Bristol City Council is facing challenges in placing vulnerable children in care due to a broken system, according to the authority’s new leader, Cllr Tony Dyer. The council has resorted to putting children in illegally unregistered homes multiple times, prompting Ofsted to consider a “full criminal investigation.”
The root cause of this issue, as highlighted by Cllr Dyer, is the lack of registered placements for vulnerable youngsters. This shortage of suitable accommodations is a pressing concern that needs to be addressed promptly. The council’s internal audit revealed a finding of “limited assurance,” indicating areas that require improvement.
Fiona Tudge, the council’s director of children and families, explained that the rise in the number of children in care nationally has exacerbated the problem of placement sufficiency in Bristol. As of now, there are 769 children in care, with seven children placed in unregistered homes. These children often exhibit challenging behaviors due to trauma, making it difficult to find suitable registered providers.
While placing children in unregistered homes is unlawful, it is a common practice among local authorities facing placement shortages. Bristol’s children’s courts are aware of these situations and provide oversight, although prosecution is unlikely. The council is taking steps to address the issue through policy reviews and improved monitoring processes.
Despite the urgency of these placements, efforts are being made to ensure that follow-up checks and oversight are conducted consistently. The commissioning team accompanies each child placed in an unregistered home, and social workers review the properties to ensure safety.
Cllr Cara Lavan expressed concerns about the lack of regular checks on these placements, but Ms. Tudge reassured that monitoring visits are now being recorded consistently. The council is committed to rectifying any lapses in oversight and ensuring the well-being of children in care.
In light of these challenges, it is evident that a collaborative effort is needed to address the systemic issues affecting the placement of vulnerable children in care. By improving the availability of registered placements and enhancing monitoring processes, the council aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment for all children under its care.
