Cathy Ashley, Chief Executive of Family Rights Group, said:
“The children’s social care system has been described as being in crisis and that was before the pandemic exacerbated the stresses faced by families and local services further. Local authorities, communities and families are contending with severe financial pressures.
“Despite national child welfare legislation, there are stark differences between localities in the numbers of children subject to child protection and care proceedings, and the number of children supported to live in kinship care when they can’t remain at home. Local authorities are adopting different approaches, cultures and innovations.
“Lead councillors with responsibility for children’s services drive the agenda in their local child welfare system. Collectively, they also have a lot to offer the national debate around system reform and best practice.
“We want to work with councillors to deliver on what we think is a shared mission, to ensure the child welfare and family justice systems supports children to live safely and thrive within their family, while strengthening the family and community networks of those children who cannot live at home.
“We have substantial experience working with families, practitioners, academics, local authorities and the courts to pioneer innovative approaches to child welfare. We are keen to share our knowledge, advice and ideas on improving children’s social care and delivering better outcomes for children.
“We see it as a partnership for change, complementing the work of the LGA and others.”