Soaring costs have pushed council-run children's services almost £5.7 million over budget.
Essex County Council chiefs admit there are "significant" pressures on the children and families budget, but say they have started to tackle the problem.
The amount spent on residential care is likely to be £500,000 more than expected. And the number of children placed in care outside the county has pushed the department a further £1 million over budget.
Fostering is also expected to overspend by £1 million, while the amount spent on children in secure accommodation is £800,000 into the red. The council's internal auditors are currently reviewing how it operates.
Children's services chief Tracey Chapman said: "I don't think there is a children's services department in the country that isn't suffering."
Published Tuesday January 27, 2004
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