Fostering News: Don't Move Me to be debated in Parliament

An amendment to ensure that young people in England can stay with their foster carers post 18 is being debated in Parliament this afternoon as part of the Children and Families Bill.

The Fostering Network has worked with Paul Goggins MP to table amendment NC4, Continuing support for former foster children which if made into law would allow all fostered young people the chance to remain with their foster carers until the age of 21 (if both parties were in agreement).

Vicki Swain, campaigns manager at the Fostering Network, said: “This amendment has already had the most MPs sign up to support it out of any of those tabled to the Children and Families Bill, which recognises the importance of continuing care and support that foster families can provide.

“I also want to offer a huge thank you to the foster carers, care leavers and members of the public who have got behind the amendment and lobbied their MPs for support.

“This is only a small step on a long road, but it has shone a light on the fact that our care leavers must be supported by their ultimate corporate parents, the Government.

“If the amendment is unsuccessful in the House of Commons, then we will take the campaign to the House of Lords.

“We will keep trying to make positive change and to help provide better futures for young people in foster care.”

The Fostering Network has pushed for this amendment as part of the charity’s Don’t Move Me campaign. You can still visit and share dontmoveme.org.uk and let your MP know that you want them to support some of our society’s most vulnerable teenagers.


Source: www.fostering.net/news/2013/dont-move-me-be-debated-in-parliament#.UcgiBvm1F8G

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