The proposal to charge parents for the costs of children's care is driven by Derbyshire council's unprecedented financial challenges, aiming to alleviate stress on children's services.
The Family Rights Group charity warns that this move could undermine family unity, intensify conflicts between parents and social workers, and possibly lead to increased long-term costs.
The Conservative-led council argues that enforcing a charge would motivate parents to take responsibility, thereby reducing burgeoning demand for foster care services.
This charging policy is rare, though councils are permitted under the 1989 Children's Act, primarily intended for short-term care situations where parents are unable to provide safe care.
#childrens-services #local-authority-care #financial-challenges #parental-responsibility #social-work
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