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Study reveals financial cost of negative care experiences

2 mins read Social Care
Looked-after children who move placement repeatedly and have a negative experience of care can cost councils up to 32,755 more each year than their counterparts in stable homes, a report by Demos and Barnardo's has found.

The report, In Loco Parentis, which is based on research with looked-after children, care leavers and foster carers, sets out two hypothetical "care journeys".

"Child A" has a positive journey through care, with stability in housing and school arrangements. This reflects the 5-10 per cent of children in care who experience long-term, stable placements and supported transitions.

"Child B" experiences a poor journey through the care system, with several placement moves and an early departure from the care system. This represents the 5-10 per cent of children who experience instability and disruption in care.

The report found that a stable experience of the care system over 14 years costs £354,053. But an unstable experience over just half that time years costs £393,579, a difference of £41,526.

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