The number of children in care across Lincolnshire have risen during the pandemic

However numbers in the county remain relatively low

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Author: Andy MarshPublished 25th May 2022

It's been confirmed the numbers of children in care in Lincolnshire have increased during the pandemic.

However the figures are relatively low compared to other local authorities.

It follows a series of concerns which were raised nationally.

A report released on Monday said children's social care in England is said to be "getting worse and worse" with the system "in a cycle where problems escalate" and "costs rise".

It described the situation nationwide as having significant issues that need addressing

An independent review's recommending a five-year reform and investment programme, to improve the lives of children in care.

We spoke to Patricia Bradwell Councillor for Children's Services at Lincolnshire County Council about the situation locally.

She told us: "In Lincolnshire we've just had an Ofsted report which confirmed that we are doing what we should be doing."

"It was very complimentary of how our staff work and they take action when it's needed."

"With regards our social workers and working with families we're doing what (the report) is asking us to do."

"It talks about earlier help and interventions and we're already doing that."

"The numbers of the children we have in care are quite low".

"We have seen them increase with the pandemic, some of them had to be placed out of county."

"We're now going to have three new children's homes in addition to the ones we've got."