Archive · 15 Sep 2025
England's Children's Care System Labeled 'Dysfunctional' in Report
Imagine a system meant to help kids without families.
In England, this system is called the children's care system.
A new report says it's not working well.
It costs a lot of money, but the kids don't always get the care they need.
Some kids are moved far from where they grew up and often bounce between homes.
Many homes are run by companies that make money, sometimes charging too much.
Because of this, some kids who grow up in care struggle to find jobs or continue their education, making it hard for them to succeed.
The government is trying to fix the problems.
The children's care system in England is described as 'dysfunctional' by a report.
The total cost of residential care in England rose to £3.1 billion in the last year.
The average weekly cost per child in care is about £6,100.
84% of children's homes are run for profit.
Those emerging from care are more likely to struggle with employment or education.
- Who
- Children in care in England, private care providers, and councils.
- What
- A report describes the children's care system in England as dysfunctional due to high costs and poor standards.
- When
- The cost of residential care rose between 2019/20 and 2023/24.
- Where
- England
- Why
- The system is failing because of staff shortages, high expenses, and a lack of high-standard placements.
Concerns with the current situation
Profit-driven System
Funding Allocation and Resource Management
Concerns with the current situation
Care providers are struggling with allocating resources effectively due to high costs.
Profit-driven System
Private firms are making high profits, potentially at the expense of the children's well-being, leading to an unsustainable model.
- Total Cost of Residential Care (2023/24)
- £3.1 billion
- Average Cost per Child per Week
- Around £6,100
- Children's Homes Run for Profit
- 84%
- Average Annual Profit Rates (Private Firms)
- 22.6%
- Children in Care with History of Abuse/Neglect
- Two-thirds
- Those Leaving Care Not in Education/Training/Employment
- Three times more likely than peers