The committee was concerned that many vulnerable children were missing school and regular contact with services, while safeguarding referrals had fallen. The Welsh Government planned to expand its definition of vulnerability and give local authorities flexibility to offer places to children on the edge of care, while continuing to assess cases and maintain contact.

For children in foster care, support included guidance for foster carers and an extended Fostering Network helpline. Some local authorities paid retainers or increased financial support for carers, but there was concern about whether carers who could no longer foster temporarily, or who faced extra expenses, were receiving adequate help.