Ann Graham, ADCS President said:

“Robust scrutiny is important, but meaningful and sustained improvement must be a whole-system responsibility. Local authorities cannot reasonably be held to account for issues or delay in the health, education, and criminal justice systems, nor can we fix poverty, poor housing and the other social factors that impact on children’s lives and drive demand for support. 

“ADCS has welcomed the ambition of children's social care reforms, particularly the shift towards earlier help and support, but delivering lasting change takes time and a partnership approach. We need government to recognise itself as an equal partner in delivery and focus on creating the conditions for success to turn policy into practice in local areas.  This means more than setting expectations and collecting data, we need more help to secure consistent partner buy in and to ensure that inspection, intervention, and wider government reforms work together rather than creating competing pressures.

“Local authorities are ambitious for children and young people and committed to sector-led improvement. Lasting improvement requires shared ownership and accountability across the whole system, including national government, alongside sustained investment”

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.