In the new edition of CYP Now: LGA chief backs improvement role for councils

In an interview in the new edition of CYP Now magazine, the LGA’s Roy Perry says the improvement agenda in children’s services should be led by councils instead of the government threatening to parachute in outside experts and set up independent trusts to oversee children’s social care.

Perry, who is leader of Hampshire Council where children’s services have been judged “good” by Ofsted, said: “We think authorities themselves can go in and offer support, as Hampshire has done with the Isle of Wight.

“We could conceivably extend that to other authorities that are [rated] good.”

Also in the latest issue is an exclusive article on the key factors for ensuring successful reunification of children with birth families after a period in care. The article outlines recommendations from an NSPCC guide on best practice for returning children from care and highlights the poor outcomes when services get it wrong.

Other articles in the 2 February issue include an analysis of government plans to reform social worker training, which experts fear will create a workforce shortage if done badly; what lessons the government needs to learn from previous parent support initiatives if it goes ahead with a new parenting classes voucher scheme; and details on sector-led strategy for more youth work collaboration.

The cover feature takes a look at the work of Young Dads Collective, a peer support group for young fathers that also works with organisations so that their services are more sensitive to the needs of this often overlooked group.

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