Our response to the government’s announcement on children’s social care

In addition to our joint statement with NSPCC, Action for Children, Barnardos, and National Children’s Bureau, The Children’s Society has issued an individual response.

Our CEO, Mark Russell, said:

‘This strategy clearly sets out a bold, new direction for children’s social care, but it also highlights the sheer scale of the of the challenge ahead to make the true difference that’s needed for children in the social care system. It’s a vision for the future but there is also a pressing and urgent need to get help to an ever-increasing number of families and children who are facing crisis now.’

‘I’m especially pleased to see the added emphasis put on protecting vulnerable teenagers and recognising the real risks that they face in society. This is an urgent area of concern for us that we have been raising with the Review team and the Government.’

‘Overall, this is welcome step forward that begins to address the many issues identified in the MacAlister review, however, I am clear that it is just beginning of the process. We will need significantly more investment than what’s been promised today, otherwise this strategy will just remain well-intentioned words on a page. This will require clear political leadership with a laser-like focus on implementing radical change. Without this commitment, we risk that the changes promised will be not delivered fast enough or to the standard we need to truly transform children’s lives.’