Soft Market Test for New Models of Care (Children and Young People presenting with complex emotional and mental health issues)

Local Authorities have a duty to provide or procure homes for Children in Care (referred to as children looked after in legislation) which is explicit in the Children Act 1989. This has since been strengthened by the introduction of Sufficiency Statutory Guidance (2010) and the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations 2010. There is a duty of 'sufficiency' that requires local authorities and partners to ensure that, through direct provision or commissioned services, a range of homes sufficient to meet t...