Commenting on Ofsted’s research on children’s social care...

29 Jul 2022 in Safeguarding and Child Protection > Safeguarding & Child Protection >

Commenting on Ofsted’s research on children’s social care recovering from the pandemic, ADCS President Steve Crocker said:

“The impact of the pandemic on both children and the services they rely on has been immense and we are still feeling the effects today. Ofsted’s latest report on how the sector is recovering from the pandemic highlights issues that are all too familiar to children’s services departments up and down the country. The entire children’s workforce worked tirelessly throughout successive lockdowns and local restrictions so that those children and families who needed our services the most were supported. However, Covid-19 also exacerbated many pre-existing problems which we are still grappling with. Children are waiting longer to be seen by mental health professionals, access to and costs of suitable placements for children in care are unsustainable and we are struggling to recruit and retain enough experienced social workers. Local authorities are working innovatively to resolve some of these problems, however, we simply lack the kind of long-term funding that will allow the sector to adequately address many of the problems we face. The care review’s publication presents a number of opportunities and we look forward to working closely with government as we implement some of the recommendations, but ADCS continues to call on government to provide the sector with a sustainable, long-term funding settlement that reflects the long-term impacts of the pandemic. A whole generation of children and young people will rely on us getting this right.”

ENDS