Tackling the Challenge of Complex Needs in Care Homes: Oasis Care’s Commitment

In a recent Guardian article, across England, a growing concern has emerged: some care homes are reluctant to accept children with complex needs, fearing the impact on their Ofsted inspection ratings. These vulnerable young people are left waiting for stable homes, with councils scrambling to find suitable placements. While the demand for care home placements continues to rise, the limited availability of homes willing to accept these children with high levels of need is creating significant strain on the system. 

According to an Ofsted report, nine out of ten councils struggle to find homes for children with complex needs, often resorting to unregistered placements when registered care homes refuse these children. This not only limits the quality of care provided but also places these young people far from their families, friends, and communities. Additionally, care homes in some regions of England have fewer available placements, forcing many children to be moved hundreds of miles away from their local area. This further exacerbates the emotional and psychological challenges they face. 

The Complex Needs Crisis 

Many of these children have experienced severe trauma, live with disabilities, or have significant mental health needs that require specialist care. Placing these children in homes that are not equipped or willing to provide the necessary level of support only exacerbates their challenges, leading to a cycle of instability and negative outcomes. 

The reluctance of care homes to take on children with complex needs stems from several factors. One of the primary reasons is the perceived risk to their Ofsted ratings. Providers fear that incidents involving children with complex needs—such as going missing, requiring restraint, or making allegations against staff—will lead to increased scrutiny during inspections. This fear is understandable but deeply troubling because it ultimately leaves the children with the most pressing needs without the care they deserve. 

John Pearce, president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS), highlighted this issue, noting that some providers are unwilling to accept children with complex needs or serve notice periods early, fearing negative impacts on their ratings. He stressed that this approach is detrimental to the children, who are then moved far away from their support systems. Pearce emphasised that this practice creates a “vicious cycle” in the availability of homes and local authority budgets. 

Cherry-Picking and Systemic Challenges 

The issue of “cherry-picking” has also been raised, where some care providers are accused of accepting only children with fewer challenges to ensure smoother operations and fewer incidents that may attract attention from Ofsted. While some homes defend this practice as a way to protect the well-being of existing residents, critics argue that it priorities the care home's reputation over the well-being of the children who are most in need of care. 

In addition, care homes are often forced to decline high-needs placements because of concerns about how the behavior or complex needs of these children might affect the other children in the home. Dr. Mark Kerr, interim chief executive of the Children’s Homes Association (CHA), explained that while these assessments are necessary for ensuring the safety of all residents, they should not become a reason for denying care to children with complex needs. 

Kerr also pointed out that many providers, both independent and local authority-run, are worried that incidents involving complex cases will lead to additional inspections from Ofsted. These concerns, however, stem from a misunderstanding of the inspection process. Ofsted has repeatedly stated that caring for children with complex needs does not automatically lead to lower ratings, as long as the home is adapting appropriately to meet those needs. 

The Human Cost of Waiting 

The impact on young people with complex needs is severe. These children are already facing emotional, mental, and physical challenges, and being denied a stable home or placed in unregistered settings can worsen their situation. When local authorities resort to unregistered placements, it means that the care provided is not regulated or inspected, potentially putting these vulnerable children at even greater risk. 

The longer these children wait for a suitable placement, the more their situation deteriorates. For children with mental health challenges or behavioural issues, delays in receiving the proper care can lead to worsening symptoms, making it even harder for them to integrate into a stable environment later. The knock-on effect of this is increased pressure on local authority budgets, as unregistered placements often require costly emergency measures, such as one-on-one supervision or additional support staff. 

In some cases, these delays mean that children are placed hundreds of miles away from their families, schools, and friends, further isolating them from the people and places that provide stability. The impact on their emotional well-being can be devastating, leaving them feeling disconnected and unsupported. 

Care Homes Facing the Challenge Head-On 

While some care providers shy away from complex cases, others are embracing the challenge and developing specialised models to ensure young people receive the care they deserve. Homes like Oasis Care are stepping up to offer personalised, holistic support for children with complex needs, despite the operational challenges it brings. 

A Different Approach: Putting Young People First 

Unlike care homes that fear the repercussions of taking on children with complex needs, Oasis Care has made it their mission to accept and support these young people without hesitation. The organisation focuses on creating individualised care plans that address the specific emotional, behavioural, and mental health challenges faced by each resident. Their staff are trained to work with children who have experienced trauma, have learning disabilities