What's the use of residential childcare? Findings of two studies detailing current trends in the use of residential childcare in Scotland

Abstract

In Scotland residential units for children remain largely in the hands of local authorities. A reluctance to plan for and use such services as a positive choice results in many children being placed as a last resort. Two research studies gathered data over a six‐month period and considered seven local authorities' admissions to children's units, allowing for in‐depth exploration of the manner in which children are being placed in residential care. The studies revealed a significant number of children aged under 12 being admitted to residential care, many placements of a very short duration, poor evidence of placement planning, substantial numbers of sibling groups being separated and admitted to different residential care settings and many instances of residential placements being used when not the preferred option. The implications of the findings are discussed and possible solutions offered as to how the residential sector can be developed to achieve the wide range of roles it is currently expected to fulfil.

Citation

McPheat, G., Milligan, I. and Hunter, L. (2007), "What's the use of residential childcare? Findings of two studies detailing current trends in the use of residential childcare in Scotland", Journal of Children's Services, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 15-25. https://doi.org/10.1108/17466660200700013