“It is two years since Ray Jones published his recommendations from the Independent Review into Children’s Social Care on 21 June 2023, and I have been reflecting on the impact of the review and the current care situation.
“The review was commissioned by the government in recognition of the fact that our children’s social care system was failing many children, young people, and families. The number of children in care was rising every year, and children’s social care was failing to attract sufficiently consistent attention in our health and social care system.
“I agreed with the central recommendation that a radical, innovative approach to planning and delivering children’s social care was required.
“There has been a lot of work and activity happening to implement many of the recommendations. I also welcome that the unique role of the community and voluntary sector, with its focus and expertise in early intervention and prevention, was recognised.
“However, we must recognise that there are more young people in care than when the report was launched. There is also no indication as to how political leadership will be sustained, ensuring that progress is kept on track, and that children’s social care never plays second fiddle to the ongoing crises within the health system. Not all the recommendations though have been accepted, or work begun on them – due to a lack of consensus at the Executive.
“Additionally, we have raised concerns that there has been a lack of public communication and clarity in relation to progress made on the 53 recommendations and the work that has been happening. It is also concerning that there is no mechanism as yet for children and young people to hold the Department to account for commitments made.
“We owe it to our children and young people to ensure that more of the Independent Review into Children’s Social Care recommendations are implemented; they are as relevant today as they were two years ago.”
You can read our initial response to the report here: https://www.niccy.org/publications/niccys-response-to-the-independent-review-of-childrens-social-care-services/
