A report by the education select committee into government reforms of residential care calls for an end to unnecessary "out-of-area placements", stating that councils must ensure they have enough suitable placements in their area.
It suggests that local authorities start working together in consortia to bring distant out-of-authority placements closer to home.
And the report recommends that the government commissions a study into the possible impact of introducing a rule prohibiting local authorities from placing a child more than 20 miles from home, unless there is a proven need to do so.
Last year, the government published for the first time figures showing the number of children placed more than 20 miles away, and subsequently Education Secretary Michael Gove said proposals to set that as a new limit for the distance a child is placed were "serious".
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
