The figures show that nearly three-quarters of looked-after childrenwere living in placements within 20 miles of their home when they weretaken into care in 2004/05.
But the figures do not resolve the dispute over whether this newperformance indicator has created a "perverse incentive" for localauthorities to move children from stable placements more than 20 milesfrom home to nearer ones when it is not in their best interests. InAugust, evidence emerged that some councils were doing this (ChildrenNow, 31 August-6 September).
"The figures show we have some way to go to ensuring that children areoverwhelmingly placed in their communities," said Robert Tapsfield,chief executive of the Fostering Network.
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