Childrens services
ADCS president calls for welfare overhaul
The impact of the pandemic on children’s futures must not be underestimated, the president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) has said.
Putting social value into procurement
Claire Preston hopes the Social Value Toolkit will promote a ‘whole council’ approach that encourages organisations to put helping care leavers at the heart of procurement.
Building back better services for children
Chief executive of the National Children's Bureau Anna Feuchtwang asks how local and national government can build back children’s services that are better equipped to meet needs in the ‘new normal’.
Strengthening safeguarding by placing social workers in schools
The best aspects of a pilot that places social workers in schools are going to be tested more widely in a randomised controlled trial in at least 10 areas, says Michael Sanders.
Ensuring continuity of care during COVID-19
What happens when home isn't a safe place to be? Julie Tyas discusses how tech is becoming the eyes and ears of social workers during the pandemic.
Using virtual reality technology to understand the needs of children
Alison Alexander says VR is being used in the recruitment and training of prospective foster carers and adopters and across children’s services provision to better understand the impact of trauma.
Charity applies for judicial review of changes to children's social care law
A children’s rights charity has applied to the High Court for a judicial review of changes made to social care law by the Department for Education.
Children should not carry the cost of this crisis
Emergency funding for the pandemic is welcome, but it is not enough to cover costs. Children should not bear the brunt of the cuts, says Jenny Coles.
Time for some creative thinking on safeguarding
With many key partners having closed their doors, local authorities need to think differently about safeguarding children to make sure they don’t fall through the net, warns Anne Longfield.
Charity threatens legal action on changes to safeguarding laws
A charity has threatened legal action against the Department for Education (DfE) if it does not withdraw a statutory instrument that makes changes to safeguards for children in care in England.
There is no return to yesterday
Social services have adapted rapidly to the disruption of COVID-19, says Tony Hunter. As we emerge from the crisis, we need to think about what lessons we should learn and how we can harness data to make better social care decisions.
Playing our part to support the most vulnerable
Tim Aldridge outlines how his team in Newham has responded to the challenge of working during the pandemic, and says adversity has sparked innovation, resilience, collaboration and creativity.
Early intervention: adapting to a world in lockdown
The Early Intervention Foundation has carried out an intense effort to gather as much information as it could on what works in virtual and digital delivery, says Jack Martin. He outlines what the evidence shows.
Our systemic model is coming to the fore during the pandemic
Sarah Newman, executive director of children’s services for the bi-borough - Kensington & Chelsea RLBC and Westminster City Council – outlines how the councils have been working to protect children and families during the COVID-19 crisis.
Working through the pandemic to protect children and families
A new report has identified the groups of children most likely to be at risk under lockdown. How are councils responding to need and have they got the resources to deliver?
Greenwich’s Children’s Centres Offer Remote Support to Families in Need
Lisa Walsh explains how Better Children’s Centres within Greenwich RLBC are helping families by providing practical and emotional support online and over the phone.
Pandemic is making ‘inadequate funding baseline’ worse, says new ADCS president
The incoming president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) says she wants ‘unprecedented levels of investment in our children’s futures, please’, in response to the pandemic.
Teamwork in a crisis
In the face of the coronavirus crisis, Stuart Carlton explains why he is so proud of the passion, zeal and determination of his children’s services staff who are dealing with this on the frontline.
A critical time for child protection
Keeping children safe is a challenge made even greater amid the coronavirus crisis. Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield outlines her fears.
What are councils’ obligations towards children and social care in their area?
Clare Hardy highlights the range of existing obligations in relation to children and social care that councils must ensure they are meeting.
