Children in Wales in need of care placed far from home, report says
Social care services across 19 local Welsh authorities have come under review
Last updated 4th Nov 2021
Children with the most complex emotional and behavioural problems are being placed in care far from home, a report says.
The review by the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) shows that children are often sent long distances and sometimes out of Wales to access residential care or foster services.
A review of Children and Adult Social Services in Wales by the CIW has examined the immense pressures that local authorities have faced in providing care during COVID-19.
The report, which also looks at what future social care challenges Wales may face, spoke to 800 people who work in or have experienced social care services across 19 local authorities.
Unprecedented pressure during the pandemic
The CIW found that people were well-supported during the pandemic and that there were positive results over the ability to access support from local authorities.
It also states that there is strong evidence of social services in Wales being committed to reducing the number of children looked after and to achieving the best outcomes for them.
However, the report found there to be delayed assessments and increased waiting lists in social services.
Unprecedented demand for social care and an increase in safeguarding referrals have both increased the pressure on services.
Workforce recruitment and retention among social care staff is at "crisis point", with COVID-19 having drastically affected the stability of the sector's workforce.
The CIW also found there to be limited domiciliary support, which has led to more pressure on unpaid carers and a lack of home care that has forced some to stay in hospital longer.
Gillian Baranski, Chief Inspector of Care Inspectorate Wales, said:
"Local authorities are under immense pressure as they try to balance unprecedented recruitment challenges in the social care sector whilst demand for care is at an all-time high.
"Despite this we heard many stories of how positive outcomes were achieved for people when there was an effective multi-agency approach.
"We were humbled by stories of individual staff commitment to deliver support in the face of overwhelming difficulties.
“Responding to a challenge on this scale has taken its toll on the sector but the exceptional dedication of those who work in social care demands our deepest admiration and gratitude.”