Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on progress delivering BCP Council’s Sufficiency Strategy for Children in Care and Care Experienced Young People covering September 2024 to March 2026.

Progress has been made in strengthening local provision, improving provider relationships and embedding governance arrangements. Notable improvements include significant growth in supported accommodation and residential capacity, increased numbers of children living locally, and stronger housing pathways for care experienced young people.

However, demand continues to exceed local capacity in key areas. Challenges remain in increasing foster care households, reducing reliance on residential care, and ensuring more children live closer to home.

The strategy remains on track overall, with a positive direction of travel. The next phase will focus on accelerating delivery, particularly in family-based care, residential demand reduction, and embedding quality assurance learning into service improvement.