FAMILY AND FRIENDS CARERS

Early day motion 2170, tabled 27 October 2009 by Terry Rooney (Labour). Signed by 71 members.

That this House congratulates the Kinship Care Alliance on its parliamentary lobby and campaign for greater recognition for family and friends carers; recalls that this directly affects at least 200,000 families; recognises that many of the children in these families have had multiple adverse experiences similar to those in foster care, such as parental drug or alcohol misuse, domestic violence, abuse or neglect, imprisonment or the illness and death of a parent; notes that three out of four families in this situation also experience financial hardship; expresses concern that despite the fact that family and friends carers are keeping children out of the care system, they often receive little or no support from their local authority; and calls on the Government to ensure that all family and friends carers and the children they care for receive the help and support they need.

Signatures by party: Labour 48, Liberal Democrat 13, Conservative 2, DUP 2, Independent 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1.