Council trial for care unit

Hampshire County Council’s children’s services will start the 18-month trial in May, working with the Department for Education and the Association for Directors of Children’s Service.

The authority will be finding secure beds on behalf of all children’s services across England.

It will also host an interim unit, funded by the DfE, meaning placement teams for each social care authority will only need to make one call to find a vacancy.

The unit will give guidance to authorities on the most suitable placements for children in need.