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Progress against a backdrop of challenges for Suffolk's care for vulnerable children

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Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Suffolk County Council's latest report on its care for vulnerable children reveals successes and ongoing challenges.

Why it matters: Suffolk County Council acts as a "corporate parent" to children in care and care leavers, responsible for their wellbeing and prospects.

By the numbers:

  • 826 children in care (excluding unaccompanied asylum-seeking children) as of March 31, 2024 – down from 872 the previous year

  • 74% of children in care live in family-based settings

  • 81.7% of foster homes provided by Suffolk's in-house service - up from 77.9% last year

Key achievements:

  • 41 children placed for adoption, with only 4 placed out-of-county

  • No permanent school exclusions of children in care

  • 86% of children received timely annual health checks

Challenges remain:

  • 38% of children aged 4-17 in care show high scores on emotional wellbeing and behavior screenings

  • 31.8% of school-age children in care have an Education Health and Care Plan – up from 27.1% last year

  • Ongoing pressures on mental health support and shortage of care places for children with complex needs

What's next: The council has set priorities for 2024/25, including:

  • Targeted recruitment of foster carers, especially for older children and those with complex needs

  • Implementing an emergency foster bed scheme

  • Improving educational outcomes for children in care

The bottom line: While progress has been made, the council faces ongoing challenges in meeting the diverse needs of children in care.

The report acknowledges that these services are delivered "against a backdrop of significant national and local pressures across the care system."

These pressures include challenges in mental health support and a shortage of appropriate care places for children with very complex needs.

Further reading: You can view the full report on the Suffolk County Council website.

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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