Editorial - Pandemic: why DCSs can fill the leadership vacuum

A striking characteristic of the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic has been the way government agencies, public bodies and voluntary organisations have come together to put in place support for vulnerable families and children.

At a local level, charities, employers and community groups have worked with children’s services organisations to deliver practical support for vulnerable groups such as care leavers and single parents, many of whom have been grappling with home schooling during lockdown (Analysis, p8).

Although lockdown restrictions are easing, the long-term impact of the pandemic on children and families and support services looks set to be grave. Levels of child poverty, trauma and safeguarding referrals will likely rise at a time when civic income is plummeting and uncertainty surrounds the future of vital school and childcare provision (Analysis, p12).