Childrens Residential Complex Needs Block Contracts Outcome Specification Approach

Essex County Council have an opportunity for providers within the children's residential and fostering space to enter into a block contract agreement, this will be for registered provision for children and young people under the age of 18, currently in unregistered settings. Providers must have provision or be able to demonstrate they will have, that is Ofsted registered and, either in Essex or within 20 miles from Essex County Council's geographic coverage / boundaries.

The Council are not mandating precise details of how a provider should support a Child in Care, instead trusting in the specialisms, knowledge, and expertise of this market. This output approach allows providers (both fostering and residential) full autonomy and freedom around their individual model using their bids to detail how they will meet the individual needs of a Child in Care and the expected outcomes of this contract.

Exact details of Children in Care requiring a placement are individually outlined in each output specification, these each form a Lot. These are anonymised referrals of a Young Person who is currently in an unregistered placement who requires a registered placement.

The Council will consider all registered children's home/foster care placements so long as it is in accordance with the child or young person's care plan, the Council are therefore able to consider solo, dual or group homes.

The Council are not mandating required minimum support hours (unless in accordance with a DoLS order) instead opting to hear from providers about how they best feel they can meet needs.

Placements for children and young people include those:

With emotional and behavioural difficulties.

With EHCP plans.

With a history of disrupted familial relationships and/or have experienced break down of placements in foster care or children's homes.

Who have been at risk of harm.

Who have experienced neglect.

Who have experienced emotional abuse.

Who have an identified or suspected neurodiversity.

Additional children and young people referred if / once the initial placement has ended are likely to include those aged 10-18 years old with behaviours including but not limited to:

Self-harm, including suicidal thoughts.

Offending

Sexualised behaviours

Fire setting

Absconding

The placement is not required to accommodate children and young people with:

Physical disabilities.

Severe Learning disabilities.

Acute mental health needs who require inpatient treatment.

Clinical / nursing needs.

Severe drug dependency not on a treatment support program.

The provider is to operate within Children's homes / fostering regulations, Ofsted requirements, and ensure Regulation 44 visits are in place as applicable. Criteria For Providing the Provision include that the provider will have a registered children's home vacancy or foster care placement which can be offered within the timescales detailed within the specification. The placement is in Essex or within 20 miles.

Additional information:

2024/S 000-004816