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Children in Public Care
There are about 80,000 children in the care of local authorities in the UK. Under national legislation where children cannot live with their birth parents, the preferred option is to place the child with extended family, if appropriate, and if this is not possible, every effort should be made to keep contact between children and family members. However, if family members reside in another country, many children are at risk of losing contact with them. Research shows that there is a disproportionate number of children in longterm care from ethnic minority backgrounds, and whilst the majority of these come from families who have been settled in the UK for some time, others still have close relatives abroad. Attempts are not always made to see whether there are family members overseas who could offer a home to a child, or at least offer a link with the family's country of origin, culture, language and lifestyle.
The Role of CFAB
Through its partners CFAB can arrange for the tracing of relatives overseas and for the establishment of contact between children in care and these relatives. If appropriate, CFAB can ask for an assessment of the home environment overseas with a view to the child being placed or returned there, and make the appropriate arrangements for the child to be received, supported and protected.
Richard & Susan
Two British children, Richard and Susan, were removed from their mother's care in Australia and were placed in foster care. Through CFAB the Court were able to obtain assessments on several relatives in the UK, and their capability to provide long term care for the children. Subsequently, the children were returned to the UK and are now living happily with their grandmother.
Telisha
Telisha is an eight year old child of Jamaican origin. Telisha's mother decided to study in the UK and after some time Telisha came to visit her mother during the school holidays. Sadly during the visit Telisha's mother died unexpectedly and Telisha came to the attention of a Local Authority. The Local Authority was unsure what to do so contacted CFAB for help. ISS UK was able to contact its correspondent agency in Jamaica and with their help find Telisha's grandmother. Telisha is now living happily with her grandmother in Jamaica who sends CFAB regular updates on Telisha's development.
Useful Links
Department for Children, Schools and Families
British Association for Adoption & Fostering
Commission for Social Care Inspection