Children's home system is in urgent need of care

Behind the complexity of caring for society’s most vulnerable children lies the plain and simple truth that many of those in residential care are let down badly by the system. The national probe now under way over the responsibilities of councils and of the staffing and practice of children’s homes, via a “task and finish group” and “expert group”, is long overdue.

First of all though, it is important that child sexual exploitation and children’s homes do not become irrevocably intertwined. Exploitation is by no means limited to children in care, while many who grow up in residential care are not exploited. Deputy children’s commissioner Sue Berelowitz states in her report to the government that such a conflation risks overlooking the wider dangers to all children at risk of exploitation. Alongside her recommendations, it is encouraging that proposals are developed to improve understanding of the issue among frontline police officers and social workers.

And so to the future of residential care. For some vulnerable children, it must remain the most viable option. Indeed, children’s minister Tim Loughton said last week: “We want to get rid of the out-of-sight, out-of-mind culture that sees residential care as a last resort.” Attempts to reduce the proportion of out-of-borough placements are important, although there are often good reasons behind such decisions. Some children face threats to their welfare in their home town and so a move away represents the best chance of a fresh start.

More significant will be the expert group’s examination of the residential care system including where homes are located in the first place. While councils must take their share of responsibility as corporate parents, they have little say over this. As the Association of Directors of Children’s Services president Debbie Jones said at its annual conference last week: “It is preposterous that planning authorities are not required to notify the director of children’s services when they consider an application for a children’s home in the area. Safeguarding considerations must be paramount when making such decisions.”

The scrutiny of the skills and qualifications of staff in care homes will be just as crucial. A vulnerable client base requires a formidable, resilient workforce that is paid appropriately.

Finally, the needs of children in residential care stand no chance of fulfilment unless they are properly listened to. Recently revised children’s homes inspections are meant to listen to their views and observe interactions with staff. But independent reviewing officers and children’s advocates have an important role to play here in getting their voices heard about their placement. Our feature, based on a visit to a service run by the charity Voice, bears testament to the ability of advocates to bring hope and purpose to looked-after children’s lives. If we are to really create a residential care system centred on children rather than providers, they need to be heard as human beings, not merely dumped as a cost. 

ravi.chandiramani@markallengroup.com