Government publishes new policy paper outlining children’s social care system overhaul

The government has released a policy paper setting out a wide range of new measures to improve support for vulnerable children and families covering data sharing, multi-agency working, support for struggling families, residential provision and inspection powers.

The report, called Keeping Children Safe, Helping Families Thrive - Breaking down barriers to opportunity, sets out the vision with a view to building a future where ‘children come first and services are designed around the support they need to be safe, to be healthy and to flourish in life.’

New initiatives include the introduction of multi-agency child protection teams incorporating schools and other educational institutions as statutory partners, alongside families and local services. This approach is intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of each child’s circumstances, fostering more effective interventions and support networks.

Additionally, Family Group Decision Making, a process that involves the extended family in creating a safety plan for at-risk children, is expected to become mandatory. By leveraging a child’s broader support network, the initiative aims to create sustainable safeguarding solutions.

The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities said “We need more families to thrive together, while keeping children safe from harm. The foundation of a loving family gives children the security and stability they need to live happy, prosperous lives. But all families encounter challenges. We will prioritise helping families, we will tackle problems before they become crises, and we will build on what we know works well.”

The full report can be found here.