Thousands of babies left in homes where they are at risk
Thousands of babies under the age of one are left languishing in homes where local authorities deem them to be vulnerable and at risk, the children's commissioner has warned.
The report, ‘A Crying Shame’ reveals that are 15,800 babies under the age of one considered by local authorities to be vulnerable or highly vulnerable and at [...]
Interview with Amanda De Leon Capdesuner
Local authorities are being urged to use Video Interaction Guidance to work with a whole range of service users. Amanda De Leon Capdesuner, a social worker with more than 22 years post-qualifying experience, says the process, which is a strengths-based interaction used to improve attachment, communication and sensitivity between children and their carers, can be [...]
Ofsted reports in October
Ofsted reports of children's services published in October.
Joint working in Wirral criticised by Ofsted
Joint working in Wirral between children’s services, health and police has been criticised by Ofsted.
In the seventh monitoring visit since the local authority was judged inadequate in September 2016, inspectors said the local authority is making progress in improving social work support [...]
Walsall improves outcomes for care leavers
Walsall children's services has made progress in all areas with recommendations from the last Ofsted inspection that relate to care leavers.
A focused visit from Ofsted looking at the local authority’s arrangements for care leavers, including the preparation of relevant children in care for the transition to adulthood, found the local authority has good awareness of [...]
The many joys of life as a foster carer
Foster carer, feature writer and photographer David Bocking talks about his experience fostering for Sheffield City Council.
One of the first thing a Foster Carer learns is that foster children don’t officially go by that name anymore: our children are called ‘LACs’ or ‘Looked after Children'.
And boy, are they looked after — at the last count our [...]
Special Report: Video Interactive Guidance
Clare Jerrom looks at using Video Interactive Guidance when working with children and families.
Video Interactive Guidance (VIG) is a relatively new way of working with children and families which uses a strengths-based approach to improve communication and help parents to respond in an attuned way to their child.
Originating from the Netherlands, VIG was first brought [...]
