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Children and Young Persons Bill [HL]

I thank all noble Lords for supporting this important amendment. The Minister said that this issue came before the House three months ago and he is right. At that time my noble friend Lady Anelay of St Johns said that we would take every opportunity we could to press this amendment, and that is exactly what we are doing. We shall continue to do so until the Government accept it. I can understand other departments being more wary but this, after all, is the Department for Children, Schools and Families, where the interests of all children should be paramount. It does not matter where a child has come from, how they got here or where they may eventually end up; while they are here they should be afforded the value, care and love we so happily give to our own children. The amendment sends out an important message, a visible sign, that these children matter. I urge the Minister to give the matter careful consideration before Report stage. As Arnie Schwarzenegger said, ““We will be back””. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendments Nos. 22B and 22C not moved.] Clause 7 [Support for children placed with family or friends]: