In 2002, the council agreed to spend 3.8m building five newchildren's homes, two of which replaced existing homes that were nolonger suitable.
A year-and-a-half ago, Bradford placed 158 children out-of-authority ata estimated cost of 11.5m a year. But now, just 93 children areplaced outside the boundaries of the council and the numbers are stilldecreasing.
This has saved the council 3m, which has been used to fund thehomes and more preventative work.
Bradford believes its preventative work has helped it buck the nationaltrend for more children entering care and reduce the number by 35 in thelast year.
"We've got a range of preventative services, which includes five familycentres," said Kath Tunstall, head of children's services at BradfordCity Council. Services offered include family aid workers that helpfamilies with practical issues like cooking nutritious meals.
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