Birmingham City Council has today accepted damning criticism of its children's social care service.

A report, Who Cares? Protecting Children and Improving Children’s Social Care, found that the council's social work system was 'not fit for purpose.'

It follows an inquiry by the councils scrutiny committee which was set up after eight children in the councils care died in a four year period.   

It found that many problems were casused by too much paperwork and staff shortages which are prevelant in social service departments around the country. This meant social workers were not able to spend enough time with vunerable children.

'Recruitment and retention of staff, especially of experienced staff, is a key area for improvement in Birmingham and capacity issues continue to hamper progress towards improvement' stated the report.

It went on to say that inquiry members were also 'shocked and dismayed' at the standard of accommodation at some of the authority's care facilities.Birmingham leader Cllr Mike Whitby said he welcomed the report.

'Our focus remains fixed on putting in place the changes needed to ensure the most vulnerable young people in our city get the care and support they need.'

Cllr Len Clark, Chair of the Scrutiny Inquiry, said:

'Many of the findings of this children’s social care inquiry will not make comfortable reading for the Council. This was not the intent. But if we are to make sustainable progress and not just short term fixes, we must address the underlying issues identified in our report. This must be the City Council’s top priority.'

Cllr Les Lawrence, cabinet member for children, young people and families, said there was still work to do, but  the council was starting to make substantial improvements.

'There is no quick fix to the problems highlighted, some of which affect all councils nationally, such as the recruitment and retention of social workers.

'However, I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure we provide the best possible care to the children and young people of this city.'

Measures already introduced include:

• Strengthening the senior management team.
• Enforcing higher standards in recording of cases through a training programme.
• Shifting focus upon maintaining children in the community rather than in children’s homes.
• Addressing over-reliance on temporary workers through a recruitment strategy encouraging agency staff to apply for permanent positions.
• Launching a campaign to recruit more foster carers.
• Addressing poor quality accommodation in children’s homes through a modernisation programme.

Tony Howell, Strategic Director for Children, Young People and Families, said:

'All of us who work with children want the very best care for the young people of this city.

'In order to get there we have had to undergo a difficult journey and we still have some way to go.

'I know my colleagues within the Council are fully committed to continue making the changes necessary to achieve long-term and sustainable improvements needed.

'The Scrutiny Report is a valuable step along the way and we welcome its publication.'

Councillor Clark will present the findings of his report to Full Council on 13th October.