In March 2024, there were 83,630 children in care in England, many of whom were vulnerable and had complex needs. Local authorities are legally responsible for ensuring their care, safety, and wellbeing, which includes providing suitable accommodation.
This report looks at how the Department for Education (DfE) has responded to the difficulties local authorities face in finding affordable, high-quality residential care for children in care in England.
The report:
-Outlines the needs and characteristics of children in care, and explains how the residential care system currently operates in terms of costs and outcomes
-Explores the main factors driving up residential care costs
-Reviews the DfE’s understanding, strategy, and actions in helping local authorities meet their legal duty to provide housing for children in care
Watch a video from Become Charity and BBC Breakfast with Ezra, a care leaver, speaking about the report
Read the report here
