Reimagining residential children's homes: Understanding the national picture. Chapter one (2020)
Introduction
This series of publications explores key issues identified by strategic planners, policy-makers and practitioners. It provides insights into current debates, research findings, practice developments and user experiences to inform the development of the residential children’s care sector. The series will be of particular interest to strategic leaders, commissioners and decision makers in children’s social care.
Chapter one - Understanding the national picture
This think piece provides a broad overview of residential children’s homes and a picture of national trends. It highlights the current challenges facing the sector as a whole.
See Related Content below for quick access to further publications available for this series.
Professional Standards
PQS:KSS - Creating a context for excellent practice | Designing a system to support effective practice | Shaping and influencing the practice system | Organisational context | Influencing and governing practice excellence within the organisation and community
CQC - Well-led
PCF - Contexts and organisations | Professional leadership
Reimagining residential children's homes: Commissioning children's homes - Potential improvements and reforms. Chapter two (2020)
This think piece sets out why the children’s homes market place (as it is commonly referred to) is unsustainable in its current form. Different explanations for this problem are presented along with various solutions and options for reform to promote debate in this area.
Reimagining residential children's homes: Placement decision-making. Chapter three (2020)
This think piece explores decisions, processes and key challenges for those involved in decision-making for children either living in residential care, or for whom residential care is being considered. This review draws upon research, policy and practice to detail the importance of meaningfully engaging with children and young people at all levels of decision-making and makes practical suggestions about how to do this.
Reimagining residential children's homes: A fresh look at regulation. Chapter four (2021)
This think piece explores the regulatory framework that governs children's residential social care.
Reimagining residential children's homes: Residential care for adolescents. Right place, right time? Chapter five (2021)
Chapter five of the evidence review considers the role and purpose of residential care for adolescents.