Special Report: Children giving evidence in family courts
Courts should be more open to children giving evidence in family court proceedings, the chief of the family court has said, writes Clare Jerrom.
In a recent judgement, Sir James Munby said that although “there has been a sea-change in attitudes over the last decade and more, even if on occasion practitioners and the courts have [...]
Quarter of authorities are ‘inadequate’, says Ofsted
Ofsted’s annual social care report shows leadership is key to improving the standard of care in an authority
A quarter of children’s services departments are rated inadequate, Ofsted’s annual social care report has found.
While 21 children’s services are ‘inadequate’, a further 43 require improvement, the report reveals.
“In poor performing authorities weaknesses in leadership and management oversight, [...]
Expert's Corner: Interview with Andrew Christie
Clare Jerrom speaks exclusively to the new chair of the government's Adoption Leadership Board about delivering the government's adoption reforms.
The pendulum has swung too far in favour of placing vulnerable children in care with extended family as opposed to considering adoption, the new chair of the Adoption Leadership Board has warned.
As he takes to the [...]
London borough plans to reduce SGO fees
Special guardianship Order fees need to reduce in times of financial austerity says council.
A London borough is proposing to reduce the fees it pays to Special Guardians.
The London Borough of Barnet says that here is a strong case for reducing the rates paid to special guardians in the borough and reducing the rates would tackle [...]
NSPCC reports surge in child neglect cases
Children’s charity says child neglect cases recorded by police have risen dramatically in a decade.
Child cruelty and neglect cases rose by 75 per cent in a decade, the NSPCC has warned.
Child neglect, which is a factor in 60% of serious case reviews and the main concern in 45% of child protection plans in England, [...]
Child must be the main focus in any child protection case, SCR warns
Serious Case Review into the death of Ellie Butler warns that professionals should not be distracted by hostile behaviour from parents
All agencies should remember the importance of focusing on the needs of the child throughout any case, the Serious Case Review into the death of Ellie Butler has warned.
Ellie was aged 6 years and [...]
