36% of England's children in care are from the North, despite only comprising 28% of the child population; a disparity estimated to have cost the region £25bn more in the past 4 years.
A new report reveals that the North of England accounts for 36% of children in care, despite only comprising 28% of the child population. Higher rates of children entering care in the North are estimated to have cost the region at least £25bn more in the past four years. The report attributes the north-south divide in care rates to widening inequalities and underinvestment in preventative services. The authors call for urgent action, including policies to reduce child poverty, enhanced material support for families, investment in prevention strategies, and support for older children and those leaving care.
April 16, 2024
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