BASW England backs Children's Commissioner call for investment
BASW England echoes the Children’s Commissioner’s call for a significant investment in children’s services, which is critical at a time when the coronavirus is deemed the greatest threat to children since World War II.
The issues faced by vulnerable children and families are multi-faceted, ranging from increased exposure to abuse to extreme poverty.
The most recent Department for Education’s Vulnerable Children and Young People Survey Summary of returns, Waves 1 to 8, has highlighted a decrease in referrals to children's services compared to the last previous three years, as well as a decrease overall in the number of children coming into the care system.
BASW England remains concerned that the needs of vulnerable children and young people are not being met.
Against this backdrop, social workers continue to work creatively and dynamically in these unprecedent times and in line with government, Public Health Guidance and temporary statutory instruments.
We are calling for investment in early intervention, voluntary community resources and ensuring the needs of children and young people are me as a priority.
Investment in the workforce and capacity is imperative at this time and we hope to see evidence of this in action when the Comprehensive Spending review is announced.