Date: 23rd February 2010

Tories Tell Foster Parents to Fund Own Costs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

At both the Employment Matters Committee, and Cabinet, the Tories agreed that people working with or caring for vulnerable children and adults should pay for their own safety checks.
Against officer advice, it was recommended that all foster carers and adoptive parents, as well as council employees, should fund the cost of their ‘ISA’, the Independent Safeguarding Authority check.
This is despite the warnings that this could mean even fewer people coming forward to work in these areas, which are facing problems recruiting and retaining people already.
Cllr Vince Maple, Labour Spokesperson for Employment Matters said,
“I thought that the report would go through, and cannot believe that the Tories are genuinely proposing that foster parents and people who are adopting should pay their own costs.  It may be ‘only’ £28, but there should be no costs attached to these selfless actions.”
“These checks are important, to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults.  It is a matter of principle that we should pay these ISA costs, to both protect people, and no ensure there are no barriers to people volunteering to care for others.”
“It will be an own goal, as the fewer people come forward, the more it costs the Council.  We’re calling on the Tories to change their minds and pay for ISAs.”

ENDS

For further comment please contact Cllr Vince Maple on Mobile: 07981 661451.  Alternatively contact the Group office on 01634 332393.