Sufficiency Strategy for Cared for Children 2026-2030
Context and rationale
Under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989, the Council has a duty to provide accommodation for any child in need within Gateshead as a result of:
(a) there being no person with parental responsibility for the child
(b) the child having been lost or abandoned; or
(c) the person who has been caring for the child being prevented (whether or not permanently, and for whatever reason) from providing the child with suitable accommodation or care.
Children or young people who are provided with accommodation by the Council are referred to as "children who are cared for". The child or young person can be cared for on a voluntary basis where there is consent from the parents (Section 20). Where parents do not agree to the care arrangement, but the Local Authority still believes it is in the child's best interests to be cared for outside of their parent(s) care, the Authority may apply to the court for a legal order so that the child can become cared for.
The council has a duty, as stated in section 22G of the Children Act 1989, to take steps to secure, as far as reasonably practicable, sufficient accommodation for looked after children within the local authority area.
The 2010 guidance on the sufficiency duty states that local authorities should have embedded plans, as part of their commissioning processes and through partnership working, to meet the duty.
The sufficiency duty must take account of the requirement, under section 22C (5) of the Children Act 1989, that the overriding consideration for placing a child is that the living arrangement must be the most appropriate available to meet the child's needs. Next, preference must be given to a living arrangement with a friend, relative or other person connected with the child and who is a local authority foster carer. Failing that, a living arrangement must be found, as far as is reasonably practicable in all circumstances, that:
- is near the child's home
- is within the local authority's area, unless that is not reasonably practicable.
- enables the child to live with an accommodated sibling
- where the child is disabled, is suitable to meet the needs of that child; and does not disrupt his/her education or training
Our Children's Social Care Service continues to face significant and sustained pressure due to rising demand, increasing complexity of need, and long-standing financial challenges. Demand is driven by children with complex needs, including mental health issues, disabilities, and risk of exploitation or neglect. While the number of children entering care is beginning to decline, it remains high, with a continued reliance on high-cost residential placements due to limited foster and secure care capacity.
The cost of care is escalating, compounded by a national shortage of suitable placements and workforce challenges linked to the residential workforce.
Gateshead continues to experience higher than average rates across key children's social care indicators, including Children in Need (CIN) and Children in Care (CiC). These elevated figures have several implications for the local authority:
Placement sufficiency: There is a shortage of local foster and residential placements, particularly for older children and those with complex needs.
Workforce challenges: High complexity impacting social worker capacity; Recruitment and retention of experienced social workers remain difficult, contributing to service strain.
Financial pressures: High-cost placements and increasing demand are placing significant strain on the council's budget and demand for placements, staffing, legal services, and support packages.
System-wide support: Changes underway in the NHS are leading to resource challenges that risk impacting on effective partnership working.