The Government’s ambition to recruit 10,000 more foster carers is an important step in the right direction. But recruiting more foster carers is only part of the solution. We also need to look at the system around them. We need better support, smarter use of technology and easier access to information, services and resources. We need to remove the barriers preventing good people from becoming foster carers and make sure those already fostering feel supported, valued and equipped to give children the best possible care. There are incredible people across this country who genuinely want to open their homes, share their lives and give a child the love and stability they deserve. So....we need to make that possible. Let's not just recruit 10,000 more foster carers. Let's build a system that makes those 10,000 opportunities truly life-changing. Children in care are still children

I've always been very clear about where I stand on residential care. First and foremost, we need to invest in recruiting and supporting more foster carers, giving more children the opportunity to grow up in safe, stable and loving family environments. But let's be clear. Residential care will always have a place for children who need it, and when it does, it must provide the highest possible standards of care, love and support. I have nothing against people running successful businesses in children's social care. But I do have a problem with vulnerable children becoming a means for individuals and companies to make millions in excessive profits. There has to be a limit on profit when public money is being spent on caring for vulnerable children. Children are not commodities. Their childhoods are not business opportunities. We should be investing in children's futures, not building fortunes from their vulnerability. And on that, I will not compromise.

Hundreds of young people in our care system are being forced to choose between full-time education and a roof over their heads. One young person I know has a flat funded by the local authority, with a charity topping up the cost. He’s building friendships and continuing his education. He’s finding his feet. Now they want to move him miles away into a shared house with strangers who haven’t been vetted. Why? To save money. How can we expect young people to thrive when we keep taking away their foundations?

Black social workers more likely to face fitness to practise investigations and hearings than white peers - Community Care communitycare.co.uk/content/…