Dan Peters 21 November 2022

Plans floated to tackle secure children's home shortage

Plans floated to tackle secure childrens home shortage  image
Image: fizkes/Shutterstock.com.

Plans have been floated for a secure children’s home that could be used by councils across London.

A national shortage of secure children’s homes means some of the capital’s most vulnerable youngsters have been placed in homes as far away as Scotland.

Figures earlier this year showed the number of children in England waiting for a place in a secure children’s home had doubled in 12 months, underlining the urgent need to tackle the severe lack of provision for some of the most vulnerable young people in the country.

It has been estimated that the capital has a shortfall of at least 225 places, driving up costs and leading to overspends of more than £100m.

Barnet LBC’s executive director for children’s services, Chris Munday, said: ‘There is a shortage of secure children’s provision across the country but the situation is particularly stark in London as there are currently no secure children’s homes in the capital.

‘Boroughs are keenly aware that improved access to appropriate facilities will lead to better outcomes to the extremely vulnerable children and young people they are working with.’

The Department for Education has committed £3m to develop the scheme, with a further £50m expected from Whitehall if it goes ahead.

Each London council has been asked to contribute £20,000 a year to run a not-for-profit company owned by the boroughs that would develop and oversee the running of a children’s home.

This article was originally published by The MJ (£).

Making payment processes smarter  image

Making payment processes smarter

It can be challenging to find the right software to streamline payment processes. Lewis McKenna-Crisp argues SmarterPay has the ideal solution for councils.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Principal Transport Planner (Strategy)

North Northamptonshire Council
£46,731-£49,764
We are looking for an experienced professional to join North Northamptonshire Council as a Principal Transport Planner (Strategy). Sheerness House, 41 Meadow Road, Kettering moving to Haylock House, Kettering Parkway, Kettering NN15 6EY, United Kingdom
Recuriter: North Northamptonshire Council

Highways Capital Delivery Manager

South Wales Trunk Road Agent
£50,788 - £52,805
To be responsible for the implementation of Welsh Government’s Renewal and Upgrade programme. Baglan, Port Talbot
Recuriter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Senior Engineer x 2

Hounslow London Borough Council
£47,532 –£55,620 per annum
Our people are deeply committed to providing excellent services to our residents, doing all we can to make lives as good as they can be. Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recuriter: Hounslow London Borough Council

Part Time Prison Library Assistant - HMP/YOI Chelmsford

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Prison Library Assistant - HMP/YOI ChelmsfordFixed Term, Part Time£25,081 to £27,653 Per Annum, Full Time EquivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of SEN Assessment & Resolution

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£77136 - £88230 per annum
Shape a fairer future for children with special educational needs.As Head of SEN Assessment and Resolution at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chel England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Linkedin Banner