families, children and young people

Freedom of information survey of local authority policies on family and friends care

In 2007 Family Rights Group sent a questionnaire to all local authorities in England and Wales, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 specifically about family and friends care.

It asked each authority to provide its policies for working with, assessing and supporting family and friends carers and the children they are raising, information on dedicated staffing and data on the numbers of children and carers assisted by legal order and budget spent (see Appendix A for the Freedom of Information questions sent to all local authorities in England and Wales).

Commissioning children's centres: a rural perspective

This short guide focuses on families with young children in rural areas and the implications for children’s centre commissioning and delivery at a time of change and new directions. It is of relevance to all of those playing a part in the commissioning of children’s services – whether local authorities or primary care trusts; private or voluntary sector providers; and those leading and delivering services on the ground.

Bursting at the seams: impact on fostering services of the rise of children going into care 2009-10

Since the tragic case of Baby Peter’s death came to public attention in late 2008 the care system has seen an unprecedented rise in the number of children, particularly those needing foster placements. This rise is the result of a number of possible factors, including the debate on thresholds following this case and a recent legal clarification of the law known as the Southwark Judgement.

Counting the costs 2010: the financial reality for families with disabled children

Counting the Costs 2010 was a survey carried out between February and April 2010 and completed by 1,113 UK respondents. All respondents are parents of disabled children. It comprises open and closed questions and is s a repeat of a survey carried out by Contact a Family in 2008. Additional questions were added to the 2010 survey on the benefits system, working and childcare.

Family removals: a thematic inspection

The UK Border Agency not only has responsibility for securing the border but also for identifying and removing those who have no right to be in the United Kingdom. This inspection focused on the effectiveness and efficiency of the UK Border Agency’s approach to removing families, taking account of its obligations to carry out its functions having regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

How can your agency support you in accessing and using knowledge to be poverty aware?

It is now increasingly understood that there are different types of knowledge, all of which contribute to the ability of people working in children’s services to do their jobs well. Understanding the types of knowledge that are available, and having access to this knowledge is an important aspect for anybody who is working with families that are living in poverty. This e-learning resource examines the different types of knowledge available and how it can help practice.