Wales must reform serious case reviews

The report found that "huge amounts of time and resources" are being spent in conducting the reviews, with "little clear evidence to show how they are leading to improvements in systems and practice to safeguard and protect children".

It said: "Time and again serious case reviews identify the same issues as contributing to not protecting children, yet still the problems keep recurring."

The watchdog's report exposed significant problems with services for children who are known to be at risk of harm. It found that services for children classified as "in need", but not on the child protection register, varied considerably in quality.

The inspectorate also uncovered issues with the effectiveness of local safeguarding children boards (LSCBs). Some LSCBs are yet to engage all the relevant partner agencies in their work and few have extended their remit beyond child protection to include preventative work.

Despite this, the report said social workers are involving children more in planning and assessing, and children and families were found to be positive about the quality of services they receive.

Imelda Richardson, chief inspector for care and social services in Wales, said public bodies must rise to the challenge to deliver quality, value for money services in line with increased demand and expectations.

"Local authorities and providers must work together and build on the strong foundations in place in Wales to help social services and social care meet the challenges, aspirations and needs of citizens. We must grasp the opportunity now," she said.