GETTING IT RIGHT: Policy and practice for children living with family and friends carers

A one day seminar that will present important new research findings and consider how local authorities can effectively fulfil their statutory duties in a harsh financial climate. For more information please visit our training and events page.

21st March 2012, York, 28th March 2012, Birmingham, 30th March 2012, London

NEW COURSE Family and Friends Care: what lawyers and legal advisers need to know

We are delighted to be running a Family and Friends Care Training Seminar, hosted by Withers LLP. The seminar would benefit solicitors, barristers or other legal advisers involved in advising relatives and friends who take on the care of other people's children.

7th March, 2012, London

Family Rights Group chief executive, Cathy Ashley’s response to the record numbers of children being referred into care:

Ms Ashley said: “The system can not cope with these numbers of children going into care. It’s been well reported that there’s a shortage of foster carers and there are huge delays in the court system, consequently many children end up going through multiple moves, which can have a devastating impact on their lives.

“Our experience at Family Rights Group shows there are a number of effective alternatives that can have a positive impact on reducing the number of children going into care, while ensuring the child’s safety.

“Firstly, Cafcass’s research highlights children are being taken away because of neglect. Providing parents, who may be struggling with their children for multiple reasons, with much greater help and support at an early stage can bring dramatic changes that prevent problems from escalating helping ensure their children remain safely with them. This was supported by the president of the Association of Director of Children’s Services.

“Secondly, our work shows that local authorities are still not fully exploring and supporting alternative family and friend options such as placing the children into the care of a grandparent, aunt or uncle, older sibling or close friend who can give the child the security, continuity and love they so desperately need. Family group conferences are an extremely effective way of identifying who in the wider family could take on the care of children if they can’t live with their parents - but only a minority of families are being offered this option.

“Thirdly, a lack of cooperation is a key reason why children end up in care proceedings and Family Rights Group is very effective at addressing that. Our work with families show when parents are subject to child protection enquiries by children’s services they tend to get angry, upset and are unable to hear what they’re being told by social workers and an antagonistic relationship develops. Our advice and advocacy services dramatically changes the dynamic between the two parties. Parents can have their voice heard and can hear, and therefore address, children’s services’ concerns.”