More support is needed for our kids in care

More than 1,300 children in Manchester are living in the city's care system - a seven per cent increase on last year. More children in care means that the system is coming under more pressure, local politicians have warned. MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East, Mike Kane, is calling for more government support to help the sector.

THE festive season has been a time for families to spend quality time together and should be a time of joy for children. But for the 1,385 children in care in Manchester, there is no such guarantee.

The recent John Lewis advert shone a positive light on the care system with a prospective foster father bonding with his foster daughter over skateboarding.

But for children in care in Manchester, more support is needed for them to have the happy childhood that they deserve and for them to reach their full potential once they reach adulthood.

As in many areas of life, the pandemic had a negative impact on the care system. The latest government statistics show that there has been a 7 per cent increase in the number of children in Manchester who have entered the care system.

More children in care means more pressure on the care system, something that we must get right if we are to improve the life outcomes for vulnerable these children.