Vulnerable children in Dumfries and Galloway may no longer be sent to residential care facilities outside the region, according to a recent social work report. Efforts are underway to address the children’s care crisis in the region, with the goal of putting an end to the practice of sending children and young people in care to unfamiliar locations elsewhere in Scotland, which comes at a high cost.
A new approach is being developed to have more children living in regular homes within Dumfries and Galloway. A comprehensive business case outlining different options will be ready in four months. The rise in the need for alternative homes for children and young people has led to a surge in residential placements, with numbers increasing significantly over the past year.
The cost of residential placements has skyrocketed, reaching £6.048m last year and projected to hit £7.96m next year, largely due to sending youths to costly providers outside the region. The situation has been described as a “local and national scandal” by Lochar Councillor Linda Dorward.
In response to the closure of one children’s care home in the region, plans are being developed to reshape residential childcare provision. Five options are being explored, including collaborating with social landlords for care properties, utilizing council-owned properties, and partnering with third-sector providers.
Councillors will receive an update on the progress at the social work committee meeting. The aim is to ensure that children and young people are placed in family settings whenever feasible, prioritizing their needs. The plan is to present the business case with detailed financial projections in February 2025.
Efforts are being made to reimagine how residential childcare is delivered in Dumfries and Galloway, with a focus on providing better care options within the region. The ultimate goal is to have children and young people thrive in familiar environments where their needs are met effectively.