A number of children’s rights groups have criticised the Government’s decision to release children from care and support, calling it a “deliberate act of desperation”.
The Children’s Rights Law Centre (CRL) and the National Association for Children in Care (NACCC) have both called for the Government to review its plans.
NACCC president Anne-Marie Murphy said: “This release plan is deeply disappointing.
It has the potential to cause harm to children.
It will make children’s lives even harder for them, because they will not know where to turn if they need to go home or stay with friends.”
The Department for Education says it is working with a number of organisations to ensure the release of children will not impact on children’s education.
A spokesperson said: This is not an immediate priority.
The release plan will be reviewed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and will then be assessed for possible impact on the welfare of children.
In a statement the DWP said: A child will be released if: a) they are unable to attend due to an illness or disability, or b) they have no income and are unable, for whatever reason, to pay for their own travel.
They will then remain in care until they can be reintegrated into the community.
It is estimated that in total, over 300 children will remain in foster homes across the UK.
They are typically aged between two and 18 years old.
The Government says that in addition to providing them with support, the release plan includes provisions for their welfare, including financial and support.
What is the Child Protection and Support Order?
The Child Protection Order is a landmark civil order that gives protection to children from abuse and neglect and ensures they are not put at risk of physical harm or harm to their health.
It comes into force in January 2018.
The order gives police the power to make arrests, if they suspect that a child has been a victim of serious child abuse.
It gives the police powers to make an arrest without a warrant, which can lead to children being taken into care.
What are the consequences of being released?
If a child’s release is approved by the DPA and the police, they can go home to their parents.
The parents of a child who has been released under the order are entitled to be reimbursed by the Government if they cannot make arrangements to meet the child.
The DPA is also responsible for any care or support arrangements a child may need after their release.
How can I find out if my child is still in care?
The DWP says it does not provide any information about children’s welfare.
It also says that the DPS does not track who is in care and who is not.
However, it is a common practice for the DPs to track who the children in care are, who is attending care and when and where they go.
The Department of Health (DOH) says it will not be providing further information on who is still on support, where the children are and whether they have any contact with children.
If you are concerned about your child or want to make a complaint, call the DHP on 0845 672 533.
If a police officer is investigating an allegation of child abuse or neglect, they may request information about a person in care.
If there is no court case, the DPP will not normally be involved in the case.
What if I have concerns about a child or the circumstances of their release?
You can make a formal complaint to the Child Rights Unit on the DPI website, or call 0300 123 694.
A CPS team will investigate your complaint.
If the police have not found any evidence of child sexual exploitation, the child can be referred to the Serious Organised Crime Unit for further investigations.
How do I lodge a complaint?
The Department has an online form for people to register their concerns.
You can also contact the Child Abuse and Neglect team at 0300123 694 to speak to a team.
What does the Child Support Agency (CSA) do?
The CSA, which is responsible for children’s social services, is responsible to the Children’s Commissioner for children in the care system.
The CCA’s primary function is to provide support and services to children and young people.
It oversees a number and categories of children, including carers, carers-to-be and the children and family support.
It ensures that children in a child protection context have a safe, secure and caring home environment, including by protecting children from violence, neglect and abuse.
The role of the CSA in a children’s protection context includes providing information, referrals, support and training to the carer, the care worker, the primary carer and the young person.
The Child Support Service (CSS) is responsible in all aspects of the children’s care and protection system.
It provides services for people aged between four and 16 years old and includes specialist services including: the provision