Number of children in care falls as council makes improvements to service
Thursday 04 June 2026
The Corporate Parenting committee of Bridgend County Borough Council has heard how the number of children in care is decreasing thanks to greater investment in the workforce, lower caseloads, earlier intervention and support for families and a greater emphasis on improving the stability of care environments.
As of March 2026, 316 children and young people were classed as being ‘care experienced’ compared to a high of 374 recorded in April 2024. The number of children moving between three or more care placements also decreased, falling by 14 per cent to 7.8 per cent.
Members heard that because educational outcomes for care-experienced children remain below those of their peers, a more trauma-informed approach has been developed along with increased collaborative support.
This has been incorporated into a Safe Reduction of Care Experienced Children and Young People strategy which has helped the council improve the effectiveness of its services for young people by enabling families to stay together or to be reunited safely while also reducing the need for children to enter care.
The committee heard how, as part of its work, the board has worked alongside Bridgend College and the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to develop and expand vocational and wellbeing opportunities, while a new joint assessment protocol is supporting those who leave care to ensure they do not become homeless.
“The Corporate Parenting board is designed to amplify young people’s voices and ensure their rights and entitlements remain central to the council’s decision-making. It is based on the belief that every child and young person in our care should receive the same opportunities, support, stability and encouragement that any parent would want for their own child. “Together with our partners, we come together to hold ourselves accountable for the lives and outcomes of some of our most vulnerable young people. Success in this area requires genuine partnerships, shared responsibility, and a collective determination to improve lives. “I want to thank the many partners who have contributed to this important work, including colleagues in children’s services, education, housing, health, youth justice, advocacy, fostering and adoption services, the Fire and Rescue Service, Bridgend College, Awen Cultural Trust, South Wales Police, third-sector organisations and many others. “Through events such as the Care Experienced Summit, we continue to strengthen the voice of children and young people, and ensure that they can contribute to the design and improvement of our services. “The breadth of involvement outlined in this report demonstrates that corporate parenting extends far beyond social services, and becomes everyone’s responsibility.”