Papers going before the Social Work Services Committee show that the service is currently expected to overspend by £488,000 this year. This is mainly because more children than expected need residential care, and because the needs of those children are often more complex. At the end of December, 33 children were in residential placements, compared with the planned number of 28, and the cost of providing this care has risen nationally in recent years. Since writing this report, the number of children in residential placements has decreased to 28, with the current trajectory indicating a positive shift in the residential placements position since 2023/24.
The council is clear that these pressures are being tackled. Work is underway to reduce the need for residential placements where it is safe to do so, to strengthen oversight of decisions and to expand the support available to help young people stay closer to home.
Work is progressing to increase the number of local, nurturing places for children who cannot live at home. Two new council children’s houses, one in the east of the region and one in the west, are now moving into the next stage of development. The houses will be designed to be warm, safe and trauma informed. A full business case will be considered by the council’s Capital Investment Programme Board in March. If approved, building work is expected to begin in early 2027, with the homes ready for children in mid 2028.
Housing partners are also developing 14 new one-bedroom homes, due to be completed in 2027, for young people who are at risk of homelessness or leaving care, giving them safe, local places to begin living independently. The council continues to keep a close eye on homelessness more widely.
Committee members also heard about ongoing work to strengthen and support the Social Work workforce. This includes the council’s successful “grow your own” initiative, which helps local people train and qualify as social workers. Ten trainees have now taken up Social Work roles in Dumfries and Galloway, and staff across the service are benefiting from improved training, wellbeing support and supervision.
The committee also welcomed the publication of the joint inspection of services for children and young people subject to compulsory supervision orders living at home with their parents in Dumfries and Galloway, carried out by the Care Inspectorate and partner scrutiny bodies. Although this inspection was overseen by the Community Planning Partnership, much of what was examined focussed on social work practice. Inspectors highlighted the strong, caring relationships that staff build with children, and praised the way agencies work together locally, including the daily Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). The findings reflect the good work already underway in Dumfries and Galloway and reinforce the commitment of local practitioners to helping children stay safely at home whenever possible.
Speaking after the committee, Councillor Andy McFarlane, Chair of the Social Work Services Committee, said:
“We’re being honest about the challenges we face. More children need our help, and residential care has become more expensive. But we are equally clear about what we’re doing in response. We are reducing the need for residential placements where it’s safe to do so, increasing local options and keeping a very close eye on all decisions.“I also welcome the Joint Inspection findings, which recognise the compassion and dedication of our staff. Our priority is always to make sure children and families get the right support at the right time, as close to home as possible.”
Councillor John Young, Vice Chair, added:
“The reports seen by committee show a service that is working hard under pressure. We are helping more young people move back home or into local accommodation, we are investing in new children’s houses and we’re continuing to build a strong and confident workforce.“The Joint Inspection highlights real strengths we can be proud of, while also giving clear areas for improvement. We’ll continue focussing on practical, local solutions that support long term wellbeing.”
The committee will continue to receive regular updates on progress, with transparency and the wellbeing of vulnerable residents at the heart of this work.