childrens services

The impact of integrated children's services on the scope, delivery and quality of social care services for deaf children and families: phase 1 report

This study used five in depth case studies using documentary analysis, interviews and structured case response methods. The study aimed to consider the impact of the move towards integrated children's service arrangements on how social care services for deaf children and their families are delivered and whether these arrangements create opportunities or threats to identify, assess and meet social care needs. Although good practice was identified, there were concerns about the quality, availability and appropriateness of social care services.

Joint area reviews 2007-08: report on outcomes

This report is based on evidence from joint area reviews (JARs) conducted in 73 local authority areas April 2007-July 2008. Key findings, recommendations and methodology are followed by sections on safeguarding; looked after children; children and young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities; additional, education and other investigations; and service management and capacity to improve. Annexes give an overview of JAR grades awarded since April 2007 under the new methodology and a full list of JARs since April 2007.

Developing definitions of local authority services and guidance for future development of the Children in Need Census

Report of a study which investigated whether the Children in Need (CIN) Census, a device which collects data on all children receiving support from children's social care services, could be widened after 2009 to cover some other services used by CIN, e.g. youth justice, health services.

Effective interventions for complex families where there are concerns about, or evidence of, a child suffering significant harm (Safeguarding: briefing 1)

Briefing paper focusing on the effectiveness of interventions in complex child protection cases. Effectiveness here is defined as the prevention of further maltreatment or significant impairment to the child's development.

Getting it right for every child: draft Children's Services (Scotland) Bill consultation

Scottish Executive consultation on a draft Bill intended to support the implementation of Getting it right for every child, the reform programme for children's services.

The bill would place duties on agencies to promote the well-being of children and to work together. Also included in the bill are measures to ensure that the views of children are taken into account. Grounds for referral to the Children's Hearings system would also change if the bill were passed as legislation.

Improving social work in Scotland

Report that describes how well social work services are performing and what people who use services think about them. The messages are clear; the majority of people of all ages who use services and their carers have valued them and think they have made positive differences to their lives. Staff who provide services are committed and look for ways to improve the services they offer to people.