Child care targets missed

Child care targets missed

Only two local authorities in England have so far met targets this year on the welfare of children in care, the BBC has learned.

The government wanted 80% of the under-16s in long-term care to have the chance to live in the same place for two years or be placed in adoption.

But charities say thousands of the 60,000 children in care are being moved between homes.
The Children and Young Persons Bill is intended to provide quality support.

Information obtained by the BBC under the Freedom of Information Act revealed that officials thought it "highly unlikely" the government target would be met by next year. In 2007 only two councils - West Berkshire and Havering - have achieved it.

Child care targets 'being missed' (BBC News, 19 November 2007)