Reviewing and creative alternatives to out of area placements

Developing local alternatives to out of area placements

This programme focuses on commissioning and service development to help young people with complex and challenging Special Educational Needs to remain in their local area.  It aims to work with children and adult services to build local capacity and competence so that young people and their families receive the skilled support and opportunities they need through a network of local education, social care, health and community services.  It is about investing to save, in the longer-term.

Many young people move to specialist placements away from their home area before the age of 14.  The cost to young people, their families and Local Authorities is high.  Placement fees of £150,000 or more per annum are not unusual; monitoring, review and transition planning are more complex; and there are often significant knock-on financial consequences for Adult Social Care services.

We will agree a programme tailored to your local area which could include support to –
•    profile needs and demand
•    identify gaps in local supports and services
•    establish development priorities
•    develop a costed commissioning plan
•    explore and appraise development options
•    develop local providers and the local workforce