Ann Graham, ADCS president, said:

“While this new report raises valid concerns about childhood experiences and how children’s outcomes can vary depending on where they live, it does not fully account for the real differences between local authorities and local contexts.

“The result is an unfavourable picture of public services which does not sufficiently recognise the best efforts of so many people in children’s services, and beyond, working hard to support families and improve children’s lives, often with limited resources. I want to thank them now for their commitment to children and to the communities they serve. As the report says, rewiring the state may present a real opportunity to deliver better outcomes for children but guardrails must be put in place to protect services that are already helping children to live fulfilling lives across the country.

“It is clear that poverty sits at the heart of many of the challenges facing children and families today and it will take years to resolve many of these issues. That is why long-term, sustainable funding is needed rather than short-term emergency investment to make a lasting difference to children’s lives and to their outcomes.”

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