What does it cost to care for children and young people?

If, after reading the title of this blog you thought I would be talking about placement costs, I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed!

Last week in Northamptonshire, we had our 3rd annual awards for children and young people in our care. There were 1126 nominations all written by the amazing people I am lucky enough to work with. The awards were not for a particular ‘category’, every single one was a statement of nomination written to each child and young person about something to be proud of. I was incredibly moved as I read and signed each nomination.

Many colleagues across the country are dealing with pressure to find savings. And that is why awards were stopped here several years ago…because they were ‘too expensive’. Thankfully, lots of partners and local organisations now support the awards which is great because they mean so much to so many people. Being responsible and accountable for public money is an important element of our role that we must take seriously but if we only view the world through that lens it can sometimes lead to questionable decisions, in my view.