Children in Care (Hansard, 8 February 1980)

§ Mrs. Renée Short
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the standards of safety and care in private children's homes; what plans he has to make registration of private children's homes compulsory; what advice he issues to local authorities concerning private children's homes; and if he will make a statement.

§ Sir George Young
The Department has not issued any general advice to local authorities about private children's homes, although information has occasionally been supplied about individual establishments. The available evidence is that most of the homes are adequate and that the standard of care in some is very good. The legal duty on a local authority to safeguard and promote the welfare of each child in its care affords protection for any child whom it places in a private home. Nevertheless, I think there is a good case for a registration system. The Department will shortly 391W approach the local authority associations and other interested parties about this. When we have their reaction to our proposals, including the cost, we can decide what action to take.

§ Mr. Newens
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the current average cost per child in care per week in England and Wales.

§ Sir George Young
The average weekly cost to local authorities in England and Wales in 1977–78 for children in community homes, registered voluntary homes, other accommodation and boarded out was £48. This figure includes capital charges but excludes administration and field social work costs, which cannot be allocated to specific services. No deduction has been made in respect

Children in care in England and Wales at 31 March (thousands)

1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973

Community homes (including local authority homes, controlled homes run by local authorities, and assisted homes) … … … 32.4 33.7 35.2 34.6 33.0 31.1

Voluntary homes and hostels … … … 3.9 4.2 4.9 5.0 6.4 7.2

Other accommodation (including private children's homes) … … … … … 10.8 11.2 9.6 9.6 9.2 9.0

Note:

A number of voluntary homes became community homes in the years 1972 to 1975

						Children in care in England and Wales at 31 March (thousands)
						1978	1977	1976	1975	1974	1973
Community homes (including local authority homes, controlled homes run by local authorities, and assisted homes)	…	…	…	32.4	33.7	35.2	34.6	33.0	31.1
Voluntary homes and hostels	…	…	…	3.9	4.2	4.9	5.0	6.4	7.2
Other accommodation (including private children's homes)	…	…	…	…	…	10.8	11.2	9.6	9.6	9.2	9.0
Note:
A number of voluntary homes became community homes in the years 1972 to 1975