Analysis: Out-of-authority placements - Cuts cast doubt on pioneerunit

Placing children in care outside their local authority has always beenproblematic for social care teams, but last year it looked like aninnovative solution had been found. Some 12 councils in the North Westestablished an out-of-authority placement and joint commissioning unit,which was immediately hailed as a pioneering way to co-ordinate carebetween councils.

But after just 18 months, the unit's efficiency has been called intodoubt. Staff numbers have been cut and projects have been put on holdwhile restructuring takes place. Out-of-authority placements are back inthe spotlight.

Nearly a third of looked-after children are placed out of authority -within another council's boundaries. Lord Filkin, at the time theminister with responsibility for children in care, wrote to all councilsasking them to review the numbers of children placed out of authority,fearing that for many it was not in their best interests.