What is clear from the submissions is that the sector has divided into three distinct camps: those for, those against and those undecided.
A number of those opposed to the proposals had already broken cover to voice their concerns, fearful that opening up children's services to market forces - including child protection - would lead to contracting decisions that placed too much emphasis on price and not enough on quality. Evidence from other parts of the public sector opened up to competition suggests their concerns are well founded.
Those in favour of the proposals, including some of the country's largest and most well established voluntary sector organisations, see the proposals as a mechanism for the radical change they believe is needed to truly transform not just the child protection system, but the very life chances of the vulnerable children whose fate is entrusted to it.
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