Children's social care

• Social care system demonstrates ‘remarkable resilience’

  Local social care services have demonstrated ‘remarkable resilience’ in the face of Government cut backs and demographic changes, think tank says.

  

• An 'outstanding' example for children's services

  A county in the north of England provides a shining example of how to run children's care services, writes Mark Whitehead.

  

• County first to be rated 'outstanding' in all areas of children's social care

  North Yorkshire County Council has become the first authority to receive an ‘outstanding’ grade in every category under the new social care inspection framework.

  

• Care leavers exempt from paying council tax in Manchester

  Manchester City Council has announced care leavers will be exempt from paying council tax until they are 25.

  

• North Tyneside saves over £100,000 thanks to children’s charity

  A local authority has saved more than £100,000 and reduced the flow of children into care by 16% thanks to its partnership with an ‘innovative’ charity.

  

• Commissioner’s report on children in care ‘disappointing’, say council chiefs

  Local government leaders have branded a report warning of the dangers of children being shifted around the care system as 'disappointing'.

  

• Whitehall announces £1,000 apprenticeship bursary for care leavers

  Care leavers who choose to start an apprenticeship are to receive a £1,000 bursary to help the transition into the workplace, the Government announced yesterday.

  

• Minister releases £17m for children’s services

  The children and families minister Nadhim Zahawi has today announced a package of support worth £17m to help local authorities support vulnerable children.

  

• Council chiefs warn of children’s social care crisis in the north west

  Local government leaders in the north west have warned of a ‘growing’ children’s social care crisis in their area.

  

• Should councils be launching their own charities?

  Mark Whitehead explores why Barnet has become the first council to set up a charity to support children in care.