Context
In 2018, over 70 children were moved from England to Scotland, some traveling over 300 miles away. The question addresses the adequacy of care and support for these children.
Question
Three years ago, instead of increasing children's care home capacity in England, the Government introduced legislation that forced vulnerable children from England to be placed in Scotland. In 2018, over 70 children were moved, some over 300 miles away from their home, their family and their support networks. Can the Minister tell us exactly how the local authorities with caring responsibility for those children living miles away are discharging even their most basic statutory obligations, and is she entirely content to preside over this deliberately cruel and harmful legislation?
Answer from Michelle Donelan (Minister of State for Care at the Department for Education)
I believe the hon. Member is referring to a case where a number of out-of-area placements were made in Scotland. We have recently put £40 million extra into capital funding for secure homes, but the whole point is that this is a very complex issue that needs a comprehensive care review—that was part of our manifesto—and I have already begun to work on that.
Not addressed: The Minister did not address whether she is content with the legislation or how local authorities are discharging their obligations for children placed in Scotland.
How: Redirected To A Comprehensive Care Review
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