Anne Main calls for action for vulnerable children
9th October 2008
During yesterday's debate on the Children and Young Persons Bill, Anne Main challenged the Government to ensure that the rights of grandparents and other relatives are considered when children are taken into care.
During yesterday's debate on the Children and Young Persons Bill, Anne Main, MP for St Albans, challenged the Government to ensure that the rights of grandparents and other relatives are considered when children are taken into care.
The bill, which has received cross-party support, aims to address areas of policy which are failing looked after children.
During the debate, Anne said:
"May I ask that consideration be given to grandparents and that the terminology for families is looked at as broadly as possible? Too often, grandparents have difficulties maintaining access to grandchildren - in a divorce situation, for example - and the difficulties are manifold in situations such as those that we are discussing."
Upon leaving the chamber, Anne said:
"Sadly, many looked after children experience an extremely turbulent time, especially when they are first taken into care, and stability is something which can be of great benefit.
Whilst access rights for parents are routinely given consideration, the role of the extended family, including "kinship carers", can often be just as important in maintaining stable influences on a child's upbringing. I feel that this must be addressed and I was pleased that there was agreement in the debate on the importance of action in this area.""
