The letter from Roy Walker, chair of the Secure Accommodation Network (SAN), points out that the number of secure children's homes in England and Wales has dwindled to 20 from about 30 five years ago.
"SAN believes that where it is necessary to secure children they should be placed in small units where their social, educational, emotional and health needs are best met," Walker said.
"The number of welfare referrals has dropped significantly suggesting that other less regulated forms of care are being used, often at a greater cost and which in SAN's view do not meet or enhance the life chances of the children placed there."
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