Why illegal children's homes are being paid up to £2m per child by councils
Illegal children's homes in England are reportedly costing councils up to £2 million per child annually, despite a government ban on unregulated placements. The increase in such homes has coincided with a surge in registered children's homes, raising concerns about the care provided to vulnerable children. Experts highlight a systemic failure to develop adequate specialist provisions for those with complex needs, leading councils to resort to illegal options.
- ▪Unregistered children's homes are charging councils up to £2 million per child per year.
- ▪The number of registered children's homes has doubled in eight years, despite a small increase in children in care.
- ▪Councils are struggling to find appropriate placements for children with complex needs, leading to increased reliance on illegal homes.
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Why illegal children's homes are being paid up to £2m per child by councilsJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleNoel TitheradgeInvestigations correspondentBBCThe bungalow doesn't look much like a children's home. A sheet of privacy film wrongly placed outside a window is peeling. Inside, the wallpaper is flaking, carpets are frayed and doors are broken. The children's home is unregistered and therefore illegal but the provider is charging a council elsewhere in the country £13,000 a week to care for a vulnerable teenage girl. She requires the support of three full-time members of staff. There are no books, toys or games.Just a few miles away, another illegal children's home is being run from a council house.
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