The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care published in May 2022 sets out an ambitious vision for change, and provides a ‘once in a generation opportunity’ to deliver significant reform to children’s services. The Government have already announced plans to implement several of the Review’s recommendations that support effective child protection and multi-agency working.

This in-person forum will provide the latest overview of the children’s social care system, including updates from the Department for Education, the National Association of Virtual School Heads, and the APPG for Looked After Children and Care Leavers. Through interactive discussion, Q&As, and workshop sessions, will leave with detailed knowledge of Government policy plans following the Review, and skills to implement innovative ways of working that improve outcomes for care experienced young people.

What to expect:
• A comprehensive overview of the proposed reforms to the children’s social care system
• Strengthen your multi-agency working to better support children and care leavers, and provide them with a consistent core offering of support
• Interactive discussion sessions on Family Help, improving child protection, embedding evidence in service design, trauma informed practice, and supporting care leavers
• Live, in person networking opportunities with colleagues across the care sector.

Policy Background

The recently published final report from the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care sets out over 80 recommendations for government, public services, businesses, charities, and the public sector. Combined with the SEND Review, Schools White Paper, and Best Start for Life Report, the Care Review presents an opportunity for a significant overhaul to how support for vulnerable young people is delivered.

The Care Review’s recommendations are broad and far reaching, but core themes are improved multi-agency collaboration, implementing evidence-based best practice, strengthening safeguarding procedures, and workforce development. The Government have recognised the imperative to reform the system, and have introduced a set of initial policy proposals and funding.

The new Digital and Data Solutions Fund will help local authorities improve service delivery for children and families through data sharing and technology, enhancing multi-agency working. Additionally, funding will be made available through the Supporting Families programme to provide care leavers with tailored guidance as they transition to independence.

The Government has also backed the development of a National Children’s Social Care Framework, setting a clear direction for the social care system, and providing best practice, evidence-based, ways of working to support young people in care. Alongside this, there are plans to establish an “Early Career Framework” as recommended by the Care Review, ensuring social workers receive support early in their careers with a focus on child protection.

In addition to these areas, the Care Review makes recommendations on the role of teachers in safeguarding, ending the “cliff edge” for care leavers, and many other areas. The Government’s National Implementation Board will lead the response to the Care Review’s recommendations, and will include people with experience of the care system.

As the number of children in care continues to rise, so do pressures on the staff who support them. The many recent policy announcements present an opportunity to reform the social care system to improve outcomes for all young people, but existing challenges persist: how can teams collaborate to provide joined-up and consistent support, how can professionals support young people to avoid criminal exploitation, and how can local authorities best support care leavers?

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There are three ways to register: call: 0203 770 6580; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or click the link below to visit the event website.