To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many intensive fostering places are available under the Youth Rehabilitation Order in each youth offending team area; what the average cost per place is; and whether he plans to increase the number of places available under that Order. (317548)

Intensive fostering is being piloted by the Youth Justice Board and 25 places are currently available in the youth offending teams (YOTs) that are taking part in the pilot. There are 10 places in Wessex, six in Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent, three in Trafford and six across London.

The cost of a placement currently ranges between £2,220 to £2,385 a week. A further six places will be provided in 2010-11, four in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough YOTs and two in Derby City YOT. Extension of intensive fostering more widely will be subject to future spending reviews.