Lucy Allan MP has today welcomed the launch of the Children's Social Care Review. The wholesale independent review of children’s social care will set out to reform the sector and will not be limited in scope or ambition.
During Lucy's tenure on the Education committee from 2017-2019, she was a strong advocate of a comprehensive rethink of the Government's social care system, with a focus on championing children in care and supporting families on fringes of care system. Lucy has been a vocal proponent of the sector in across several parliaments, and through her work as an Officer on the APPG for Looked After Children and Care Leavers. You can read more about the APPG's work here.
The review intends to reshape how children are supported by the care system, looking at the process from referral through to becoming looked after. It will also address issues of major concern - including the increase in numbers of looked after children, the inconsistencies in children’s social care outcomes and the failure of the system to provide enough stable homes for children.
The review will be headed by former teacher and Chief Executive of the social work charity Frontline, Josh MacAlister. Lucy today thanked the Education Secretary in Parliament for sticking to the Government's manifesto commitment and launching this crucial review, despite the disruption caused by the pandemic.
Lucy Allan MP said:
"I am delighted that after years of campaigning for a comprehensive review of children's social care, the Government has recognised the necessity for a major rethink of the sector. This is an opportunity to comprehensively reform social care for the benefit of children in Telford, protecting their wellbeing and improving life chances for every child in care."
Review Chair, Josh MacAlister, said:
"Deep down I think many of those working in the children’s social care system, and certainly many of those who have experience of it, know that radical change is needed. My commitment is that this review will deliver a wide-ranging plan to extend the joy, growth and safety of childhood and the esteem, love and security of family life to all children."
Photo above: Lucy Allan MP with Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson MP (pre-Covid)
