Number of children in Blackpool Council care 'still too high'

Blackpool Council has not yet reduced the number of children in care

The number of children living in care in Blackpool has risen again - but social work chiefs say measures are in place to hopefully reduce numbers.

A report to the council’s resilient communities and children’s scrutiny committee says in December the number of looked after children increased to 537, missing the target of 516.

While the numbers entering care had stabilised, not as many children had left the care system as expected.

Diane Booth, director of children’s services, said in the report: “An ongoing plan is in place to review the numbers of looked after children that could leave care.

“There are presently 28 children/young people who we feel could cease being in care by the end of March.

“These are being monitored regarding their discharge from care plans. In addition a further 20 young people become 18 so will no longer be looked after.

“A further cohort of care plans for approximately 60 young people are being reviewed to determine discharge or step down as appropriate. This is the most challenging area of work and requires significant experience in risk management.“

Childrens Services continues to be one of the main areas of overspend within the council’s budget, with a projected overspend for the current financial year of £2.9m.