DOZENS of children in the care system in Cumbria are being looked after outside of the county, new figures show.

A shortage of foster parents and a lack of specialist placements means some are being placed miles away from their home county.

Of around 700 children officially under the care of Cumbria County Council, 95 are in residential homes outside Cumbria.

More than 200 are with independent fostering agencies which aim to find a family for children, a county council report has revealed.

The problem is happening at many other councils with local authorities said to be “struggling” to place children in their home area.

A lack of foster parents or children coming into the system with “specialist” needs, means there is not enough help available on the ground in Cumbria.

A report has warned that there has also been an increase in the number of children in Cumbria aged between 10-15 being taken into care.

Such children are “harder to place” with foster parents because of how old they are, the report said.

By contrast, there has also been a fall in the number of children aged under one years old being taken into care.

Looked after children are those looked after by the council once a court has granted a care order to place them in care.

Barrow has among the highest rates in Cumbria with 150 in the care system. In South Lakeland the figure is 67 but in Eden it falls to just 20.

A report said: “There are large gaps between the rates of looked after children in Barrow and Copeland than Eden and South Lakeland, even when accounting for rural areas and differences in population.”

Copeland has 130 children in care, but Allerdale has the highest with 160, just ahead of Carlisle on 150.

Cumbria County Council has recently agreed a new strategy for looked after children, covering the period 2019-23, and drawn-up with input from around 40 youngsters in care.

A report said: “The strategy provides a clear sense of direction and for the first time puts children in the driving seat.”

The county council has pledged to “increase” the number of local residential placements and foster carers. It also plans to look at independent living options for 16-to-17-year-olds.

It said: “We want to be known as one of the best local authorities for supporting our looked after children and care leavers.”

Cllr Anne Burns, the cabinet member for childrens services, said: “This new strategy focusses on where we are now and where we want to be in the future. The strategy is a step-change and we are very grateful of the work of young people in pulling this strategy together.” To find out about fostering, visit https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/fostering/

To find out about fostering, visit https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/fostering/