Police pressure on missing children under Doncaster's care from other parts of the country

In a report discussed by a Children Young People Scrutiny Overview Panel meeting at Doncaster Council, councillors heard children going missing from care '˜continues to be a concern'. 

Doncaster has around 200 children from different councils across the country in care some from as far as London.

Council and children's trust bosses have said previously the borough has cheaper house prices making it attractive for people to set up private children's homes.

Both parties are said to further investigate why more children are coming into under Doncaster's care from other parts of the country.

Doncaster Council bosses said the authority would follow Barnsley's lead and write to every local authority on the issue to call for greater working and communication. 

The report compiled by Doncaster Safeguarding Children Board said: 'Challenge has been raised by South Yorkshire Police regarding the support given to children who are the responsibility of other local authorities, placed in Doncaster, who go missing.

'The impact these children have on resources in Doncaster continues to be a concern. Safeguarding partners need to work with other local authorities to ensure appropriate support is in place to keep these vulnerable young people safe.'

Documents seen by councillors show DCST has 57 more children in care than it did at the end of the last financial year. 

At the close of 2016/2017, DCST had 513 children but this has risen to 570.

But children's bosses said despite the significant increase, this had '˜not had a detrimental effect on the stability of placements'. 

Although there has been a significant increase in the number of looked after children, this has not had a detrimental effect on the stability of placements.