§ Mr. Pattieasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what was the absconding rate from community homes since 1st April 1973;
(2)how many boys and girls have been referred to community homes since 1st April 1973 and not admitted;
(3) how many staff vacancies in community homes there were on 1st April 1973, 1st April 1974 and 1st April 1975;
(4) what was the cost per child figure averaged throughout the community homes service for the years 1973–74 and 1974–75;
(5) how many children failed to complete the training period in community homes for the years 1973–74 and 1974–75.
§ Dr. OwenSimilar factors govern the collection of the information sought in these five Questions. Before the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 the central Government collected information about approved schools in some detail, but less information was collected about local authority children's homes. Under the Act approved schools and local authority children's homes have been brought together in the community homes system. One object of the change was to avoid segregating those who came into care under orders made by juvenile courts from other children and young people in care; and members of either group may752W now be placed in any community home where the local authority considers that their needs will be met.
The central Government no longer collect statistics about absconding. Statistics about boys and girls referred to but not accepted by establishments have never been collected centrally. Statistics about staff vacancies in community homes are available only in respect of child care staff in homes provided by local authorities and "controlled" community homes. This information is collected at 30th September each year. At 30th September 1973 there were some 1,800 vacancies, about 14 per cent. Of establishment; and at 30th September 1974 there were some 2,200, about 16 per cent. of establishment. No information is available about vacancies in "assisted" community homes.
The average weekly cost of maintaining a child in community homes of all kinds in England was £36.45 for the year 1973–75. The final figure for 1974–75 is not yet available, but it is estimated that it will be about £50. I regret that I do not have statistical information about children who left community homes during 1973–74 and 1974–75 before their treatment there was completed.