Children in residential care are some of the most vulnerable groups in Scottish society with complex and challenging needs, and the Scottish Government along with councils and other public sector bodies need to do more to support them, according to Getting it right for children in residential care, a report from Audit Scotland.
There are approximately 1600 children in residential care in Scotland at any time, and while some of the children thrive many are plagued by poor educational attainment and other difficulties which often lead to unemployment, homelessness and prison, the Scottish watchdog has warned. The Scottish Government must support councils in focusing on long term outcomes and life chances of children in residential care. Currently, far too many chindren's care plan lack clear action points and long 0term goals, the report said.
“Child care is one of the most difficult and demanding aspects of council duties. Residential care cannot be expected to fix all the difficulties faced by vulnerable children and their families, but there is a lot that councils and their partners could be doing to improve these services," John Baillie, Chair of the Accounts Commission said before adding "They need to ensure they act as ‘corporate parents’, improve their understanding of what leads to the best outcomes and focus on the support they are providing for the long term needs of each child or young person, as any good parent would for their own child.”
At least £250 million is spent on residential child care every year, with the total cost of care unknown as there are no full estimates of indirect costs. Expenditure increased by 68% between 2001/02 and 2008/09 and may rise further. Better understanding of what leads to the best outcomes would help public bodies target spending. Each council makes its own arrangements for placements, using either in-house provision or one of over 100 residential units and schools in the private and voluntary sectors. Contractual arrangements between councils and independent providers are generally weak.
Councils must collaborate with other councils and public sector bodies to improve service commissioning and delivery.
Robert Black, Auditor General for Scotland, said:
“Planning and managing services with a clearer focus on longer-term outcomes does not necessarily mean spending more money. Given the relatively small numbers of children looked after in residential care across Scotland and the very specialised nature of the services, there is considerable scope for a national strategic approach. It is encouraging that the Scottish Government has already set up a strategic implementation group involving councils, NHS boards, residential care providers and other partner organisations, but this must lead to urgent action.”