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<p>Local authorities have a statutory duty set out in Section 22(3) of the Children’s
Act 1989 to make sure that there is sufficient provision in their area to meet the
needs of children in their care. Ofsted currently inspect local authorities’ children’s
services and how they are meeting their range of statutory duties.</p><p> </p><p>The
department recognises that there are not enough of the right homes in the right places
for children in care. The department wants to reduce out of area placements, but in
some circumstances, it is the right decision for a child to be placed outside their
home authority.</p><p> </p><p>This Government is working to drive forward improvements
at a national, regional, and local level to increase sufficiency and improve standards
of care and regulations.</p><p> </p><p>By 2027, there will be an increase in the availability
of high-quality, stable, and loving homes for every child in care, close to where
they are from. To achieve this, the department is supporting local authorities to
increase care placements and ensure they meet children’s needs. The department has
allocated £259 million of capital funding for secure and open children’s homes and
over £27 million to deliver a fostering recruitment and retention programme.</p><p>
</p><p>In the longer-term, Regional Care Co-operatives (RCCs) will plan, commission
and deliver children’s social care placements. Through operating on a larger scale
and developing specialist capabilities, the RCCs will be able to develop a wide range
of places to better meet children’s needs. This, in turn, should lead to improved
placement stability and fewer out of area placements. The department is investing
in two pathfinders to test the RCC model in collaboration with local authorities.</p>
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