Government launches independent review of children’s social care

The Government has launched an independent review of children's social care to “radically reform the system” and address poor outcomes for children in care.

The review will be led by Josh MacAlister, the founder of social work charity Frontline and a former teacher.

The Department for Education said the review would examine the process from referral through to becoming looked after, and "reshape how children interact with the care system".

It will address major challenges such as the increase in numbers of looked after children, the inconsistencies in children's social care practice, outcomes across the country, and the failure of the system to provide enough stable homes for children, the DfE said.

The Department said Education Secretary Gavin Williamson would give a speech today saying: “We have known for some time that despite the best efforts of hardworking and dedicated social workers, the children’s social care system is not delivering a better quality of life and improved outcomes for those it is designed to help.

“This review will be bold, wide-ranging and will not shy away from exposing problems where they exist. Under Josh MacAlister’s leadership, it will benefit from his understanding of the challenges facing the system and his experience of improving outcomes for children and young people.”

Mr MacAlister said: "This review will listen deeply and think boldly. That is why I am recruiting for an 'Experts by Experience' Group that will direct an ambitious effort to hear the diverse experiences of children and families who have had social workers. I also need advice and challenge as we start this review, which is why I'm launching a Call for Advice."

Responding to the announcement, Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the Local Government Association's Children and Young People Board, welcomed the move to include the voices of those with a 'lived experience' in children's social care.

Cllr Blake said: "We are particularly pleased that the review intends to place the views and experiences of children, young people and the care experienced community at its heart. Proper, meaningful engagement will make clear the changes our children and young people want and deserve.

"The review will need to look at the experiences of children in the round, considering not only the work of children's social care departments, but partners including schools and healthcare services who have a vital role to play in supporting children and their families. Demand for support has increased dramatically over the last decade, and it is important that we understand why this is and whether services are adequately resourced to give children the right help at the right time.”

She added: "Supporting and protecting vulnerable children is one of the most important roles that councils play. Councils stand ready to work closely with the review team to contribute their knowledge and expertise, and to ensure the best possible outcomes for the children they support and their families."

Anne Longfield, Children's Commissioner for England, described the review as a "once in a generation opportunity for a bold and ambitious assessment of how to fix the many broken parts of the children's social care system".

Longfield said it must put children's voices at its heart. “I hear from children all the time who are being pushed around the system – forced to move foster home or change school at short notice and against their wishes, and often many miles away from family and friends. I hear from older children in care who are being placed in dangerous, unregulated accommodation where they are at risk of exploitation.

"The system needs urgent reform and this review must not tinker around the edges or be simply a set of recommendations that are not then acted upon. It must lead to real, meaningful change for children in care and those on the edge of it, and to the state becoming a better parent to all of the vulnerable children it has a duty to look after."

Jenny Coles, President of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, said: “The review represents an opportunity for the government to be bold and ambitious and to learn from the expertise of those who are care experienced of all ages. The Children Act 1989 is clear, wherever possible children are best brought up within their own families.

“Some children will always need to come into care, and we need to ensure a range of placement options, high quality support services and a well-supported workforce are available when and where they’re needed. National investment in early help, national standards for our care system together with the capacity to deliver them, will mean fewer children need to be in care but that those who do can flourish.”

Coles added: “Care can be a positive and for some children it is transformative but the system can do better. The Care Review must deliver on a plan to support the best possible outcomes for life. Children in our care deserve nothing less.”

Adam Carey