The County Council has a duty to take steps to secure, so far as reasonably practicable, sufficient accommodation within its area which meets the needs of children within its care. Sourcing stable placements which adequately meet the requirements of children and keeps them within county borders and close to their family, friends and communities is a particular challenge, and this picture is reflected nationally.
The County Council has been working with providers from a range of sectors including those already operating in residential and semi-independent care, to identify potential solutions to these issues. The culmination of this work is to propose a new approach, developing services in partnership with providers, to deliver residential care provision for children we care for, including those with complex needs, and better support sufficiency in West Sussex.
The intention is to direct award contracts for the delivery of 3 new residential homes consisting of 2 or 3 bedrooms each, thereby increasing placement availability within or close to West Sussex.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure > £500,000;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Divisions affected: (All Divisions);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 20/09/2024
Decision due: November 2024 by Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Learning and Skills (Cllr Jacquie Russell)
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Learning and Skills (Cllr Jacquie Russell)
Contact: Stephen Humphries, Head of Commissioning for Children, Young People and Learning Email: stephen.humphries@westsussex.gov.uk.
Consultation process
Representations concerning this proposed decision can be made to the decision maker, via the officer contact, by the beginning of the month in which the decision is due to be taken.
Consultees
Residential Providers
Democratic Services Contact: Wendy Saunders Tel: 033 022 22553