In August 2021, we worked with Tulip Siddiq, MP, to pose a Written Parliamentary Question to the Department for Education regarding the process for tracking outcomes for Looked After Children who have placements abroad.  Such outcome tracking is undertaken for children in England, to ensure placements are fit for purpose.  

The Minister for Children, Vicky Ford, responded that the Department tracks the country of placement, but no mention was made about the outcomes for these placements. To see the full response, click here.  While the answer was not sufficient, we were pleased with Ms Ford’s statement that “[t]he statutory responsibilities for looked after children remain with the placing local authority and Directors of Children’s Services who must approve all distant placements.”  This is a clear message, and the first time we have seen this from the Department; placing local authorities must not use lack of jurisdiction as an excuse not to ensure the well-being of a child in a placement overseas.  We will be working with Ms Siddiq’s office to continue to highlight that lack of care for or support of children in multinational families.  For more information on our Safe, Secure and Thriving campaign, click here.