§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 18 July 2002,Official Report, column 540W, how much his Department has spent on recruitment campaigns to encourage people to become involved as foster carers since 1997. [72839]
§ Jacqui SmithSince 1997 the Department has spent £2 million to fund a national foster carer campaign, which was launched in July 2000. The campaign focused on addressing the national shortage of foster carers in England.
Additionally, this Department is currently funding fostering network, a voluntary organisation through the section 64 general scheme grant. The three-year project called placement choice for children aims to work with local authorities on effective foster care recruitment. The three year project which began in 1999 has been funded for £90,000 per year.
§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what change there has been in the number of children being placed in foster care over the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [71737]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 22 July 2002]: The table shows the number of looked after children in foster placements over the past 5 years.
1403W
Number of looked after children in foster placements at 31 March 1997–2001 England Numbers 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Total number of children looked after 51,200 53,300 55,500 58,100 58,900 Of which, total in foster placements 33,500 35,000 36,200 37,900 38,400 Excludes placements forming part of an agreed series of short term placements.