Care Crisis Review: Children’s Principal Social Network survey findings

Applications for care proceedings in England and Wales are at record levels. This is one factor contributing to the rise in the number of children looked after, now at the highest level since 1985. A Sector-led review, facilitated by the Family Rights Group, has been commissioned to look at underlying causes and to identify reforms that will safely reverse this trend whilst retaining a focus on achieving the best outcomes for children.
The PSW Network has been invited to participate in this review. This report summarises the findings of our recent survey of PSWs. It is being distributed for final consultation with PSWs, and invites final comments and further suggestions to be shared by, or at the National Network Meeting on 20th February 2018.
The final report will be submitted to the Care Crisis Review Team.

Executive Summary of Findings:

• There has been a strong response to the survey that covers every region.
• Social workers are concerned about rising numbers of children in care and care applications. This picture is not uniform across the country.
• Other work in the care crisis review is needed to correlate effective interventions with areas where care numbers are stable or falling.
• Social workers are advocating for the reinstatement of preventative services and the time to do effective relationship based social work.
• Social workers are concerned about the impact of austerity on vulnerable families.