New children's homes aim to provide the 'right care in the right place'
New children's homes which aim to provide the 'right care in the right place at the right time' for youngsters in care who have complex needs could be created across Lancashire.
Up to 15 new children's homes would provide a total of 40 places, including two crisis beds, under the plans set to be discussed by councillors at the next Cabinet meeting on April 11.
It is hoped that, if approved, these would provide additional stability for looked-after children with complex needs.
Lancashire's existing in-house children's homes are typically larger homes aimed at children with more mainstream, lower-level needs and behaviours.
This means it can be challenging to place children with complex needs in county council homes and the authority has had to rely on high-cost private providers.
Despite a high number of private providers in Lancashire, places can be difficult to secure as around 70% of children placed in their homes are not from Lancashire.
Dave Carr, director of policy, commissioning and children's health, said:
"It is absolutely crucial for us to be able to offer the right care for our children in care, and secure the right home in the right place at the right time.
"By improving their home stability, we hope to improve the outcomes for youngsters living in our children's homes.
"We have a good track record of operating good and outstanding homes while also being part of the local community."
The new homes project would be expected to cost around £15.1m a year by 2027/28, compared to an agency cost of £17.4m, leading to a net saving of around £2.1m.