Commenting on the publication of the Welsh Government’s Health and Social Care (Wales) Bill, which commits to eliminate private profit from the care of looked after children, the Cadeirydd of ADSS Cymru, Lance Carver said:
“ADSS Cymru supports the ambition and intention of the Health and Social Care (Wales) Bill, and we recognise that removing profiteering from the care of children looked after in Wales is the right thing to do.
We also welcome the significant contribution made by all the care experienced children and young people who invested so much time and effort in shaping this Bill.
However, ADSS Cymru wishes to highlight that such a change will require significant investment of time, money and resources, at a time when local authority budgets are already stretched.
Around three-quarters of children’s homes in Wales are provided by private companies. Replacing these would require additional funding to purchase and renovate suitable premises, the hiring and training of staff, and registering each home with Care Inspectorate Wales.
We would also welcome investment in Early Intervention support, which would enable less children to require the care system in the first place.
ADSS Cymru also recognises that there are some excellent private providers in Wales who have developed unique and high-quality care models. These companies often provide specialised services resulting from years of investment. The loss of these services would leave a gap in the care sector, which may dilute the quality and diversity of care available.
Despite the challenges and risks, ADSS Cymru believes that the removal of profit for the care of children looked after is the right thing to do and will bring significant benefits and opportunities in the long term. ADSS Cymru is committed to working with the Welsh Government and other partners to ensure that the policy change is implemented in a way that is fair, transparent, and effective, and that it delivers the best possible care for children looked after in Wales.”
This statement is also available to download.
