Sector raises questions over plan for RCCs in response to Care Review consultation

In its response to the final report by chair of the Independent Review of Children's Social Care in England Josh MacAlister, published in February, the government put forward proposals to pilot regional care co-operatives (RCCs) in two areas from spring 2024 with a view to rolling them out England-wide. 

However, 48 per cent of respondents to the government’s consultation on its report Stable Homes Built On Love, mentioned “potential difficulties and challenges of the proposed model”.

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“Respondents referenced concerns about the size of the RCCs and that, as an organisation, they risk being too far removed from the child or young people, and may lose relationships with local small providers.

“Some respondents raised difficulties with aligning budgeting, planning and commissioning practices across multiple local authorities,” a separate report detailing the consultations responses states.

It also highlights the view of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) which states that “the implementation of Regional Care Cooperatives should look to the lessons learned from the implementation of the Regional Adoption Agencies”.

ADCS published its own proposals for the creation of RCCs earlier this year.

In its report, the Department for Education says that “our long-term vision for RCCs remains unchanged” but adds that it will use sector responses to “refine our approach to the RCC pathfinders” including a set of minimum requirements for pathfinder local authorities.

Responses to the consultation also highlighted concerns over the creation of a single family help service, also being piloted by DfE.

Some 55 per cent of respondents identified implementation issues around the proposal.

“These include features for effective delivery, clarity on workforce issues and multi-agency working. Respondents told us there needs to be sufficient funding and value placed in considering the evidence base and co-production,” states the report.

Meanwhile, almost half of those responding to the consultation were kinship carers, with many expressing views on plans to increase their support, the report reveals.

Dr Lucy Peake, chief executive of charity Kinship said: “The sheer weight of responses from kinship carers demonstrates the need to have their voices heard after too many years of being overlooked and undervalued.

“The message from those who responded to the consultation is clear – the government must act with urgency to ensure all kinship carers and their children get the financial, practical and emotional support they desperately need.”

Following the publication of the report, new children’s minister David Johnston wrote an open letter to children and young people thanking those who responded to nine consultation questions aimed at them.

He highlights calls from young people to improve funding for services for children and reduce the frequency of changes in social workers.

“Having heard your feedback and experiences, I am more determined than ever to do all that we can to improve children’s social care services now and in the future,” the letter states.

DfE has now launched a consultation around plans to amend national standards and statutory guidance for advocacy for young people with involvement in the care system.

The consultation closes on 18 December.