Consultation response - Introducing national standards for independent and semi-independent provision

Together Trust's response to the government's consultation on introducing national standards for independent and semi-independent provision for looked-after children and care leavers aged 16 and 17. 

Key messages 

• We do not accept the government’s proposals that 16 is an age when children no longer need care. All children that are looked after should receive care until they are at least 18. 
• The vast majority of children of compulsory education age in this type of accommodation are not placed there because it’s within their best interests, they are placed there as a result of lack of placement sufficiency and local authority budgets that cannot meet demand. 
• There are nine quality standards for children’s homes which outline what the home should achieve for a child’s education, health and wellbeing, achievement, relationships and others. These standards should apply to all forms of children’s residential care. 
• We would like to see proper funding so that all types of children’s residential provision, including semi-independent and independent accommodation can meet the children’s homes quality standards.