Local authorities have 'inherently weak' position in market and shift to national or regional commissioning of placements should be considered, says Competition and Markets Authority. Profits for large children’s social care providers are higher than would be expected in a well-functioning market, as the lack of placements leaves councils in an ‘inherently weak’ position. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said today it had found that the largest children’s home providers charged an average weekly price of £3,830, with an average operating profit margin of 23%. For independent fostering agencies, the average weekly price for fostering was about £820 per week, with an average operating profit margin of 19%. In the interim report from the competition watchdog’s study into the children’s social care market, it said that such levels of profit were the result of councils’ weak bargaining position relative to providers. This was because placements were insufficient and councils often had to find somewhere for a looked-after child in a hurry. Each individual authority was also responsible for too few children to be able to accurately forecast demand and shape the market. To tackle this, the CMA suggested moving towards regional or national procurement or commissioning of looked-after children’s placements. This could take the form of national or regional bodies advising councils or taking direct responsibility for placements. However, it raised concerns about calls to restrict providers’ profits and prices on the grounds that the fundamental issue was a lack of supply, and this may reduce it further. Private equity warning The CMA also raised concerns about the impact of private equity ownership of providers, particularly among children’s homes, because of the high and increasing levels of debt they were carrying. This could lead to providers failing and exiting the market, creating instability for children, in an echo of what happened in adult social care with the collapse of Southern Cross in 2011. To address this, it suggested creating a financial oversight regime of the kind introduced in adults’ services, and run by the Care Quality Commission, following Southern Cross’s collapse. The report also called for the regulatory regime around children’s services to be reviewed to enable providers to increase supply. While it said that it wasn’t a case of regulatory standards being too high but of some regulations “unwittingly creating barriers” to meeting children’s needs. This was in the context of the regulatory regime in England having been in place for about 20 years during which the market for children’s care had changed dramatically. ‘Failing system’ Andrea Coscelli, chief executive of the CMA, said: “We are concerned this is a failing system, with children not being placed in the right homes while providers are being allowed to charge high prices and make big profits. “Vulnerable children rely on these services, but too many are being placed in accommodation that does not meet their needs. And despite many placements not being suitable, local authorities, funded by taxpayers, are paying more than they should to provide them. The levels of debt we have seen being carried by private equity-owned firms is also a real concern due to the effect a firm in financial distress could have on the children in their care. “We are now considering ways to tackle these issues, including recommendations to the UK and devolved governments, and are inviting comments on these. Our priority remains identifying the best ways to ensure children can get the right care.” The study was launched in March after the head of the children’s social care review, Josh MacAlister, called on the CMA to investigate insufficiency of placements and providers’ profit levels. The CMA has launched a three-week consultation into the interim report, closing on 12 November, after which it will do further work evidence gathering and analysis before completing its final report by March of next year. ‘End or limit for-profit provision’ On the back of the report, the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) called for an end to – or at least a limitation of – for-profit provision in children’s social care. ADCS president Charlotte Ramsden said: “Meaningful change is needed and ADCS calls on government to implement legislation which prevents for-profit operations or as a minimum caps the level of fees chargeable in fostering and residential services, similar to that in Scotland. “Local authorities would be able to reinvest some of this money and develop more in-house provision and earlier intensive support, closer to the communities in which children grow up. The system must be driven by children’s needs, not maximising profits.” ‘Extremely high profits and concerning levels of debt’ In response to the report, the Local Government Association (LGA) said it reflected concerns it had been raising for years. “Our members are increasingly concerned about the balance of provision, in particular the growth and market share of the very largest providers which limits councils’ ability to manage the market and ensure the availability of placements to meet the needs of the children they care for,” said Anntoinette Bramble, chair of the LGA’s children and young people board. She added: “The CMA has confirmed our recent findings that private equity providers are making extremely high profits and carrying concerning levels of debt that risks the stability of homes for children in care, which is paramount if they are to thrive. We continue to call for oversight of the market to avoid a ‘Southern Cross situation’ in children’s social care and to ensure the quality of provision.” In a reference to a number of recent court cases in which placements have not been available for children with highly complex needs, she said such “harrowing cases” were “unacceptable” and a solution could not wait until the outcome of the CMA review next March. She urged the government “to work with us urgently to address these challenges”. ‘Without reform, children’s outcomes will suffer’ The Independent Children’s Home Association (ICHA) also welcomed the report. “It lays bare what we already know that the current state of the market is due to many complex factors and no single solution will bring about the change required,” said deputy chief executive Elizabeth Cooper. “It also brings a sense of urgency suggesting that without reform, children’s long-term outcomes