ADCS responds to OCC report on the use of unregulated settings

Responding to the Children’s Commissioners call for a ban on the use of unregulated accommodation Jenny Coles, ADCS President, said:

“No child should live in unsafe, unsuitable accommodation, and we share concerns that this is not always the case. Finding the right placement at the right time for the growing number of children in our care and care leavers is a priority for all local authorities but this is becoming increasingly difficult because we face a national shortage of placements of all types. Independent or semi independent provision can be the right thing and placement of choice for some young people when it is used as part of a planned process as a stepping stone to independence with a support plan in place. This is different to it being used in emergency situations after a placement breakdown or when no other placement can be found for a child with very complex needs. A blanket ban on the use of these settings for under 18s would remove the flexibility we currently have to support young people in their journey to increased independence. It would also further exacerbate the sufficiency challenges local authorities are currently grappling with. The government has committed to undertaking a review of the care system and this must commence as soon as possible so these issues can be addressed.”

ENDS

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