Our response to the publication of the Children's Social Care Implementation Strategy
We welcome the government's publication of the Children’s Social Care Implementation Strategy: Stable Homes, Built on Love.
Our response to the publication of the Children's Social Care Implementation Strategy
2/2/2023 9:12:34 AM
Colum Conway, Chief Executive of Social Work England, said:
“As the specialist regulator of the social work profession in England, we welcome the publication of the Children’s Social Care Implementation Strategy. We are now reviewing the strategy with the care and consideration it demands to understand the key role social work and our regulation will play in meeting its objectives.
“I also welcome the opportunity to be part of the national practice group, which was established to support and oversee the government’s implementation of the Children’s Social Care National Framework and Dashboard. The aim of this is to establish a single coherent framework that sets out the goals of children’s social care and how to approach delivery. It sets out clear outcomes that should be achieved across all local authorities to improve the lives of children and families, raising the quality of practice across the country.
”Social Work England is committed to helping shape and influence how these plans impact on the diverse nature of social work practice and the professional standards that all social workers must uphold to ensure their work is safe and effective.
“While the focus of the strategy is on work with children and families, with our unique view across the entire social work profession, I am also keen to ensure that the development of statutory guidance can read across into all areas of social work. In particular where social workers provide support, as well as being brought into social work education and training.
“My role on the group will consider this principle of one social work profession to ensure that the public can have trust and confidence in their social worker at whatever stage of life they might need them. Workforce matters are front and centre of the issues affecting the social work profession currently, and consequently the service available to the public when they need it.
"We are taking a central role here and working with system leaders to ensure this is addressed over the longer term, so that the implementation of the National Framework can be supported in practice and delivered effectively.
“Three consultations, including on the National Framework, will run until May 2023. I encourage social workers and everyone who uses and provides children’s social care services to ensure their views are heard.”