Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) in the local authority's care

Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) in your local authority's care. Please provide data for the financial years 2022/23, 2023/24, and 2024/25 unless otherwise stated.

1. How many Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) were in the care of your local authority in each of the three financial years referenced above?

2. In the last financial year, how many UASC were placed in an Ofsted-registered children's home (as opposed to foster care, supported accommodation, or other provision)?

3. In the last financial year, how many instances were there where your authority was unable to identify a suitable registered children's home placement for a UASC child within 24 hours of that placement being required?

4. What was the average weekly fee paid by your authority for an Ofsted-registered children's home placement for a UASC child in each of the three financial years?

5. Does your authority operate a preferred provider list, dynamic purchasing system (DPS), or framework agreement for residential children's home placements? If so, how can new providers apply to join?

1. 2022-23: 72 as of 31st March

2023-24: 90 as of 31st March

2024-25: 79 as of 31st March

2. None

3. N/a

4. N/a

5. The Council operates an 'Open Select List' for residential children's home placements. This re-opens annually for new providers to apply to join. The current List closes in August 2027 with the last re-opening taking place in summer 2026. The tender opportunity will be advertised on Contracts Finder and Find a Tender. Interested suppliers would need to register with Panacea (the Council's procurement portal - https://app.panacea software.com/lcc/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2Flcc%2F to review the tender documents and submit their application.

More information about the Open Select List can be found at: https://professionals.lincolnshire.gov.uk/children%E2%80%99s-commissioning