Council Sunderland
Performance Percentage of looked-after children with three or more placements during the year
Placement stability for looked-after children in Sunderland has improved significantly in the past five years, with latest statistics showing just 7.9 per cent had three or more placements during the year compared to 13.8 per cent in 2006.
Nick Murphy, manager of services for looked-after children at the council, says robust senior leadership in corporate parenting, commitment from elected members and better support for foster carers have all helped to improve the statistics.
The council receives strong support from a dedicated psychologist for looked-after children and provides a virtual school to help children enjoy a stable school life. "The virtual school means really good support networks for children whose educational placement is shaky," Murphy says. "And it gives carers respite during the day."
A £500,000 annual boost in the city's fostering budget has helped increase allowances for foster carers and improve support for those carers dealing with the most difficult children. Carers can now contact an out-of-hours support line and receive training in managing difficult behaviour.
"It all contributes to giving carers the skills to be able to stick in with difficult placements and prevent children moving on," Murphy says.
In addition, the refurbishment of six children's homes has created a better environment for children living in residential care. Staff have also started using the "Holding the Space" model, to help the young people live together more effectively.
2006
England 12.9%
Sunderland 13.8%
2007
England 12.7%
Sunderland 12.8%
2008
England 11.8%
Sunderland 10.8%
2009
England 11.1%
Sunderland 10.4%
2010
England 10.9%
Sunderland 7.9%
