Ellie Ames 07 December 2023

Council bosses back data use to improve care

Council bosses back data use to improve care image
Image: Krakenimages.com / Shutterstock.com

An increased use of data in children’s social care could improve outcomes and deliver much-needed savings, the County Councils Network (CCN) has said.

A new report by consultancy firm IMPOWER and the CCN found there is currently a lack of connection between children’s needs and the cost of their care.

The report suggests that tracking young people’s needs over time would help councils recognise opportunities to ‘improve support, reduce cost and manage the market differently’.

It recommends that this data-driven approach is embedded in the national children’s social care framework, which the Government is set to issue by the end of the year.

It also says the approach could be scaled up and implemented by groups of local authorities, potentially through regional care co-operatives, plans for which were set out in the Government’s strategy for children’s services reform, ‘Stable Homes, Built on Love’.

CCN children’s services spokesperson Roger Gough said: ‘Councils across the country are dealing with a rise in demand and needs, and costs for individual placements have risen exponentially over the last few years, due to the broken nature of the market.

‘Therefore, any measures local authorities can take to reduce these costs and, crucially, improve outcomes for children in care are well worth considering.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Strategic Director – Place-Based Services

Stevenage Borough Council
£Competitive
Stevenage is a town with bold ambitions. Stevenage, Hertfordshire / Hybrid
Recuriter: Stevenage Borough Council

Social Worker - Children's Assessment and Safeguarding

North East Lincolnshire Council
ASYE level £36,363 up to £46,142
Make the change, be the difference to our children, our future. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Assist Response Officer

Mansfield District Council
£16,055.87 - £17,113.37 per annum (for 22.5 hours per week)
Mansfield District Council are looking for a dedicated individual to join our award winning ASSIST support scheme. Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Town Centre Operative

Mansfield District Council
£25,583 - £25,989 per annum
Working in local government is a rewarding experience Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Resettlement Officer

Ashfield District Council
£28,598 - £31,022 per annum
Would you like to work in our Housing Options Team helping people to settle in the local community? Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council
Linkedin Banner