£56m investment would provide the necessary support to families and reduce reunification breakdowns

According to research it is costing the government £300m a year when looked-after children who are sent home then return to the care system.

News Page 5630-60% of reunifications fail

A study by the Centre for Child and Family Research at Loughborough University (commissioned by the NSPCC) found that on average more than 10,000 children return home from care, yet 30-60% of these reunifications fail. These failings then incur social work costs, legal costs and placement costs.
The study reveals that the average yearly cost for a child who returns to care following a reunification is over £60,000. However, the researchers believe that by investing £56m we could provide effective support for families when a child returns from care and consequently reduce the number of reunification breakdowns.

Good pic News Page 56Families should get the help they need

Tom Rahilly, head of looked-after children at the NSPCC, said: “Given around half of children who return home from care end up going back into care again, the support we provide to these families urgently needs rethinking. The Department for Education needs to strengthen the rules so that both children and families get the help they need.”
“Social workers and other support services should be given a clear framework for planning the support needs of the child and their family after a period in care to help ensure more successful reunifications in the future”, he added.

The support we provide needs rethinking

Helen Keaney, practice support team manager at The Fostering Network has responded to the findings. She reiterates the importance of “supporting families when a child is reintroduced to their home (to) make both the child and family feel more secure and able to cope with the situation”.
Every child should have an opportunity to be happy and thrive. This can only happen if they have stability, security and a loving, caring home life. Families need adequate support to build relationships and develop the relevant skills, knowledge and confidence to build bridges when a child returns home from care. Otherwise the number of reunification breakdown will continue to rise.