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Child care targets 'being missed' Child care targets 'being missed'
(20 minutes later)
Only two local authorities have so far met targets this year on the welfare of children in care, the BBC has learned. 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.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 are being moved between homes. But charities say thousands of the 60,000 children in care are being moved between homes.
There are 60,000 young people in care in England. The government says the new Children and Young Persons Bill aims to ensure high quality future support. 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.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.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.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.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''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.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.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.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.
It says young people should not be "forced out of care before they are ready" and calls for higher standards for those children placed in care.It says young people should not be "forced out of care before they are ready" and calls for higher standards for those children placed in care.
Charities welcome the bill but fear it will not go far enough in supporting young people who are expected to leave care at 18.Charities welcome the bill but fear it will not go far enough in supporting young people who are expected to leave care at 18.
Statistics show these youngsters are over-represented in the prison population and mental health facilities.Statistics show these youngsters are over-represented in the prison population and mental health facilities.
Being able to stay with their carers until 21, charities say, would give young people a better chance of success in later life.Being able to stay with their carers until 21, charities say, would give young people a better chance of success in later life.