A new social work practice model, low caseloads and joined-up services have helped two of the three councils in a merged children's services department become the first to be judged "outstanding" by Ofsted's inspection system.
If children's services are to deliver improved outcomes with declining resources, the sector must embrace technology, joint working and volunteers, says Pillars and Foundations, a radical paper from the ADCS.
CYP Now has collected the views of children's services experts from a range of backgrounds to hear what they think the key challenges and opportunities will be in 2016 across services for children, young people and families.