BBC News Channel
Extend foster care, say charities
A group of charities are calling on the government to extend the time foster children in England can remain in care from 18 years of age to 21.
In an open letter to the Children's Secretary, Ed Balls, 12 charities say forcing children to "go it alone" too early can lead to a life of poverty.
The letter, from The Fostering Network, coincides with the second reading of the Children and Young Persons Bill.
The government says it will give money to pilot schemes to tackle this issue.
More than 190 MPs have signed an early day motion calling on the government to ensure young people in care are offered support, including the chance to remain in care, until they are 21.
Currently, English local authorities have a duty of care until the child is 18.
The average age for leaving home for young people who live with their own families is 24.
Currently, some 42,000 children live with around 37,000 foster families in England on any one day.
Andrew Mulley, a teenager who's been in foster care for four years, told BBC News: "I have quite high ambition in life and I need the education to excel where I want to be.
"The funding is the key part of getting that education and as soon as that stops I may have to come out of education and work full-time to make ends meet."
Ban on smokers?
Smokers in a north-east London borough will not be able to foster children from January 2010 - unless there are "exceptional circumstances".
The ban was passed on Tuesday evening by Redbridge councillors who voted unanimously in favour of the policy.
Redbridge Council wants to protect children from "the damaging effects of passive and second-hand smoke".
The Fostering Network said it was concerned the policy could prevent good people from becoming foster parents.
Cabinet member for children, Tory councillor, Michael Stark, said: "We know this is a difficult issue because some people will feel it is an intrusion on personal freedoms, but we also know that smoking increases the risk of serious illness in childhood."
A spokesman for the national charity Fostering Network said: "We certainly view this as a good move in terms of creating a smoke-free environment for a child, but we don't agree that a blanket ban on any smokers becoming foster carers is the right thing."
Editor comment
Although we agree a smoke free home is best; there are over five thousand more foster carers needed in England therefore if this is at the expense of even one abused child not having a safe home, we say 'think again Redbridge'.
Editorial
The Government recommend that people interested in caring for children should contact more than one Fostering or Adoption Agency.
