children in need

This document concludes the first stage of a serious and systematic attempt to address the deficiencies in the social work information base in Scotland. Senior social work managers, the wider local government community, the Scottish Executive and the Accounts Commission for Scotland have all demonstrated their commitment to working together, through the Social Work Information Review Group, to define a list of information about social work that will meet the needs of all the organisations.

This study aimed to investigate the differences between ethnic groups in their contact with child welfare services in England. Analyses were conducted on three national datasets (the Children in Need Census, children on the child protection register and children looked after), and looked after children’s care histories were examined to see if over- or under-representation could be explained by factors such as differing rates of entering or leaving care. These analyses were supplemented by a review of relevant research literature.

Draft guidance is presented. Local authorities’ duties to homeless people are set out in the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 as amended by both the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 and the Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003. Section 32(8) of the 1987 Act sets out that a local authority, in exercising its functions under section 31 or 32 in respect of an applicant having a priority need for housing by virtue of a dependent child residing with them, must have regard to the best interests of the dependent children.

Aberdeenshire Council presents information about adoption. It promotes non-discriminatory practices in all its services and seeks individuals or couples from a variety of backgrounds who can make a permanent commitment to a child or children who need a new family for life.

Aberdeenshire Council social work service helps families care for their children at home. However, for a variety of reasons this is not always possible.

The new section 131A of the Mental Health Act is due to come into force in April 2010. This amendment will ensure that patients aged under 18 are treated in an environment in hospital which is suitable having regard to their age, with the purpose of preventing the inappropriate admission of children and young people to adult psychiatric wards. This briefing highlights how commissioners can work together to meet the new duty on age-appropriate accommodation in a timely manner.

Webpage on the Every Child Matters website describing and containing resources relating to the Integrated Children's System, a framework for working with children in need and their families.

Child poverty has fallen in Scotland, but evidence from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation suggests that the current rate of progress will not achieve the 2020 target to eradicate child poverty. Some policy measures required to reduce child poverty (such as benefit increases) are not devolved powers, but the Scottish Government could do more to remove barriers to employment, sustain people in work and tackle low pay. This study discusses progress made in Scotland to end child poverty, and suggests what the Scottish Government needs to do to reach the 2020 target.

This is a practical guide to evaluating participation work in children's services. It covers evaluation planning; involving children and young people; ethics; methods; analysis; presenting findings; dissemination. There is an extensive list of further resources that cover the topics discussed in more depth, as well as details of several participation-related evaluation tools.

This Round-up draws on the findings of seven reports about how to take forward different aspects of a child poverty strategy; examines the impact of current policy; and suggests what is needed to ensure the target is met.