Early intervention leaders' debate

The general consensus remains intact: it makes sense to provide support to children, young people and families early and address root causes of social problems, thus preventing the need for costlier services further down the line. However, putting that essential principle into everyday practice is becoming increasingly challenging for local authorities in a period of sustained and severe budget reductions, rising demand for social care and pressures from regulators. New challenges and opportunities are also arising in involving partner agencies and in delivering what works. CYP Now hosted a debate with directors and assistant directors in central London on 23 September to thrash out these issues. The debate took place in partnership with Capita One, which supplies management information systems to local authorities to manage data on children and families.