Message from Josh MacAlister, Chair of the independent review of children’s social care
"It is a huge privilege to lead this review, which is a once in a generation opportunity to transform the children’s social care system and improve the lives of children and their families.
This review is a chance to look afresh at children’s social care. It will look at issues through the perspective of children and families throughout their interactions with children’s social care, from having a social worker knock on the door, through to children being in care and then leaving care.
Over the coming months as our work gets underway, me and my team will be seeking out a wide range of views to feed into the review’s work. By listening to and engaging with a wide range of voices we will be able to build the best possible recommendations about how to achieve real change.
The stakes are high and if we get this review right, we will be able to set out a plan for a future system that can better guarantee love, safety and stability for children growing up in England."
The independent review for children's social care have published our initial plans for hearing your voice throughout the first few months of the independent review of children’s social care. These plans include a variety of ways for you to contribute to the review, including online surveys, one-to-one meetings, focus groups, and engagement activities led by those with lived experience of children’s social care – all of which will become available during the next few weeks. At our events you will be sharing your experiences and views to help bring about change, which can bring up difficult feelings and memories. We are committed to making sure that you are given the support that you need when engaging with the review.
The review’s bespoke engagement support provided by Childline and the NSPCC helpline is able to provide pre and post event support. For more information on the services available, including web chat and email, please visit the independent review of children’s social care support page for adults here, or the independent review of children’s social care support page for children and young people here. You can also speak confidentially to an independent qualified practitioner before, during or after the event by calling our free dedicated helpline on 0800 233311.
