County Council Network report, ‘The future of children’s...

Commenting on the report Charlotte Ramsden, ADCS President, said:

“This report reinforces a number of issues which ADCS has been raising with government for many years, namely growing levels of need in our communities set against year on year reductions to local authority budgets as well as a shortage of appropriate placements at high prices for children in care. The report describes a bleak future for children, families and children’s services, if necessary changes to and investment in the system is not realised. Whilst some children will always need to come into care, we agree that there should be a greater focus on supporting families to stay together safely by providing targeted, early support, in line with the Children Act 1989. However, when budgets are under pressure difficult decisions must be made. Investment at both ends of the spectrum is urgently needed to enable children to be brought up within their own families, where possible. But this is about more than funding, it’s about having a range of placement options, effective support services and a well-supported workforce available when and where they’re needed. National investment in early help, national standards for our care system together with the capacity to deliver them, will mean fewer children need to be in care but that those who do can thrive. We can’t go on as we are, the government and the Care Review must deliver on a plan that enables us to build a care system that works for children.”

ENDS

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