WIREDGOV

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children, Young People and Families Committee, responded to a report by the Public Accounts Committee on children’s care homes, and children placed in unregistered care settings

“With more children needing help with increasingly complex and challenging needs, what is most important is ensuring they get the best care and support. No council wants to place a child in an unregistered setting, and it is extremely concerning that in many cases, a lack of choice means provision is not fully meeting children’s needs. 

“The astronomical cost of care placements also means there is less money available for councils to spend on earlier support for children and families. 

“It is absolutely vital that the entire sector works together to ensure that we have enough homes that can meet children’s needs. This includes central and local government, Ofsted, the NHS and providers in all sectors.”

PAC Report : Hundreds of vulnerable children placed in illegal homes for months by care system