§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the Government's policy on the provision of approved schools (community homes) for disturbed children, and for the recruitment and training of adequate staff for these schools.
§ Sir K. JosephI have been asked to reply.
My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I will do all in our power to secure that local authorities develop the system of community homes, in accordance with regional plans made by authorities as required by the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 and approved by the Secretary of State concerned so as to make proper provision for the needs of children, including disturbed children, in authorities' care.
Under Section 64 of the Act the Government are providing three homes for a small minority of children in care who require special facilities unlikely to be available in community homes. One such establishment has been opened and is being further developed; plans for the other two have been approved and their building is to be started this year.
The recruitment of staff is the responsibility of their employers. The promotion of training in social work, including residential work, is the responsibility of the statutory Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work, supported and encouraged by the Government.