Threat to Independent Reviewing Officer role in Children and Social Work Bill
Measures in the Children and Social Work Bill, currently going through parliament, threaten the existence of the Independent Reviewing Officer Service, it has been claimed.
The National Association of Independent Reviewing Officers has warned that Clauses 29 – 33 of the Bill would enable local authorities to apply for exemptions from their duties to [...]
ADCS and LGA says mandatory reporting will not improve outcomes
Mandatory reporting systems in social work will neither provide greater protection for children and young people nor lead to better outcomes.
This is the stark warning from the Association of Directors of Children’s Services and the Local Government Association in a joint statement opposing the introduction of mandatory reporting or a duty to act.
The government [...]
Social worker named as shadow children’s minister
A former child protection social worker has become the shadow minister for children and families, the Labour Party has announced.
Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn announced the appointment of 21 MPs to the Labour frontbench and confirmed that Emma Lewell-Buck MP has been appointed as the shadow minister for children and families.
Lewell-Buck studied politics [...]
Fostering inquiry launched by MPs
An inquiry into fostering in England has been launched by the Education Select Committee.
The committee, chaired by Neil Carmichael MP, will examine a range of issues around fostering including the recruitment and retention of foster carers and foster care for children with challenging needs.
Neil Carmichael, Chair of the Education Committee, said: “Fostering is a [...]
Qualification for social work support staff launched in Wales
A new qualification for social work support staff has been launched in Wales.
The Care Council for Wales has commissioned The Open University to work in partnership with the Council and local authorities to deliver a pilot Social Services Practitioner Programme.
Under the programme, practitioners will become qualified to deliver a range of support services from advice [...]
Court ruling ‘confusion’ triggers first fall in adoptions for five years
Adoption campaigners say drop reflects impact of Re B and Re B-S rulings on practice and decision-making
The number of children adopted in England has dropped for the first time in five years, with experts attributing the fall to “confusion” surrounding two landmark court rulings.
Government figures published today revealed 4,690 looked-after children were adopted in [...]
