Foster Care (Hansard, 12 March 2003)

§ Tim Loughton
To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 25 February 2003, on foster care allowance, why information is not held centrally with reference to his answer to question number 96092. [100691]

§ Jacqui Smith
Data on fostering allowances are not collected centrally. The setting of fostering allowance levels by local authorities is a matter for local decision. The choice protects review is looking at all aspects of the fostering service, and is working closely with stakeholders.

§ Tim Loughton
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children are in foster care with(a) direct local authority foster carers and (b) foster carers from independent fostering agencies. [100777]
341W

§ Jacqui Smith
The latest information available on looked after children in foster care with foster carers provided by the local council responsible for the child and with foster carers arranged through external agencies is shown in the table.

Number of looked after children in foster care in England at 31 March 2001, by type of foster placement

At 31 March 2001 Number

All children in foster placements¹ 38,400

Of which:

Placement provided by council responsible for the child 28,100

Placement arranged through external agency 3,700

Child fostered with relative or friend 6,600

¹ Figures exclude children looked after under an agreed series of short term placements

Number of looked after children in foster care in England at 31 March 2001, by type of foster placement
At 31 March 2001	Number
All children in foster placements¹	38,400
Of which:
Placement provided by council responsible for the child	28,100
Placement arranged through external agency	3,700
Child fostered with relative or friend	6,600
¹ Figures exclude children looked after under an agreed series of short term placements