§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many local authorities are not fulfilling their statutory obligations to provide regular visits to children in their care; and what steps he is taking to enforce those obligations.
§ Mr. MoyleLocal authorities have a statutory duty to ensure that children in their care who are boarded out with foster parents receive visits at prescribed intervals. Shortage of social workers may make it difficult for some local authorities to carry out all their responsibilities, including these visits. To examine the implementation of these requirements from time to time is part of the task of my social work service.