Independent Monitoring Board finds pressures on the system have led to ‘inhumane outcomes’

The Prison Act 1952 requires every prison to be monitored by an independent Board appointed by the Secretary of State from members of the community in which the prison or centre is situated. The Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Board at HM YOI Cookham Wood Published December 2017 presents a number of findings including those specifically related to questions … Continue reading Independent Monitoring Board finds pressures on the system have led to ‘inhumane outcomes’

Sibling relationships in adoptive and fostering families

This narrative review has led to a number of new insights, particularly in relation to the ways in whichĀ sibling relationships and placements are conceptualised. Thanks to Strathprints and the University of Strathclyde for allowing free access to this paper - shared here for education (not for profit) purposes. Download: Sibling relationships in adoptive and fostering … Continue reading Sibling relationships in adoptive and fostering families

PaCA – No Children in Police Stations

Source: Michael Brown 'MentalHealthCop' Extract: One specific amendment to the Mental Health Act 1983 which will be with us shortly: it will no longer be lawful to hold children in police stations as a Place of Safety under the Act – ever!Ā The legal amendment in s81 PaCA on this is a simple one: the MHA … Continue reading PaCA – No Children in Police Stations

If I could talk to me – @Justforkidslaw

Thank you so much toĀ @JustforkidslawĀ for our invite to the launch ofĀ this excellent 2 minute film about young parents at risk of their children being removed: This animation video by Just for Kids Law aims to prompt social workers to consider the frustrations and fears of legal proceedings from the young person’s perspective.Ā Important viewing for IROs … Continue reading If I could talk to me – @Justforkidslaw

Social workers praised for commitment to child with complex needs

By Luke Stevenson on December 6, 2017 in Community Care | Children Judge praises council social workers who ā€˜simply got back into the ring’ but criticises lack of secure accommodation provision. Read full piece at source: Social workers praised for commitment to child with complex needs

Promoting the voice of young people in the care system #VOC

NIROMP are working with Coram Voice to promote the voice of young people in the care system and their entitlement to advocacy. Coram Voice are very keen to work alongside IRO's in ensuring that children in care are able to access advocacy support, and are able to resolve the concerns they have sought out advocacy … Continue reading Promoting the voice of young people in the care system #VOC

Corporate parenting for children in care with mental health needs

First published: 29 November 2017 Author:Ā Alison O’Sullivan Read full piece at source:Ā Corporate parenting for children in care with mental health needs: commissioners in action Extract: The parents of children in families do not parent their children in isolation – they draw upon the knowledge and resources of experts, seek support from grandparents and other family … Continue reading Corporate parenting for children in care with mental health needs

New study finds more care leavers entering higher education

Read at source: 'Moving on Up' report by the National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL)Ā  'Moving on up' - NNECL Extract from source - NNECL website: The 'Moving On Up' reportĀ is the first studyĀ to provide an overall picture of care leavers in higher education. It explored the educational pathways of all young … Continue reading New study finds more care leavers entering higher education

Launch of Staying Close, Staying Connected #ECLCM

1.3 million has been awarded to Break from the Children’s Social Care Innovation Fund which aims to develop more effective ways of supporting vulnerable children, specifically those leaving Children’s Homes. More information about the launch of this innovative new project to support young care leavers:Ā Launch of Staying Close, Staying Connected  

New children’s services inspections announced – Ofsted

Source:Ā Ofsted First published:Ā 29 November 2017 Ofsted inspection of local authority children's services is changing inĀ 2018. A new method of inspecting local authority children’s services will begin in January next year, Ofsted confirmed today [29 November 2017]. Inspections of local authority children’s services (ILACS) will look at how well local authorities are supporting and protecting vulnerable … Continue reading New children’s services inspections announced – Ofsted