Motion NDM7287 Darren Millar

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales;

1. Notes the Public Accounts Committee’s report into care experienced children and young people and the Ministerial Advisory Group for Improving Outcomes for Children Programme’s Annual Report 2019.

2. Further notes that the life chances of looked-after children and care leavers are significantly poorer than those children who are not in care.

3. Regrets that the number of looked after children in Wales has risen by 34 per cent in the last 15 years, and that nearly 10 per cent of children in care have been in three or more placements.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to:   

a) urgently review local authority plans on reducing the numbers of looked-after children;  

b) assist local authorities in recruiting 550 Welsh foster families to cover the gaps found by the Fostering Network;

c) investigate financial and rehabilitative support available to adoptive parents; and

d) ensure the roll out of access to free positive parenting courses to be offered for all parents and guardians across Wales.