The number of children waiting for a place in a secure children’s home has doubled in the past year, new figures have shown today.
The data shows around 50 children each day are waiting for a place in secure accommodation – an increase from 25 last year.
The Local Government Association (LGA) is calling for the introduction of a national commissioning service for co-ordinating placements to enable the pooling of budgets and expertise.
All but one of England's 13 secure children's homes are run by 12 councils, providing a total of 233 places. The LGA warned this means the system relies on a very small number of councils to run a national service, with children often having to live very far from home.
'The fact there are as many as 50 children waiting for a placement on any one day is a damning indictment of a system that is supposed to ensure they get the care and support they need,' said Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board.
'Secure children’s homes protect and care for some of the most vulnerable children in society, who often have very complex and challenging needs and deserve the best possible care and support.
'It is absolutely vital that we have sufficient places available to provide what is essential, very specialised support. Without this, the impact on children can be devastating.'
