The latest national statistics on Private Fostering arrangements in England produced by the Department for Children, Schools and Families were released on 31 July 2008 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority.
Statistics on Private Fostering arrangements in England: Year ending 31 March 2008 and include data from England. The SFR covers figures on children cared for and accommodated in private fostering arrangements.
The latest statistics report the year ending 31 March 2008 and update those previously released on 8 November 2007.
The key points from the latest release are:
- At 31 March 2008, 1,330 children were reported as being cared for and accommodated in private fostering arrangments in England. This compares with 1,250 children reported at 31 March 2007 and 980 at 31 March 2006.
- 1,560 new private fostering arrangements began during the year to 31 March 2008, and 1,170 private fostering arrangements ended during the year.
- Of the number of cases where action was taken in accordance with requirements for carrying out visits, 78% were subject to action within 7 working days; in 2007 this figure was 69%.
