00:00Darlington Borough Council says the cost of placing children in external residential care is increasing as more specialist placements are
00:08needed.
00:09A council report says children with more complex needs increasingly require smaller homes with higher staffing levels or solo placements.
00:18These places are in short supply nationally and can cost more.
00:22The council says the trend is not unique to Darlington and reflects wider pressures across the northeast and nationally.
00:29Cabinet member Nick Wallace says the complexity of children's needs has become marked.
00:34Despite pressure, the council says quality remains high.
00:38Thirteen of Darlington's 16 children's homes are rated good or outstanding.
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