Families who own dogs and wish to become adoptive parents or foster carers are finding it increasingly difficult to be approved by social workers and local authorities.
Statistics published at the beginning of this year revealed that dog attacks increased by six per cent in England last year, prompting social workers to increasingly view dogs as a potential risk to children in care. Local authorities had already adopted this approach towards breeds named in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, but owners of breeds such as Alsatians, Border Collies and Bulldogs have also begun to be turned away.
It was reported that larger dogs in particular have been viewed as a nuisance, as there may be concerns about hygiene and they are seen as incompatible with children, particularly those under 11.
The British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) says some advisers in the adoption process had assumed potential carers would choose to get rid of their pets and had not understood that some families may be unwilling to do so.
Concerns have been raised about the news that dog owners are not being approved as carers as there is already a significant shortage of foster carers in England and an increasing number of children in care.
The BAAF have published new guidelines in response to the news, encouraging social workers to adopt “proportionate” policies to assess the risk of dogs and its relationship to a potential carer’s suitability.
It comes after a report this month revealed that Middlesbrough has twice the national average number of looked-after children. This refers to children who are in some form of care or the subject of child protection plans. The report found that Middlesbrough had 118.85 children per 10,000 in care, compared to 60 per 10,000 for the national average. It stated that Middlesbrough had always had a high amount of looked-after children but that it has increased recently and is significantly higher than other areas in the North-East.
As part of plans to reduce these figures, Middlesbrough Council wants to raise the amount of foster carers in the borough, increase adoptions by 50 per cent and build another children’s home in the town.
Rebecca Montague, of Macks Solicitors, said: “In most cases a much loved family pet can bring a lot of benefits and enjoyment. “However, I see this as a positive step to help prioritise child safety. An assessment should be made to ensure that the future carers are responsible dog owners. “Children are very vulnerable and their safety needs to be of paramount concern. Using the law to claim compensation hopefully should be the last resort.”
Macks Solicitors have personal injury lawyers who are specialised in dealing with dog bite claims. If you or your child is attacked by an out of control dog, you may be able to claim compensation for the injuries sustained.
Dog attacks can have a significant psychological impact on an individual, particularly if the victim is a child. You can contact our personal injury solicitors on 01642 252 828, or call in to one of our offices in Middlesbrough, Darlington, or Redcar.
