By Gavin Mackintosh-
A new report from Ofsted has raised alarming concerns over the struggle local authorities face in finding suitable homes for children with complex needs, leaving many waiting for months or even years for stable placements.
The report, titled ‘How local authorities and children’s homes can achieve stability and permanence for children with complex needs,’ highlights the risks associated with children living alone in homes, often with high staff numbers, emphasizing the potential for isolation and vulnerability to mistreatment.
AD: Capeesh Restaurant
According to the findings based on case studies and a national survey, local authorities sometimes resort to undesirable placements, including unregistered ones, due to the scarcity of suitable options.
The report underscores the urgency for greater strategic oversight in the children’s residential sector, ensuring homes are established in appropriate locations and tailored to meet the individual needs of children.
Key Findings and Recommendations
AD: Oysterian Sea Food Restaurant And Bar
The report reveals that children with complex needs experience prolonged waiting times, with some waiting for years for a stable home. The use of unregistered placements and the deprivation of liberty for children deemed at risk are also reported issues.
Isolation and Vulnerability: Many children with complex needs end up living alone in homes, often with high staff numbers. While this may be suitable for some, the report warns against it becoming the default, as it risks leaving children isolated and vulnerable to mistreatment.
Local authorities struggle to find homes that can adequately meet the individual needs of these children, attributed to sector-wide challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled staff. A national shortage of secure and therapeutic homes exacerbates the issue.
The report calls for greater strategic oversight in the children’s residential sector to ensure appropriate locations and tailored solutions for children with complex needs.
Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of education, children’s services, and skills said:
“Local authorities are increasingly struggling to find homes that are able to meet these children’s individual needs.”
Yvette Stanley, Ofsted’s National Director for Social Care:
“The number of children’s homes continues to grow, but not in the right places or all offering what children need.”
The report also questions the broad use of the term ‘complex needs’ in placement decisions, recommending a shift towards describing specific needs. It emphasizes the importance of clear communication and information-sharing between children’s homes, local authorities, and other agencies.
While highlighting challenges, the report also identifies examples of good practice involving collaboration between local authorities, homes, and other agencies.
Well-planned moves, consistent relationships, access to appropriate education services, a sense of belonging for children, and capturing and implementing children’s views on their care were identified as common elements leading to positive experiences.
The report emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated efforts between local authorities and children’s homes to address the crisis in placing children with complex needs, ensuring their stability, permanence, and overall well-being.
AD: Heritage And Restaurant Lounge Bar