Reforms will not prevent use of children's homes as 'last resort', say providers

The Children’s Services Development Group (CSDG), which represents care providers that support children with complex needs, is preparing its response to a government consultation on improving standards in residential care.

This response will tell ministers that their proposals are too narrow and will fail to stop children’s homes being seen as the last resort for children whose foster placements have broken down.

The proposals outlined by the government include allowing Ofsted to refuse to let new homes open in areas that are unsafe and greater powers to shut homes that fail to protect children.

The CSDG will call on ministers to also ensure homes are used as part of a wider package of care and greater use is made of the specialist support they can offer for particular groups of children such as those who have been victims of sexual abuse or trauma.

CSDG policy adviser Charlotte Taylor said: “The reforms are very welcome but they don’t look at how children’s homes can be used most effectively.

“At the moment they are too often used as a last resort when a series of foster placements have broken down. This doesn’t take into account that they can often offer a specialist form of care for children with complex needs. There is much more that can be done to ensure they are used more effectively.”

The government’s consultation closes on 17 September and also proposes tougher entry level qualifications for residential care staff and greater transparency around details of providers.

Children’s home providers will also be required to tell councils when children move in from other council areas. Out-of-area placements that are a significant distance from their birth parent's home will also need senior council officer approval and have to be in the best interest of the child, under the government’s plans.

Brian Durham, managing director of care provider Young Foundations, and a CSDG spokesman, is concerned that the government is too focused on residential care and would prefer to see a wider review of care provision that takes into account fostering and kinship care arrangements. 

He said: “Better communication between agencies is extremely important, but changes to regulation must be complemented with effective implementation and better strategic commissioning based on the needs of the child in order to truly make a difference.”

The Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) has also expressed concern that the government’s proposals are too narrow and will not ensure the sector can make the best use of residential care.