§ Mr. O'Halloranasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he is taking to provide up-to-date information about the private and voluntary homes, in which London boroughs place children in care, following the recent survey published by Wandsworth Council; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. MoyleI am grateful to my hon. Friend for drawing attention to this survey, which my Department is studying. Local authorities are of course responsible for placing children who are in their care and they are free to place them in voluntary or private children's homes, among other places. One of the conclusions of the survey was that London directors of social services felt that the responsibility for finding places in such homes should remain with the local authority, though many saw some rôle for other bodies. I understand that the London boroughs have now agreed to coordinate the collection of information about these homes. I shall be glad to help in any way I can. Children's homes run by voluntary organisations are registered with my Department, and our social work service has powers to inspect all private children's homes.