In its response to the consultation on the Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance the LGA fears increased demand on child protection services and continuing problems recruiting children's social workers present "significant concern about the ability of the revised guide to impact on practice locally and secure real improvements in safeguarding practice".
The LGA adds that much of the proposed government support in recruiting and supporting children's social workers has a long-term focus, whereas "local authorities require real assistance to address local needs now".
The response also highlights a lack of training for police and charities regarding safeguarding as another barrier to forging effective partnerships with councils.
It says the police too often fail to consider the severity or impact of domestic violence on children. "The understanding of thresholds and the quality of referral information given to children's services from the third sector and youth services was of even greater concern," the response states.
However, the LGA does welcome the guidance's emphasis on safeguarding children and young people of all ages, in particular regarding issues affecting older children such as sexual exploitation, self harming and cyber-bullying.
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