Andy Smith, President of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, said:

“This is a critical time for children, and the public services that support them. For too long children’s needs, their rights and outcomes have not been prioritised and for too long councils have been severely underfunded in the face of rising levels of need and costs. A growing number of councils are effectively bankrupt, or dangerously close to this and many vital and valued services, including services that help children and families before they reach crisis point, are at risk.

“The new government has many urgent challenges to address. This must include the crisis in local government funding, growing pressures in children’s social care and the SEND system and huge challenges facing children’s mental health. Improving the outcomes and life chances of children and families must be the golden thread running through all government policy and departments and we need a national plan for childhood. ADCS members stand ready to work with ministers to enable all children and families to thrive, now and in the future.”

ENDS