Ellie Ames 21 February 2024

Children’s needs not prioritised, service leaders warn

Children’s needs not prioritised, service leaders warn image
Image: spixel / Shutterstock.com

Children’s services directors have raised concerns that government policy does not prioritise children, while their previous asks of Whitehall ‘remain unaddressed’.

The Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) said its new paper is an ‘urgent call to arms’ to tackle issues facing children and families after the Government failed to address the solutions put forward in its 2017 report.

According to the new paper, the number of children living in destitution has risen threefold to 4.2 million since 2017, while a quarter of young people had a probable mental health condition in 2022, up from one in 10 in 2017.

The ADCS said the national system for children with special needs is ‘profoundly broken’, and children’s social care risks becoming a ‘blue light service’ as funding fails to keep pace with rising demand.

Directors also raised concerns about difficulties navigating the ‘diffuse accountability arrangements’ across the multiple government departments and agencies with responsibility for child and family policy.

ADCS president John Pearce said: ‘Clearly this country is not currently working for all children. We need the Government to recognise this and act in a long-term way.

‘The need for action on child and family poverty, a new approach to funding and addressing the workforce crisis is arguably stronger than ever before.’

The chair of the Local Government Association’s children and young people’s board, Louise Gittins, described services for children and families as ‘fragmented’, and called for councils to have the powers and resources to deliver joined-up local support.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner