Assessments variable at Sandwell Council
Assessments and care plans for looked-after children in Sandwell are of variable and often poor quality, a monitoring visit of the authority found.
Plans are not specific enough, and do not focus on all risks, or the complexity, of a child’s needs and behaviour. In particular, for too many children, permanence planning is not yet sufficiently [...]
Progress made in care leavers’ service at Wirral
There is a real sense of energy and enthusiasm in managers and personal advisers at Wirral who are keen and committed to improve services to care leavers, a monitoring visit from Ofsted has found.
Ofsted carried out a third monitoring visit of the authority since it was judged inadequate in July 2016 and during this visit, [...]
Alternatives to residential assessment services
Local authorities need more alternatives to residential assessment services argues WillisPalmer Head of Operations, Harriet Jannetta
Local authorities are currently under massive financial pressure because of austerity measures. A recent survey by the National Children’s Bureau, in association with the British Association of Social Workers found that 70% of 1,646 social workers said the threshold [...]
Expert’s Corner with Melanie Phelps
Counselling psychologist Melanie Phelps tells Clare Jerrom the key to success in treating mental health problems in adults
Using several strategies to tackle a mental health disorder is key to the success of the treatment, an eating disorder specialist has said.
Different combinations of therapy, medication, exercise and support should be used in conjunction with [...]
Special report: Domestic violence services should focus on perpetrator
Joint Targeted Area Inspections call for new approach to domestic abuse services and urge an awareness campaign
There should be a national public service initiative to raise awareness of domestic abuse and violence, a joint inspection report has concluded.
A public service message aimed at reducing the prevalence of domestic abuse is needed as part of [...]
Ofsted’s inspections of children’s services during September
Here is a summary of the Ofsted inspections of children's services published in September
Ofsted finds steady progress in Somerset’s care leavers and disabled children’s services
Steady progress has been made in services for care leavers and disabled children in Somerset children’s services. However, the fourth monitoring visit since the local authority was judged inadequate in February [...]
