Consistent standards and expectations are key to ensuring social work supervision helps improve outcomes for children and is recognised by inspectors, Ofsted's Yvette Stanley tells Jo Stephenson.
In 1978, graduates from the University of Bradford applied social studies course set out on their careers. They went on to be leaders in children's services, inspectorates, NHS services and in developing international welfare systems. Class of '78 alumni reflect on how their training prepared them for social work practice and whether what they learned is still relevant today.
Social workers support people in challenging circumstances, but being subject to abuse and violence is never acceptable, so it is important that employers and staff take steps to ensure practitioners' safety.
Risk management is an important element of practice in children's homes. Here Ofsted's national director of social care Yvette Stanley tells Jo Stephenson about what the regulator is looking for from settings.
In 1978, graduates from the groundbreaking University of Bradford applied social studies course set out on their careers. In this second part, five of the Class of '78 reflect on how their training prepared them for social work practice.
Evaluation of regional adoption agencies highlights mixed progress, with some starting to improve various aspects of the adoption process, while others are struggling to attract staff and develop shared IT functions.
Three projects aimed at preventing children coming into care and helping those already in the system to leave are to be expanded to 20 councils. Experts call for greater emphasis on supporting families to stay together.
The Lifelong Links model being tested in England and Scotland aims to establish and rebuild key relationships for looked-after children. Jo Stephenson spoke to authorities trialling the approach.
Councils are to trial giving social workers money to spend on practical help for families, such as a new fridge, short break or childcare. Experts say the funding will be targeted at children most at risk of care proceedings.
Amid rising concerns about child criminal and sexual exploitation, policymakers and service providers are developing intelligence-led approaches to protecting vulnerable groups and supporting abuse victims.
Findings from recent studies suggest there is an increased risk of child sexual exploitation (CSE) for young people with learning disabilities. However, there is a lack of evidence concerning how best to protect, identify and support these young people. This exploratory study aimed to address this gap by examining the identification of, and support for sexually exploited young people with learning disabilities.