Presentation to IPPR Conference
How should Children’s Services be organised locally?
The potential of Children’s Trusts
16 September 2003
Presentation by
David Behan
Director of Social Services and President of ADSS
THE PROBLEM
COHERENCE
CO-ORDINATION
THE SOLUTION
ACCOUNTABILITY
INTEGRATION
THE PROPOSALS
 Director of Children’s Services
 Lead Council Member
 Long term, integrate key services....... under
Director of Children’s Services as part of Children’s
Trusts
 Education, Social Services, Children’s Health,
Connexions, YOT
 ...part of Local Authority... report to Elected Members
 Safeguarding Children’s Boards
 Minister for Children, Young People and Families
 Inspection Framework
 Improvement and Intervention Function
 Children’s Commissioners
WHAT DO WE THINK?
 Welcome
 Opportunity to discuss the Future of Children’s
Services
WHAT WE LIKE
 Role of Local Government
 Clear Statement of Role of Children’s Trusts
 Broader Vision
 Safeguarding Children’s Boards
 Minister for Children, Young People and Families
 Inspection Framework
 Children’s Commissioner
WHAT WE WANT TO DISCUSS
 Director of Children’s Services
 Clarity re. accountability
X One size fits all
? Focus on structures rather than outcomes for
children
? Incentives for all children’s organisations to
contribute
? Interface with ‘adult’ organisations
e.g. Mental Health
 ? Resources
 X Youth Justice – underlying philosophy
 Workforce
CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE
 Evidence from Pathfinders
 Will professions accept the vision?
 What is the model of change management?
 How is the culture of organisations and
professionals changed?
 How do we keep the focus on children?
 Pace of Change
 Role of Local and National Politicians
WHAT IS REQUIRED?
 Strong Facilitative Leadership
 Tight Co-ordination
 Capacity to Manage the Change
 Realistic Timescales
 Focus on Improving Outcomes for Children