Comment: international placements for children in care

Commenting on FOI request findings on the use of international placements for children in care, Sara Tough, Chair of the ADCS Families, Communities and Young People Policy Committee, said:

“Child protection cases with an international element are complex, not least because countries will have their own child protection systems and processes. Obtaining assessments for family members that meet the requirements of key tests in British law can be both difficult and time consuming, however, this should not prevent local authorities from exploring prospective carers as an option when this is in the best interests of the child. Positively, the report notes that more children in care had family abroad explored as potential carers in 2018-2020 than in 2015-2017, which shows local authorities continue to consider international placements as an option, even in the context of a global health crisis. As with other care proceedings we are involved in, the ultimate test is making sure children’s needs can be met, now and in the future. It is also important, where possible, to involve children and young people in decisions about their lives, children may not want to move away from the places and people they know and love.”

ENDS

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