will suffer.” She added: “We recognise and share the CMA’s concern regarding leverage and the potential for the collapse of large residential provision if economic conditions change and look forward to future recommendations that enables enterprise to continue in a sustainable and reassuring way. “Finally, we strongly support the call for a review of regulations to enable more diversity to enter the market and better reflect the current conditions in which we operate.” The National Association of Fostering Providers (NAFP) also welcomed the report but urged the CMA to do further analysis of fostering services in order to “dispel myths” about independent fostering agencies. “There are significant differences between fostering and residential care,” said NAFP chief executive Harvey Gallagher. “Trying to cover both in one narrative does not give an accurate picture of each sector’s challenges.” He said the report implied that most children’s placements were “spot purchased”, leaving councils in a weak position, however, in fostering most placements were made using pre-tendered contracts. Gallagher added that issues to do with the appropriateness of IFA placements were often beyond agencies’ control. He said: “The most appropriate care for a child is often more about the carer having the particular skills and experience to meet that child’s needs. Too often, IFAs are sent referral information that misses vital information, contains old information or is completed by someone who does not know the child.” Source: www.communitycare.co.uk Location: UK Wide Package We are a progressive organisation who promote a friendly and supportive working environment, where you will be rewarded for your hard work and results. Salary up to £70,000 dependent on experience, 30 days Annual leave, 35-hour week (Monday – Friday 9.00am-5.00pm), 5% contributory pension, private health insurance, free parking. The role We are seeking an experienced Head of Operations to join our Head Office team in Bromsgrove to provide growth and delivery of the Trust’s first class fostering service in line with our targets. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will create and maintain strong external relationships with Commissioners, Local Authority Customers and Ofsted to ensure the safe protection of children and promote their welfare. Ideal candidates Working As a registered Social Worker with a recognised social work qualification you will have extensive experience of working in the independent sector and comprehensive fostering knowledge along side a minimum of 5 years management experience in the fostering sector. Full details and application documents here Every October the fostering world celebrates Sons and Daughters Month, a chance to highlight the role that birth children play in foster families. This event was set up by The Fostering Network to acknowledge the contributions made by other children and young people. During their journey to becoming foster carers, people often ask how fostering will impact their family. When your family is on-board with your decision to foster, it can help the young person living with you to feel accepted; they know there is a whole group of people looking out for them and wanting the best for them. Could you foster? St Christopher’s is looking for people to become foster carers in our Eastern Region and West Midlands. There are few limits on who can be a foster carer. As long as you have a spare bedroom and the patience, enthusiasm and care then St Christopher’s wants to hear from you today. In return you’ll receive 24/7 support, comprehensive training, a generous fostering fee and all the rewards that come with creating brighter futures for children and young people. Request a call back or ring 0800 234 6282 to speak to a member of our friendly team. Source: www.stchris.org.uk Every year we at Community Foster Care reach out to the children and young people in our care to find out their views on how they’re finding life, what support they’re getting and how they find the care CFC are providing. It’s so important to us that the decisions we make are guided by the ideas and voices of young people and wherever possible, we want to improve their experiences and make sure they feel heard and valued. The 2020 Young Person’s survey gave us some really positive feedback across a range of topics like life skills, relationships, safety, learning, health and community. However, we did see some changes from the previous year and some room for improvement. The pandemic has made life harder for everyone and we want to make sure that our young people continue to feel safe and supported. The young people’s survey results in numbers:
We decided to respond to the feedback in video format to address the steps we will be taking to improve our support offering for our fostered children, as video is that bit more accessible. Our support workers have been working on plans for practical solutions including activity days, growing our Experienced Care Squad, life skills events, creating a buddy system, an education grant and wallet sized cards complete with various support numbers. Source: www.communityfostercare.co.uk St Christopher’s has an exciting opportunity to join its West Midlands Fostering Panel. We are looking for a Panel Chair to help us provide an excellent foster care service. Panel plays an integral role in ensuring that children and young people come first and are safe when they live with St Christopher’s foster carers. They examine assessments of prospective foster carers and ensure that high standards are maintained across the agency in line with Panel’s monitoring role. We are open to applications from a range of backgrounds and expertise with the following skills, knowledge and experience:
You will need to commit to attendance at Panel as agreed with St Christopher’s and to contribute to the development of panel including review of panel members and panel member training. Please note that paperwork is shared with Panel members electronically, so applicants should have secure access to a laptop or similar. All applicants will be required to undertake a DBS check as part of the interview process. What we offer As part of their role Panel Members receive:
For more information or to express your interest, please contact Annette Richards on 07921 603 493/ annetterichards@stchris.org.uk, or Debbie Stone on 07894 386 365/ debbiestone@stchris.org.uk. |
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