§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many placements of foster children have taken place in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [61358]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 17 July 2002]: The data available is shown in the table.
Estimated number of placements in foster care starting during the years ending 31 March 1997 to 2001 England Number Year Number of foster placements 1997 59,400 1998 60,000 1999 57,500 2000 56,900 2001 49,000 Notes:
The above table excludes children looked after under a series of short term placements
It will also be noted that the fall in the number of foster placements starting in any one year is mirrored by the increase in their duration. That is, in any one year, whilst there are fewer placements, they last longer.