Why it matters: The figures highlight ongoing challenges in Suffolk's care system, with the county's rate of out-of-area placements (40%) significantly higher than the national average of 22%.
Foster care applications drop in Suffolk as national crisis deepens
The number of households applying to become foster carers in Suffolk has fallen by a third compared to pre-pandemic levels, new figures show. The drop comes as services across England face mounting pressure to recruit and retain carers.
By the numbers: There were 930 children in care in Suffolk as of March 2024 with 374 (40%) placed more than 20 miles from home – compared to 389 of 981 (40%) in the previous year. This compares to:
East of England: 32% of children placed 20+ miles away
England average: 22% of children placed 20+ miles away
The impact: Children's charity Become warns that separation from families and schools can have devastating effects on young people in care.
What they're saying: "The persistently high number of children in care means no let-up for a system that's already on its knees and failing to meet the needs of young people," says Katharine Sacks-Jones, chief executive of Become.
Government response: The Department for Education says it's investing £40 million to recruit more foster carers and £400 million for new children's homes "where they're most needed."
The bottom line: While Suffolk's proportion of out-of-area placements remains unchanged from last year, it's nearly double the national average, raising concerns about the impact on vulnerable young people and whether enough is being done to improve figures.
