Since March 2021, we have met and listened to a wide range of different groups of children and adults with experience of children’s social care. We have now heard from over 1000 people who have shared their experiences, the negatives and positives, and suggested areas for the review to focus on.
As well as holding review-led sessions, we have also met with people through sessions led by organisations that they know and trust, as we know many people prefer to engage in this way.
The results of our engagement work prior to the Case for Change can be found in the ‘Supporting Evidence to the Case for Change’ published in June 2021.
In October 2021, we published a follow-on report rounding up our more recent engagement work with young people, as well as a more accessible summary.
The review has also worked with Coram Voice’s ‘A National Voice Ambassadors’ (a group of 24 care experienced young people aged 16-25 from across England) to gather feedback from children in care councils and care leaver forums across the country. ANV published a report sharing key findings from this engagement work with more than 300 young people, you can find out more here.
What Next?
The review team are analysing all of the feedback and reflecting on the key, collective messages. This work will include looking at the specific needs of groups including but not limited to disabled people, BAME groups, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, the LGBTQ+ community, young people in the criminal justice system and those with mental health needs.
I want to be involved, what should I do?
If you haven’t yet had a chance to share your views and are keen to get involved, please get in touch via our email: review.childrenssocialcare@education.gov.ukWhat support is available to people who take part in the Review?
At our events you will be sharing your experiences and views to help bring about change, which can bring up difficult feelings and memories. We are committed to making sure that you are given the support that you need when engaging with the Review.
The Review has partnered with the NSPCC helpline and Childline to provide support to everyone (children, adults and families) participating in the Review who wishes to access it. This support is available pre and post event and includes:
- A dedicated helpline, available from 8am to 10pm on weekdays and 9am to 6pm on weekends
- Support by email, web form or the Childline web chat
- Guidance and advice on the NSPCC and Independent Review websites
- Support during Review led events
- A commitment to responding to any safeguarding concerns
For more information please visit the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care support page for adults, or for children and young people .
You can also speak confidentially to an independent qualified practitioner before, during or after the event by calling our free dedicated helpline on 0800 233311.
