum seekers
The Guardian reports on the increase in numbers of unaccompanied child asylum seekers, some of a very young age, arriving in Britain. Issues raised include pressure on local authorities; health screening including for post-traumatic stress; possible sexual exploitation. Click here to view the article […]
Mental health of looked-after children
Parliament 25 April 2016 Mental health of looked-after children: Committee announces report publication The Education Committee publishes its Fourth Report of Session 2015-16, “Mental health and well-being of looked-after children” on Thursday 28 April 2016. http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/education-committee/news-parliament-2015/mental-health-report-publication-announcement15-16/ […]
Children in Care: Teenage Pregnancy Risk
A review of academic papers and research, published by Coram, looking at the teenage pregnancy risk among children in care and care leavers finds that non-targeted methods to prevent unplanned pregnancy did not help prevent pregnancy and childbirth for young women with experience of care. The research looks at the reasons why care-experienced children and […]
Children’s Homes Criminalising Children
Research by the Howard league for Penal Reform finds that children living in children’s homes are being criminalised at excessively high rates compared to other children, including those in other types of care. The report, ‘Criminal care: children’s homes and criminalising children’, draws on Department for Education statistics, which indicate that about 4 per cent […]
Special Guardianship Statistics 2015
Figures published by the Ministry of Justice show that 5,386 children were involved in special guardianship orders (public law orders) made in family courts in England and Wales in 2015, compared with 4,835 in 2014 – an increase of 11.4 per cent. For more information see Table 4 of the Family Court tables spreadsheet on […]
Celebrity fostering ambassador duo Lydia Rose Bright & Debbie Douglas encourage people to call Fosterline during Foster Care Fortnight
Watch Video Here Debbie Douglas, and her daughter, Lydia Rose Bright from the popular TV show – The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE), are newly appointed fostering ambassadors for the Department for Education (DfE). Debbie has been a foster carer for 22 years, and Lydia has grown up sharing her home with foster children. […]
‘Culturally appropriate’ carers
Judge says children in care should be with ‘culturally appropriate’ carers A High Court judge said children taken from their parents should be placed with ‘culturally appropriate’ carers, following a ruling involving a Portsmouth family. Mr Justice Baker said social workers are in danger of not appreciating the importance of children’s culture and religion. The […]
Do you believe your sexuality is a barrier to fostering?
Can you make a difference to a child’s life just like Rolfe and Alan? Can you foster? Can you change lives? Test your eligibility to foster and take this quick survey. We are Rolfe Pearce and Alan Wood and we were presented with the Foster Carers of Distinction Award at the FosterTalk Foster Carer Awards […]