Vulnerable children sent hundreds of miles

MORE than 200 Birmingham children in care have been placed in residential homes or with foster families outside the city – with some being sent nearly 300 miles away.

Children in Birmingham’s care have been placed across the UK in places including Glasgow, Blackpool, Cornwall and Gwynedd in Wales.

They were moved to other local authorities during 2016-17, new figures reveal. It represents an increase of more than ten per cent compared to the previous year. The figure has alarmed experts who fear vulnerable youngsters will lose the support they need.

Sam Royston, director of Policy and Research at The Children’s Society, who run services supporting children in Birmingham, said: “Children in care are some of the most vulnerable in society and should only be placed outside of their home area if it is necessary to keep them safe.

“However, we know that across the country there are many cases of children being placed far from their family and friends because there are not enough appropriate placements in their local area.”

A total of 235 children have been placed outside Birmingham after entering care, while 555 remained within the city.

The figures were obtained through a Freedom of Information request sent to Birmingham City Council by the Post.

Dr Royston added: “When children are placed in either residential care or foster placements some distance from home they are more likely to go missing.

“That is why we would urge councils to do much more to ensure every placement is in the best interests of a child – and that when a move away from their home area is necessary, they get all the support they need to thrive and stay safe. This should include supporting them to maintain regular contact with family and friends in their home area when this is appropriate.

“It must also be ensured they receive return home interviews if they go missing to find out why this has happened and to make sure they get the help they need.”

He added: “It is vital that all councils share information both with one another and with the police when a child in care moves between local authority boundaries, including about any risks faced by the child.”