London council to spend 10m building children's homes

Barking and Dagenham Council plans to invest over £10 million in building three specialist children's homes to support vulnerable youth. Currently, the council spends about £1. 9 million annually on just 20 children deemed high-risk, many placed in unregulated and unsuitable homes. Councillor Jane Jones highlighted the urgent need for specialized care for girls under 16 with complex needs, who are often subject to deprivation of liberty orders. The council aims to provide local, regulated, psychologically informed care to improve outcomes and stability.

The Department for Education has pledged to cover half of the construction costs, although a formal agreement is pending. This initiative addresses the significant challenges faced by the council in securing appropriate placements for at-risk children. Building the homes on council-owned land will significantly enhance local care options. The move reflects a broader commitment to improving child welfare and addressing the inadequacies of the private care market.