Action for Children responds to Josh MacAlister’s review of children’s social care

Imran Hussain, director of policy and campaigns at Action for Children, said:

“The review is right to highlight a care system that is failing too many children. It’s high time the Government walked the walk by investing in services that step in early to support children – this should be central to the ‘levelling-up’ agenda.

“Government guidance recognises that when it comes to keeping children safe, the earlier we can get help to them, the better. Yet, last year, the system carried out twice the number of late intervention crisis assessments than those for early help. It’s entirely unacceptable children are left to suffer harm before we give them help. This crisis-driven firefighting isn’t a strategy, it’s a guarantee more children will come to harm.

“The case for change has been made. We want to see the review make strong recommendations, including a legal duty, to improve early help services for families. And any real improvement will rely on sufficient funding from government.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Huw Beale, Action for Children – 07718 114 038 / [email protected]

Out of hours – 07802 806 679 / [email protected]

NOTES TO EDITOR

Action for Children protects and supports vulnerable children and young people by providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. With 476 services in communities across the country, the charity helps more than 370,000 children, teenagers, parents and carers a year.