Commenting on recent FJO research, Helen Lincoln, Chair of the ADCS Families, Communities and Young People Policy Committee, said:
“Local authorities play a vital role working alongside families, health professionals, schools and the police to ensure children and young people grow up safe, supported, and able to thrive.
“Keeping children safe is a shared responsibility, and social workers are committed to building trusting relationships with families, identifying strengths, and providing the right support at the right time.
“The safety and wellbeing of children is always at the heart of our work. While there are clear legal thresholds for intervention in family life, social workers navigate these with care, ensuring that any decisions made under court oversight are in the best interests of the child.
“Babies and very young children, who are unable to communicate their experiences, require particular vigilance, making collaboration with medical professionals essential in understanding their needs.
“Social work is a complex and often challenging profession, operating in a space where difficult decisions must be made. Despite these challenges, the goal remains to empower families, helping them to stay together whenever possible by providing early and accessible support for those facing issues such as domestic abuse, mental health difficulties, or substance misuse.
“However, current pressures on services can make timely support difficult to access, and we continue to advocate for the resources families need.
“By working together, we can create environments where children are safe, families are supported, and communities are strengthened.”
Ends
