Dynamic Purchasing System for Complex Care Needs for Children and Young People

Warrington Borough Council is establishing a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for the procurement of essential support services for Children, Young People (CYP), and Care Leavers. The DPS enables providers to apply at any time, ensuring flexibility in service provision. The aim is to improve well-being, independence, and life outcomes for vulnerable individuals through high-quality, cost-effective services.

The DPS is divided into five lots, covering a broad range of social care, accommodation, therapeutic interventions, and outreach support.

Lot 1: Outreach Support (Complex Needs)

This service provides in-home and community-based support for CYP with learning disabilities (LD), neurodevelopmental disorders, physical disabilities, mental health needs, and complex medical conditions. It includes personal care, respite for families, and support to build independence. Providers must ensure a person-centred approach, promoting social inclusion and skill development. 24/7 availability, emergency and planned care, and CQC registration are required where applicable.

Lot 2: Outreach Support (Standard Needs)

This lot covers supervised contact, hospital or home supervision, and outreach support for CYP in need of additional supervision or safeguarding. The service assists families, provides supervision during hospital stays, and enables CYP to access their communities. The focus is on early intervention, safeguarding, and promoting family stability, with flexible support hours from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week.

Lot 3: Supported Accommodation for Young People (16-17 Leaving Care)

This provision supports care leavers transitioning to independent living. Accommodation must include individual living spaces with 24/7 on-site support, allowing young people to gain life skills in a safe environment. Support includes budgeting, employment readiness, emotional resilience, and community integration.

Lot 4: Short to Medium-Term Accommodation (Post-18)

Accommodation for care-experienced young adults and asylum-seeking young people who require housing while awaiting long-term solutions. Providers must deliver structured support for independent living, ensuring CYP are prepared for permanent accommodation. Support includes financial management, employment assistance, and safeguarding measures.

Lot 5: Specialist Assessments & Therapeutic Services

This lot includes psychological, psychiatric, social work, and therapeutic services for CYP and families. Assessments may be court-directed or required for social care planning. Therapeutic interventions include trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy (TF-CBT), play therapy, and life story work. Providers must be professionally registered, qualified, and able to deliver high-quality assessments within specified timescales.