Lifeline service axed (From Penarth Times)

Lifeline service axed

A VITAL support programme for foster carers in the Vale of Glamorgan looks certain to be axed in September.

The Children's First programme provides educational and healthcare support for families in the Vale looking after foster children.

The seven-member health team, made up of nurses and medical practitioners, is set to be disbanded in September.

A spokesperson for Vale of Glamorgan Local Health Board said: "We can confirm that changes in the way funding is allocated by the Vale Council has had an impact upon the Children's First Initiative and the financial support it receives.

"However, the Vale of Glamorgan Local Health Board and Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust are working together to provide these children with the best care possible within existing resources.

"Since April 2005, the LHB has been working with the Trust in integrating the Children's First health team to maintain the current nurse-led service. This will continue to ensure children can receive this vital support."

Tony Young, head of Children's Services at the Vale Council, said: "Previously all local authorities received a grant directly from the Welsh Assembly Government for Children's First programmes.

"That changed this year and in March we informed the local health board and NHS trust that we felt they should pick up the bill for the health-side of the programme. We wanted to direct resources to other priority areas."

A foster carer in the Vale of Glamorgan, who wished to remain anonymous to protect the identities of the three children currently in her care, said: "I have been a foster carer for the past nine years. I am extremely concerned to hear that the health team looks set to be axed.