Looked after children

On 8 February 2012, our Health and Public Services Committee held a meeting about the experiences and outcomes of London's looked after children.

At the meeting, the Committee heard that the shortage of foster carers can mean that children may be placed with families who are not able to meet their needs, or with families that are not a good match in terms of ethnicity or religion. The shortage can also mean that children are moved more regularly and face disruptions in their education, or face being moved away from their friendship and support networks.

To tackle this issue, our Committee has written to the Mayor, calling for him to liaise with London Councils about the feasibility and benefits of a London-wide campaign to recruit foster carers.

The Committee has now received a response from the Mayor.