A record number of children were in care in Birmingham last year, with over 2000 youngsters placed under the council's care as of March 2023. This marks an increase from the previous high of 2,100 in 2022.
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00:00 A record number of children were in care in Birmingham last year, with over 2,000 youngsters
00:06 placed under the council's care as of March 2023. This marks an increase from the previous
00:12 high of 2,100 in 2022. Children's charity Barnardo's has urged the government to launch
00:19 a national campaign to recruit more foster carers and ensure sufficient funding for residential
00:25 care places. In Birmingham, stability remains a concern, with 142 children in care having
00:32 to change schools at least once during the year, matching national figures where 11%
00:38 of looked-after children experience school moves. The Department for Education emphasises
00:44 ongoing reforms and a £400m investment to support local areas in developing children's
00:50 homes, aiming to reduce the need for out-of-area placements and provide stable, safe environments
00:57 closer to home.
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