local government

Whole systems working: a guide and discussion paper

This resource was produced by the Integrated Care Network (ICN) which provides information and support to frontline NHS and Local Government organisations seeking to improve the quality of provision to users, patients and carers by integrating the planning and delivery of services.

Key to the role of the ICN is the facilitation of communication between frontline organisations and central government, so that policy and practice inform each other effectively. The ICN is part of the Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP).

Getting it right for every child in foster care and kinship care - a National Strategy

Scottish Government report on what needs to be in place to provide a truly child-centred response and approach to the provision of foster and kinship care.

It then considers what improvements are needed in the support provided to carers that will in turn enhance the quality of care provided to children.

Finally, it addresses the improvements that can be made to the quality assurance systems that govern these types of care.

The summary report on the consultation responses, Strengthening for the future : the reform of the children's hearings system, 31 July - 24 October 2008

Summary presenting some of the key themes running through the responses to the Scottish Government's proposals for reforming the children's hearings system and giving an overview of the levels of support for the proposals.

Stepping up to the challenge: the government's response to tackling worklessness - a review of the contribution and role of English local authorities and partnerships

The government here welcomes the Houghton report, accepts its main recommendation that helping people to find and stay in work should be a local government priority, and describes the support put in place, strengthened integration and greater devolution, a challenge to local partnerships and support for the third sector and social enterprise. An annex summarises government response to Houghton and DWP's devolution offer.

Assessment and support for kinship carers of looked after children

Scottish Government interim guidance to local authorities on assessing the capacity of a child's relatives as potential kinship carers for a looked after child and the support they will require.

The assessment process should help kinship carers to feel more involved and consulted and able to identify the kinds of supports they believe they need to look after the child safely and in a way that promotes the child's best interests.