Rachael Wardell, President of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, said:

“ADCS welcomes the latest National Audit Office report on residential care, though the findings are not surprising. The report lays bare the difficult truths that ADCS has been raising for years; care is exceedingly expensive, homes are not where they are needed so children are often placed far from their home and community, and, in some cases, because of the lack of sufficiency, are in settings that do not meet their needs or are unregistered.

“While these concerns are familiar to those working in children’s services, the NAO report should still serve as a stark wake-up call. ADCS is clear that the current residential care system is not sustainable — financially, operationally, or, in terms of securing the best outcomes for many of our children and young people.

“Every child should have a stable, high-quality home, rooted in their community, where their needs are fully met and they can flourish. Addressing workforce pressures, rising costs, and inconsistent quality will require urgent, sustained action from Government to ensure all children in residential care receive the support they need to thrive.  ADCS recognises that the government has put forward a range of measures in the Bill currently working its way through parliament, but these are challenges that the sector is facing now and must be addressed.”

ENDS