Amid rising knife crime, youth homelessness and care referrals, the case for spending on early help has never been so important, yet investment in prevention services has been falling, fuelling late interventions.
Richard Oldershaw, team leader with the Child Law Advice Service, examines the new guidance and funding to promote educational attainment for looked-after children and those who have left care.
As concerns persist over children and young people's mental health and the ability of services to cope with rising demand, there are plenty of pockets of innovation and effective practice across the system.