Bristol City Council hopes to make savings of up to 1m next year by reducing the number of out-of-authority placements for looked-after children.
Its Fostering Focus scheme aims to provide alternative support to disabled and vulnerable children who would otherwise be placed in high-cost specialist provision outside the city.
The news came as the council revealed that out-of-authority placements are contributing to a projected 4.3m overspend in children's social services for 2005/06.
Bristol has also announced arrangements for it's interim children's trust. Annie Hudson, former head of children's social services, has become acting director of social services and health. Heather Tomlinson, former director of education, has been appointed as interim director of children's services.
