Authors:

ELLIOTT Martin, STAPLES Eleanor, SCOURFIELD Jonathan

Publishers:

Cardiff University, Care Council for Wales

Publication year:

2016

Pagination:

42

Place of publication:

Cardiff

Drawing on an analysis data submitted by local authorities from 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2014, this report identifies common characteristics of looked after children and young people in Wales. This includes children and young people in children's homes, residential care homes, Young Offenders Institutions, mother and baby units, and residential schools. The report also draws on a literature review carried out to identify studies describing the residential child care population in UK. The analysis of the data is discussed in four areas: children or young people ceasing to be ‘looked after’; children and young people starting to be ‘looked after’ ; and children moving from a family placement to a residential setting whilst in care; and children moving from residential care to a family placement. For each area the analysis includes discussion of: placement type, legal status, age, and categories need. Key findings include: that the majority of children and young people placed in residential settings were ‘looked after’ as a result of having been accommodated under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989; boys represent the largest proportion of residents for the majority of settings; children and young people whose main need stems from abuse or neglect make up the largest proportion of those placed in residential care; and that the residential care population in both Wales and England appears to consist predominantly of teenagers. The report was commissioned by the Care Council for Wales to inform the development of their workforce strategy. (Edited publisher abstract)

Subject terms:

looked after children, residential child care, residential care, young offender institutions, placement, secure accommodation, needs, placement disruption, discharge, leaving care;

Content types:

research, statistical publication

Location(s):

Wales

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