CYP Now - Bill could prevent specialist referrals

Fears are growing that efforts to reduce out-of-area care placements are preventing children from being referred to specialist services outside their local authority areas.

One of the government's performance-assessment indicators asks local authorities to record the percentage of young people placed more than 20 miles from their home. In addition, the Children and Young Persons Bill is set to require councils to provide appropriate accommodation to meet the needs of their looked-after children.

But one specialist residential care provider has told CYP Now the moves have resulted in fewer referrals to his home.

Chris Robertson, chairman of Middlegate, which offers specialist treatment for young people with alcohol and drug problems, said beds at the home are being under-used. "While we understand that some young people are best treated in their own area, some young people, because of their vulnerable, chaotic lifestyle, need to come out of their area to be treated," he said.

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