Council says rate of children coming into care ‘unsustainable’

BLAENAU Gwent council says the current rate of increases in the number of children coming into its care is “unsustainable”.

The report said the council has a “committed workforce” who are responding to an increasing workload, both in terms of volume and complexity.

It says that a self-assessment by the council described the “current rate of increase in looked after children numbers as unsustainable from a workforce and budgetary position.”

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council (BGCBC) says demand for resources is “outstripping supply” which is putting pressure on the service.

Inspectors said there has been an “increased reliance” on independent foster agency placements and out-ofarea placements in the last five years.

In response, a foster carer recruitment officer has been appointed and there are plans to appoint four additional professional carers who will accommodate children and young people with complex needs and provide parent and baby placements.

Councillor John Mason, executive member for social service, said: “I am pleased that the CIW annual report recognises the hard work and commitment of our workforce at a time of unprecedented demand for their services.

“There are areas where we can improve and we look forward to further engagement with CIW to address the specific issues brought to our attention.”