Recommendation 14

There are disparities in the number and types of children’s home available in different areas across the country, particularly for children with more complex needs.29 For example, there are no secure homes across all of London, while South West England has disproportionately few homes with specialist provision for children with mental health problems.30 These disparities can lead to children being placed in unsuitable placements with, for example, 49% of children placed in homes more than 20 miles away from their original family home.31 The Children’s Commissioner told us that inappropriate placements may lead to criminalisation, exploitation or a lack of care.32 In addition, the Association of Directors of Children’s Services told us that when children are placed far from their local authority, it makes it difficult for social workers to know and understand the support available. This negatively impacts both outcomes and costs by making it more difficult for social workers to spend time with children and build, establish and maintain relationships. When children are moved multiple times it 26 Q 5 27 Qq 6-10 28 Qq 43-44 29 Qq 39, 42 30 Q 40; C&AG’s Report, figure 9 31 C&AG’s Report, para 1.17 32 Q 3 11 is also more difficult to access support from different local authorities.33 We received written evidence highlighting that when children are placed hundreds of miles from home it can cause trauma and loss of identity, as well as significant cost.34