Child care targets 'being missed'

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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. The chief executive of the Fostering Network charity, Robert Tapsfield, said this was an "outrage" and the government and local authorities should have done much more. It is estimated that there is a shortage of more than 8,000 foster carers. Pam Hibbert, of children's charity Barnardo's, said it is difficult for children in care to "invest" and get "attached" because they are "constantly moving". 'Higher standards' Both charities and the government agree that stability is key for success for looked-after children as moving makes it more difficult for them to succeed educationally and socially. Last year, only 12% of children in care achieved five A*-C passes at GCSE compared to 59% of all children. The Children and Young Persons Bill gives councils powers to organise care in different ways and ensure children do not move schools in Years 10 and 11, except in exceptional circumstances.