Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps is she taking to help reduce the number of placements for children in the care system.

The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care made a series of recommendations that aim to reduce the number of children in care, including creating more options for children to remain safely within their family networks. The department is rapidly working up an ambitious and detailed implementation strategy. The department will consider the recommendations of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care and Market Authority study into Children’s Social Care Placements.

Early help services continue to play an important role in promoting safe, stable and resilient families, thus reducing the need for intervention, including care placements. The government recently announced over £1 billion for programmes to improve early help services from birth to adulthood. This includes delivering on Family Hubs and helping families through the Supporting Families programme and Holiday Activities and Food programme.

The government recognises the importance of reducing the number of placements for children in the care system. However, placements can be the right option for some children. Where placements are needed, local authorities have a statutory duty to make sure that there is sufficient provision in their area to meet the needs of the children in their care.