Purpose

This proposal
addresses the critical challenges posed by rising residential
placement costs and limited availability of suitable placements. By
investing in local provision, the initiative aims to:
- Reduce External Placement Costs: Save approximately
£3.1 million annually by reducing reliance on high-cost
external providers. This is likely to be higher in the future given
the spiralling cost of external placements.
- Enhance Service Quality: Ensure children receive care in
settings designed to meet their specific needs, improving outcomes
and stability.
- Boost Local Capacity: Create placements within Derbyshire,
allowing children to remain close to their communities and family
networks.
- Deliver Long-Term Financial Benefits: Generate significant
cost avoidance over time by controlling placement costs and
reducing the dependency on private providers.
 

Decision

RESOLVED:

 

To approve the proposed scheme of
provision for Children’s Homes subject to the sufficient
allocation of the budget by Council in February 2025.