Fostering deal in line to save £8m
Finding foster families for children in Northamptonshire will be up to £8 million cheaper each year with a new type of contract arrangement.
County Hall is joining seven neighbouring local authorities to tender for a private firm to help them find homes for difficult-to-place children, such as those who are disabled and need experienced families with appropriate houses.
In the past, such companies have charged high rates for finding specialist foster parents but, by banding together, Northamptonshire County Council believes it can spread the costs and drive prices down to get better value for taxpayers.
A council spokeswoman said: "The county council, along with seven other local authorities in the East Midlands region, have put out to tender contracts for independent fostering and residential care provision.
"Like other local authorities, we can't always place children with in-house foster carers or children's homes. This may be because of a shortage of carers for a particular age group of children, or because a child's needs are so complex that only a specialist placement can meet their need."
The local authorities involved are in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Rutland, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire. Northamptonshire County Council believes it can make savings of between 5 million and 8 million while still attracting the best firms.
The spokeswoman said: "As always, the welfare of our children is paramount and all contracts we enter into have their safety and security at the forefront."
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