The green paper suggests that responsibility for looked-after childrenshould be passed from local councils to "social care practices" run likeGP surgeries. But the LGA's response says it has "fundamental concerns"about social care practices.
It says moving children to an independent practice would create anadditional move for a child and could "add more complexity to thesystem". The LGA also suggested there is no evidence that an independentagency would be more likely to retain staff than a local authority.
The cost of the plans is also an area the association wantsinvestigated.
And while the LGA welcomed plans to extend foster care up to the age of21, it pointed out this could lead to fewer places.
The Association of Directors of Social Services response will besubmitted before the consultation deadline of 15 January.
- www.lga.gov.uk.
