CYP Now - Commissioning: Assessing needs and outcomes

Commissioners need to improve the evidence they gather on the impact of services to justify decisions, says Mark Kerr

Mark Kerr: "We must do better in assessing and understanding the needs and outcomes of children and young people in care"

In last month’s issue we established that needs assessments are a significant factor in securing appropriate placements for looked-after children, particularly those with high needs. In this article we explore the need for a reliable and comprehensive assessment strategy to facilitate true outcome monitoring and inform sufficiency strategies.

Placement costs for children in care can reach several thousand pounds a week. This is a significant use of public funds, for which local authorities have a responsibility to demonstrate impact. This naturally is a key driver for outcomes-based commissioning. Yet, how many commissioners are really confident in the data they have to show that impact?

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