An Eden man, who led a once in a generation review into children’s social care has given evidence to the House of Lords on his findings.
Josh MacAlister of Greystoke, led the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, which will inform a root-and-branch overhaul of the system across the country.
The review was informed by the lived experience of families and workers in children’s services, recommending a more effective way forward with early intervention becoming the focus.
Mr MacAlister attended the House of Lords yesterday for its investigation on the role of public services in addressing child vulnerability.
Mr MacAlister said: “The review took a whole system look at children’s social care, which hasn’t really happened for a number of decades.
“We’ve had deep dive reviews and stock takes into fostering, adoption, children’s homes, very good reports on child protection. But looking at the system as a whole has given me the chance, and the Government the chance to do what we describe as: a whole system reset.”
He said that the existing children’s social care system has become increasingly late in its intervention, one which has become financially unstable where the work force feel disillusioned.
“The review sets out a comprehensive reform and investment programme over a number of years. We’ve said the Government need to get on with that with some urgency. Not implementing that reform programme will mean costs accumulate and the human cost on families will get worse as well.”
And the review has resonated with leaders both nationally and locally.
In her first Prime Minister’s Questions since getting the keys to Number 10, Liz Truss said that the Government will respond to Mr MacAlister’s review.
The review calls for a culture shift within the service and society as a whole. One of the recommendations made was to make experience of the care system a protected right so that it becomes no barrier to young people when they leave the system.
Cumberland Council, a new authority set to take over in Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland has voted to adopt the policy ahead of its launch in April 2023.
