Petition · Department for Education

Require Local Authorities return children when original concerns no longer apply

Closed 78 signatures

What the petition asks

We want the Government to change the law so that children cannot remain in foster care when the original concerns that led to their removal have been proven to no longer apply.
Families across the UK are experiencing long delays, incomplete assessments, or outdated worries being repeatedly relied on even after risks have been addressed.

We ask for a statutory duty requiring Local Authorities and social workers to promptly re-assess family members, prioritise family care, and return children when it is safe and proportionate to do so.

Timeline

16 Jan 2026 Petition opened for signatures
16 Jul 2026 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 78
Status Closed
Department Department for Education
Opened 16 Jan 2026
Closed 16 Jul 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Aug 2026.