Directors give partial backing to proposed asylum reforms for unaccompanied children
ADCS supports use of evidence-based scientific age assessments, changing criteria for initial checks by immigration officers and establishing national board to oversee system, amid widespread opposition to changes
Picture posed by model (photo: pixelrain/Adobe Stock)
The Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) has given partial backing to the government’s proposed reforms to the asylum system for unaccompanied children, amid substantial opposition from social work groups and charities.
When they were launched for consultation in March, the proposals were criticised as undermining social workers’ roles and increasing the chances of children being treated as adults and put at risk.
Wayne Reid May 7, 2021 at 3:59 pm #
Excellent article, Jo Davidson and colleague at the Staff College.
I’d be keen to have a conversation with you about the points you raise in this article and exploring potential solutions – so please do contact me if this is of interest. Pondaza Murray May 8, 2021 at 2:26 pm #
Why do White leaders always look at the confidence and skills of Black and Asian staff as if there isn’t enough confident and skilled individuals from these groups. The approach is always deficit model. It’s so condescending to always think training and support is a prerequisite to promotion when they are capable of taking on senior roles. There are so many Black and Asian staff with under graduate, postgraduate degrees and relevant experience sidelined when it comes to promotions. Its the very reason why they leave. I hate it when organisatio
Children’s social work case complexity has increased due to Covid, councils tell DfE
Regular survey of Covid’s impact finds more councils describing a rise in case complexity due to pandemic pressures, though councils split on whether they anticipate increases in referrals
Image: Supakrit
A growing number of local authorities have reported an increase in the complexity of children’s social work cases due to pandemic pressures, a Department for Education (DfE) survey has found.
The report on wave 22 of the department’s vulnerable children and young people survey found councils reporting issues including increased mental health problems among parents and children, parental substance misuse, neglect and emotional abuse, non-accidental injury, more newborns presenting in care proceedings, self-harming in young people, acute family crisis situations and escalation of risk in existing cases.
BBC News
Elections 2021: Parents shouldn t have to fight for child s care
Close
The mother of a disabled boy has said she believes he is being failed by the social care system.
Zach, 10, from Mansfield, has multiple life-limiting conditions, including learning disabilities, sensory processing disorder and intestinal failure.
He also has a central line - a tube connected to a large vein near his heart - which provides him with vital fluids and medication.
Despite having continuous care needs, Zach faces a wait of up to a year for essential new equipment, according to his mum Tricy. His bed isn t suitable. He s damaged his central line three times, she said.