More than £1 million has been spent by the Western Health Trust in the past five years on emergency accommodation for children taken into care – with some of the most vulnerable young people sent as far away as England, Scotland and Wales. In some cases, providers were used for more than a year, while one facility was used continuously over a five-year period. ‘robust safeguarding’The Trust has defended the arrangements, insisting that ‘robust safeguarding plans’ – often including 24-hour supervision – are in place to protect children and young people. She warned that public money was being swallowed up by short-term fixes rather than invested in safe, permanent accommodation for children in care. “Many are vulnerable, yet the Trust cannot provide them with a stable and safe environment.