Post by Intensive Personalised Support

Since 2019/20, the number of children in residential care has increased by around 10%, but total spending has almost doubled. The figures raise an important question for everyone working across children's services: why are costs rising so much faster than demand?    Increasing complexity of need? Placement sufficiency? Workforce pressures? Delays in accessing support? Or a combination of all these factors?    While there are no simple answers, the data reinforces something many of us already know: by the time children and young people reach crisis point, the options available can become more limited, more disruptive and more costly.    At Intensive Personalised Support (IPS), we understand that families may need support at different stages of their journey. Whether concerns are emerging or situations have already escalated, our holistic approach helps children, young people and families build resilience, reduce risk and work towards positive, sustainable outcomes.    Because behind every statistic is a young person whose life trajectory could look very different with the right support at the right time.    We're interested to hear from colleagues across children's services - what do you think is driving these pressures, and where should the sector focus its efforts?    #ChildrensServices #EarlyIntervention #EdgeOfCare #LocalGovernment #KeepingFamiliesTogether    Source: UK National Audit Office, Managing Children's Residential Care (2025). Figures compare 2019/20 and 2023/24. https://lnkd.in/eUwePk3E