The Independent Review of Children's Social Care (IRCSC) has recently released its 'Case for Change' report. BASW England is seeking feedback from members on the document to help inform its overall response
BASW England have refreshed the 2018 survey which resulted in campaigning to reverse the trend which saw children and families social workers spending just 20% of their time in direct contact with families. The 2021 survey will now also look at social workers working with adults and inform future activity in the campaign to uphold relationship-based social work.
In this blog, I wish to focus not on the appointment process, or the chair himself - rather, on the hundreds of thousands of care experienced people this review will impact, many of whom will remain forever anonymous and unknown to us.
The Review is being trailed as a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity for change. It has very wide scope in its terms of reference, far reaching stated ambitions and currently a 12-month timeline.
There needs to be significant, long-term investment in children and young people across the country - with support services for vulnerable children and care leavers requiring urgent resources, both during and beyond the pandemic.