Placement & Homes Strategy for Children and Young People 2026 to 2030

This is a summary of our strategy – written in plain English so that it can be shared with children, young people, carers, and members of the public. It explains what we’re doing, why it matters, and how it will help children in care in Buckinghamshire.

Every child and young person in care deserves a safe, stable, and loving home. This strategy sets out how Buckinghamshire Council will make sure we have the right types of homes for children and young people who need them – now and in the future.

We want more of our children to live close to home, school, family, and friends – and in places that feel safe, caring, and supportive. We also want to reduce the number of children who are placed far away, in emergency beds, or in homes that don’t meet their needs.

We are:

• Opening more children’s homes in Buckinghamshire so children can stay local.
• Recruiting more foster carers – especially for teenagers, brothers and sisters, and children with complex needs.
• Creating better homes for older young people aged 16+ who are preparing for adulthood.
• Supporting families to stay together where it’s safe to do so, or to be reunited when possible.
• Improving how we plan for placements and how we work with other services like health and education.

• More children will live in stable, high-quality homes.
• Children will be able to keep their school places and friendships.
• Carers will feel better supported to meet children’s needs.
• We will spend public money in a smarter and more sustainable way.

We will:

• Work closely with children and young people to design and review these services.
• Monitor our progress and share updates through the Corporate Parenting Panel.
• Make sure every decision we make puts children’s needs and rights first.