Comment: research on machine learning in children’s social...

Commenting on new research by What Works for Children’s Social Care on the use of machine learning in children’s social care Jenny Coles, ADCS President, said:

“This report highlights the challenges of trying to predict human behaviour and gives policy makers, local authorities and others a lot to consider. Children’s social care is complex, no two families or situations are the same and building relationships are central to the work of social workers and other professionals supporting families in times of need. Although the researchers did not find evidence that the machine learning models tested in this study worked ‘well’ in children’s social care, the study did not seek to answer whether, or not, such approaches could ever work in this context. We know some local authorities are developing or exploring the use of machine learning models in children’s social care as an additional tool to support professional decision making. It could be worthwhile exploring further, particularly if it could help us to be effective in identifying opportunities to support children and families earlier before they reach crisis point.”

ENDS

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