ACTION
Brighton & Hove City Council began redesigning its children's services in early 2014 in response to feedback from children, families and staff. Children were experiencing multiple transitions, as separate social worker teams dealt with new cases, child protection, children in care, or adoption. Each time the child moved on they had to repeat their story.
The department also found it difficult to recruit social workers, with 20 per cent coming from agencies as a result. Principal social worker Tom Stibbs says social workers complained of a lack of focus on children's needs, which was increasing the numbers entering the care system.
The department consulted all staff about how to redesign services through workshops and surveys, including business support and administration. Officials considered models at other authorities, such as the London Borough of Southwark. They chose a relationship-based practice model, which they honed to meet local needs. Brighton families experience high levels of mental health issues, drug and alcohol abuse, and domestic violence, which impact children.
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