COUNCILS need to do more to give children leaving care a choice of accommodation - as it has been revealed 26 children in Worcester who turn 18 years-old within the next six months or less have nowhere to move into.

At a meeting of the corporate parenting board at County Hall on Thursday (November 29), Justine Bishop, manager of the outreach team at Worcestershire County Council, said 11 of the 26 children currently live in Worcester.

Catherine Driscoll, director of children’s services said it was “just not acceptable” to have no suitable accommodation for care leavers.

Cllr Andy Roberts, cabinet member for children and families, said: “I appreciate that with housing shortages, housing authorities have an almost impossible task, and that over the last year they have provided much greater focus on young people coming out of care. However, I also understand the concerns of councillors.

“A housing plan is drawn up for anyone who is leaving care with all options considered, including housing associations and the private sector but we know we face big challenges in providing our care leavers with choice and suitable long term housing in a timely way.

“As corporate parents we want to go above and beyond the legislative minimum to provide four walls and a roof.

“We want our care leavers to be able to plan for their move to independence and have a choice of where to live that supports them to maintain links with work, education, friends and family.

“To do this we need to find innovative solutions to the challenge.”

The city council said it employs a young persons pathway worker who works specifically with the personal adviser appointed by the county council to draw up personalised housing plans for anyone leaving care and qualifies to be housed in the city.

A spokesman said: "A range of accommodation is considered, including housing associations and private sector rented housing.

“There is a joint protocol in place with the county council’s children’s services which, among other things, ensures that an offer of accommodation will always be made to any care leaver in danger of becoming homeless.

“The city council is also working with developers and housing providers to increase the amount of affordable accommodation in the city.”

Cllr Charlie Hotham said it was “very concerning” to hear.

He said: “Our number one concern must be those 26 children who are in desperate need. We [the council] could think about buying houses but this will be years down the line. Something needs to be done now.”