£1.2 million overhaul of Shropshire children's homes takes step forward

A scrutiny group has looked into the challenges Shropshire Council faces in providing residential care for its "looked after" children, after a surge in demand for specialist care caused costs to rise “rapidly”.

It recommended to the authority's cabinet yesterday that a £1.2 million business case should be drawn up for two new two-bedroom specialist care residential homes, a three-bedroom step-down care residential home and a lodge providing space for crisis care and respite care.

At the moment Shropshire Council places 14 children a significant distance outside of the county – as far as Cumbria and Glasgow.

Councillor Peggy Mullock, chair of the People Overview Committee, told members at the meeting that concerns had been raised about how far the council is having to send children from the county.

She added: "As councillors we are the corporate parents of these children, and sending them miles away is not a very good idea.

"If we can have somewhere in Shropshire then we could help them get back to their families.

"The cost of them being outside the county is astronomical, but the children themselves will also feel better in Shropshire."

Councillor Nick Bardsley, portfolio holder for children and young people, said a proposal is being worked on now.

He said: "I wholeheartedly endorse what the task and finish group has done.

"The director and I are obviously working on a proper proposal and depending on the size of it it might come back to cabinet. It will come back to cabinet if it is over £1m."

Growing

At the end of March 2018, the authority was looking after 338 children, a net increase of 47 a year. But Shropshire Council currently only has two residential children’s homes; Chelmaren, providing specialist care for five boys and another, Havenbrook, which provides short breaks for children on the edge of care.

The council says the number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, fleeing war zones or being trafficked is growing in the county, as is the number of children experiencing physical and sexual abuse, substance addiction, and other problems.

Estimates for buying or adapting buildings for the homes are £1.2 million.

Other councillors added their support to the plans.

Councillor David Minnery added: "I would like to echo what Nick has said, I really welcome this report, I think it's a brilliant piece of work."

Councillor Hannah Fraser said: "I also think this is an excellent proposal.

"It will not only help children but also save a significant amount of money.

"For obvious reasons the council always wanted an outsourcing approach ut now a solution can be found with a different approach.

"It's the right solution to the right problem."