Rachael Wardell, President of ADCS, said:
“Children and young people placed in secure children’s homes are among the most vulnerable in the care system. These placements are only made when a young person’s needs mean they are at very high risk themselves or may pose a very high risk to others.
“The latest figures from the Department for Education show a small increase in the number of children placed in secure homes on welfare grounds, rising from 65 to 72 in England. The overall fall in the custody population will also explain some of these additional welfare beds.
“However, it’s important to understand that these changes are taking place in a system with very limited capacity. With so few secure beds available across the country, even small shifts in numbers can feel significant.
“Local authorities are committed to doing everything possible to find placements that meet the needs of all children in our care. But for those with the most complex needs, that process can take time. It’s not just about finding a bed; it’s about finding a home where a child can feel protected and understood.
“To truly improve outcomes for these children, we need a long-term national strategy that addresses sufficiency and profiteering and ensures therapeutic and trauma-informed care is available for any child who may need it.
“Every child deserves to have the opportunity to be in a stable, safe and loving environment.”
ENDS