Dheeraj Chibber, Chair of the ADCS Health, Care and Commissioning Policy Network, said:

“These findings won’t come as a surprise to anyone working in children’s services. The pace of ICB restructuring coupled with the 50% savings imperative is having a real impact on partnership working, and on children’s lives.  Local authorities are seeing funding pulled from support packages that had already been agreed and experienced colleagues in health leaving, meaning key relationships at a local level are strained as resource and experience is stretched across ever larger areas.

“At the start of this process, there was no clear steer from government that ICB duties towards children must be protected, particularly for the most vulnerable groups, including those in care and with special educational needs. With so much reform underway across children’s social care, SEND and schools, we need health partners round the table with us to deliver and to tackle the growing mental health crisis among children and young people, which is driving both distress and demand. A joined-up vision from government is needed so that reforms to health bring us closer together and protect children, rather than risk weakening the services that keep them safe and well.”

ENDS

The Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS) Ltd is the professional leadership association for Directors of Children's Services and their senior management teams in England.