Labour

Need to ensure that children's care homes are of a high quality and are effective - Twigg

Stephen Twigg MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, commenting on the Government’s response to The Report of the Joint Inquiry into Children Who Go Missing from Care (published on June 18, 2012) and the report from Sue Berelowitz, the Deputy Children’s Commissioner (published today), said: 
 
"The recent cases in Rochdale have highlighted failings in the care system.

"If we are to judge society by how we treat our most vulnerable, then it is clear on this evidence that we are letting down some of those most in need. The report from the Joint Inquiry into Children Who Go Missing from Care made some very positive recommendations, some of which were raised in the debate in the House of Commons on June 13. I welcome that the Government has taken forward these recommendations and is consulting on how it can best address the issues raised.

"We need to get to the bottom of why so many children are placed in care homes in different areas away from where they previously lived.

"It is clear that where agencies are failing to share data in a secure way on children in care, that children can be put at risk. This must end. We also need to be sure that children’s care homes are of a high quality and are effective. I look forward to seeing the Government’s plans for addressing these issues, following its consultation. I want to pay tribute to the work of the Joint Inquiry and the Deputy Children’s Commissioner for their crucial work in this very important area."