Following a new report, the Local Government Association (LGA) are calling on the government to ensure the upcoming spending review helps councils invest into long-term family help.
The report, which was conducted on behalf of the LGA by the National Children’s Bureau, reveals that lack of proper support for children and young people with complex needs is driving up care costs to unsustainable levels.
Experts found a sharp rise in the number of children’s home placements costing £10,000 or more per week – equivalent to over £500,000 a year. These high-cost placements have increased dramatically, from 120 in 2018 to 1,500 in 2023.
Participants in the study identified multiple factors contributing to the rising complexity of need. These include the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, cuts to early intervention services, a rise in complex autism diagnoses, growing mental health issues and increased levels of self-harm among children and young people.
The research also shows that children are entering care later and often in more severe circumstances than in the past. As a result, vital opportunities for earlier intervention – such as family support services similar to Sure Start, as well as timely special educational needs and mental health provision – are being missed.
Where care is necessary, the report finds major gaps in the system, including a shortage of staff who are properly trained in trauma-informed approaches, and too few homes offering clinically-led care models tailored to children’s needs.
In response, the LGA is urging the government to use the upcoming Spending Review to ensure councils have long-term, sustainable funding to support services for families, protect children, and meet the needs of children in care and care leavers.
The LGA also calls for the development of a cross-government strategy for children, young people, and families, to ensure that all services and agencies are aligned behind a shared vision for improving outcomes.
Cllr Arooj Shah, Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said: ’With more children needing help with increasingly complex and challenging needs, what is most important is ensuring they get the best care and support. However in many cases, a lack of choice means provision is not fully meeting children’s needs.
‘The astronomical costs of care placements mean there is less money available for councils to spend on the earlier help children so desperately need. It could not be clearer that we need to do things differently.
‘As local partners we have key roles to play, and the Government can drive this from the top. By integrating planning and funding across departments and using the forthcoming Spending Review to make sure services have the resources they need, we can make sure children receive the care they deserve.’
Caroline Coady, Deputy Director at NCB, added: ‘The research makes clear that there are complex and intersectional factors driving high-cost placements. However, we heard from providers, local authorities and other stakeholders that an important part of the solution is relational commissioning. This includes strong relationships and open communication channels between local authorities and providers, with senior leaders taking an active role in developing these partnerships.
‘Children and young people should be able to expect high standards of quality that ensure they are safe and cared for. To achieve this, it is vital we create clear and accessible opportunities for young people to share their views and experiences, with confidence that they will be listened to and acted upon.’
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