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 type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure > £500,000 and affects 2 or more electoral divisions;
Decision status: For Determination
Divisions affected: (All Divisions);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 10/12/2024
Improvement and Scrutiny Committee: People;
Decision due: 30 Jan 2025 by Cabinet
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Education
Lead director: Executive Director - Children's Services
Department: Children's Services
Contact: Jina Hames Email: Jina.Hames@derbyshire.gov.uk, Luke Impey, Head Of Service Fostering Email: luke.impey@derbyshire.gov.uk.