Home   Kent   News   Article

Rise in children placed in Kent care from London boroughs

Child holding hands with an adult
Child holding hands with an adult

by political editor Paul Francis

Social services chiefs have called for legislation to halt London councils using Kent as a dumping ground for children in care.

It comes after figures were released suggested the numbers are continuing to rise.

More than 1,300 youngsters are being looked after in Kent having been placed here by other authorities, according to Kent County Council.

That figure is marginally higher than a year ago - despite London councils signing a voluntary agreement negotiated by KCC that they would not place vulnerable children any further than 20 miles away.

But the data suggests that London boroughs have ignored the agreement and are continuing to send scores of vulnerable children into the county, with Thanet remaining the area under most pressure.

Of the estimated 1,340 children placed in Kent from elsewhere, 234 are in Thanet, followed by Swale with 222 and Canterbury with 154.

Roughly half of all looked-after children now come from outside Kent and the figure has doubled since 2007.

What do you think? Join the debate by adding your comments below
What do you think? Join the debate by adding your comments below

Cllr Jenny Whittle (Con) KCC cabinet member for specialist children’s services, said councils appeared to be ignoring the agreement depsite the pressure and costs to Kent.

"I am disappointed and concerned because it places a great strain on our services when we need to focus on providing services for our own children in care.

"We want to ensure that public services can focus on getting the best possible care for our own young children," she said.

The time had come to pass legislation that prevented other authorities from placing children further than 20 miles away.

There was evidence that foster agencies contracted by councils in London ignored or were unaware of the voluntary agreement, she added.

The call for legislation is expected to be taken up by Thanet’s two MPs Laura Sandys and Roger Gale. They are to call for a Parliamentary debate on the subject.

In 2010, headteachers in Thanet said they would no longer take additional pupils who had ended up in Kent and would no longer co-operate with placing what are known as out-of-area children.

Looked-after children
Looked-after children

London councils are attracted to placements in Kent as the care costs are often lower. Some use agencies to find foster families, who aim to keep their own costs down.

KCC bears the costs of schooling, which are estimated at £500,000 a year although those costs can be higher if children have special needs or learning difficulties.

The costs associated with youth offending equates to the salary of three experienced social workers, with KCC saying that last year, 79 youngsters from outside the county came under the supervision of the youth offending service.

The police also face what KCC describes as a ‘significant’ financial impact, with the force dealing with tracing youngsters who have gone missing from their placements.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More