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<p>The most recent figures show that 20% of all looked-after children were placed
more than 20 miles from home, which is a concern.</p><p>Moving a child away from their
home area is not a decision to be taken lightly and we have strengthened legislative
safeguards in relation to children placed out of their local area. The needs of the
child are paramount when deciding the right care placement. Local authorities have
a statutory duty to ensure that there is sufficient provision for their looked after
children.</p><p>We want to reduce out of area placements, but they will always be
part of the care landscape. Sometimes circumstances make it the right decision for
a child to be placed elsewhere, for example when they are at risk from sexual exploitation,
trafficking or gang violence.</p><p>We’re helping to improve commissioning of placements,
including providing funding through our £200 million children’s social care Innovation
Programme. We are also providing seed funding to fostering partnerships to increase
sufficiency of foster parents.</p><p>We have committed to undertaking a review of
the care system. We have been clear that this review will be bold and broad, taking
a fundamental look across children’s social care, with the aim of better supporting,
protecting and improving the outcomes of vulnerable children and young people.</p>
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