Costs and Consequences of Placing Children in Care

This book explains the cost calculator model, which was created initially as a research tool and is now being developed for use when placing children in care. The model sets out to answer some important questions: why is care so expensive, and why are there variations in cost between local authorities? It also, perhaps most importantly, looks to establish whether higher costs relate to better outcomes in care.

It is very accessible for such a technical book. In addition to its detailed explanations of the various tables and how they can be used to evaluate existing expenditure, there is a narrative thread that clearly outlines what the model sets out to achieve. The costs of the care process are analysed, along with actual placement costs, to give daily or weekly breakdowns by child, by authority, or by other groupings. This aids the understanding of the true comparative costs of looking after children in different ways.