Written question WQ85953

We are aware of the calls for an inquiry into children’s social care in Wales and the reviews conducted in other nations. We are closely considering the findings of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care in England chaired by Josh MacAlister, published 23 May and how these may influence our position in Wales.

This must be considered alongside the range of independent research, reviews and evaluation that has already been undertaken in Wales. Our focus must now be on implementing a new vision and ambition for children’s services and not on conducting further reviews.

Legislation and Guidance

The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 was put in place to ensure that children’s services work with all partners to ensure the safety of children wherever they are in Wales. The Act established a range of additional safeguarding measures, specifically the National Independent Safeguarding Board and Regional Safeguarding Children Boards of Wales.

The Wales Safeguarding Procedures and All Wales Practice Guides are owned by the Safeguarding Boards and were issued in 2019. They promote consistent, evidence-based safeguarding practice across agencies and across Wales. Training has been provided on the procedures and guides facilitated by the safeguarding boards.

Commitment and Existing Research

This government has committed to deliver radical reform services for looked after children and care leavers, as set out within our Programme for Government. In recent years we have systematically explored the evidence and data available via independent research, reviews and evaluation which clearly set out the case for change, the barriers and the challenges which must now be addressed.

I refer you to:

• The thematic reports of the Wales Centre for Public Policy (2020-22) concerning looked after children

• The work during the last Senedd Term of the Improving Outcomes for Children Ministerial Advisory Group, as described in its Legacy Report

• Public Law Working Group’s report and recommendations to safely divert children away from becoming subjects of public law proceedings

• The Care Crisis Review (2018), delivered by the Family Rights Group

• The Nuffield Foundation’s, Born into Care in Wales report (2019)

The time now is for action, not further review. Through our oversight board, independently chaired by Anthony Douglas, we are delivering a new vision and ambition for children’s services based on consistent practice, improved support for families and adopting national restorative approaches to care. This will include preventative interventions for families with children on the edge of care and parental advocacy services, family group conferencing, Family Justice reform and a national practice framework.

In addition, we await the publication of the Child Practice Review following the tragic death of Logan Mwangi. The report and its recommendations will be considered in full.