Mayor could promote fostering to help London’s children in care, Assembly hears

9 FEBRUARY 2012

The Mayor could help children in care in London through a campaign to recruit more foster carers and help promote best practice across the capital, experts have told the London Assembly[1].

The Assembly’s Health and Public Services Committee was told how London, like the rest of the UK, has a shortage of foster carers[2].

Robert Tapsfield, of the Fostering Network, said in London this may be because of the levels of fees and allowances, the support available to carers, and the public profile of fostering, plus housing issues such as families not having a spare room to accommodate a child.

He suggested the Mayor could play a strategic role in helping recruit more foster carers through a London-wide campaign to make best use of resources as part of a long-term strategy.  

Victoria Borwick, Chair of the Health and Public Services Committee, said:

“Children in care are often very vulnerable and foster families play a hugely important role in helping to improve their chances in life.  News today that the number of children in England taken into care has hit a record high makes this issue even more pressing.

“London is facing a shortage of carers and we heard that the Mayor may be able to help boost numbers through a London-wide recruitment campaign. He could also help promote best practice across the capital.

“That way, despite a difficult start in life, these children can still go on to fulfil their true potential.”

Members also discussed how the experiences of children in care can vary widely across the capital. 

Andrew Fraser, of the Association of London Directors of Children’s Services, said this may because of different practices across the boroughs, suggesting there may be benefits from bringing together all sectors to share best practice across London.

For example the Committee heard how schemes such as the Ealing Horizon Centre, which continues to support and help young people after the age of 18, could be rolled out across London. This service addresses the difficulties many young people in foster and residential homes can face accessing housing and support with education when they move on from care.

The success of the Mayor’s ‘Wise Up’ events demonstrated the need for providing careers advice and raising the aspirations of children in care[3] and guests highlighted the importance of ongoing support to young people after 18 years of age.

Notes for Editors:

  1. See the full agenda or watch the webcast of the meeting which took place at City Hall on 8 February.
  2. Reports suggest that in 2011 there was a shortage of 2,000 foster carers in London with the greatest lack being for teenagers aged 11-15 years old.
  3. See more information about ‘Wise Up’ events, part of the Mayor’s Scholars Programme, which aims to improve outcomes for children in care, from school attendance and attainment to jobs.
  4. Nationally, last month, local authorities applied to the courts to take 903 children into care - the highest figure since the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) was set up in 2001.
  5. The Chair of the Health and Public Services Committee, Victoria Borwick AM, is available for interview.  See contact details below.
  6. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.

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