Improving educational outcomes must be the priority for children in care

The Department for Education and Skills has published the white paper Care Matters. Kate Green, Chief Executive of Child Poverty Action Group said:

"We welcome the Government’s determination to provide additional support for the UK’s most vulnerable group of children. Poverty and lack of support contributes to children moving into care, and poverty is the likely outcome for children living in care. Improving educational outcomes for this group of children must be a priority and CPAG welcomes the Government’s commitment to additional resources to improve educational outcomes.

"CPAG supports the Care Matters emphasis on the need for early intervention and support to keep families together, to reduce the number of disabled children moving into care, and support carers. Ensuring that families and carers access the financial support they need to care for a disabled child should be placed at the heart of a preventative strategy.

"It is regrettable that the white paper does not adequately address the financial needs of young care leavers. It is essential that this very vulnerable group of young people access the benefits and tax credits they need to safeguard them – and their children – from poverty and disadvantage."

Notes to Editors

• CPAG is a member of the Campaign to End Child Poverty
  
• Care Matters: time for change is published by the Department for Education and Skills and is available at http://www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/timeforchange/docs/timeforchange.pdf

For further information please contact:
Paul Dornan
07816 909302