Child Care Solicitors

Birmingham City Council has announced that its partnership with Frontline will see the expansion of the Frontline programme in the West Midlands to recruit and develop children’s social workers.

The independent charity Frontline was set up in 2013 to recruit and develop children’s social workers. An independent evaluation by Cardiff University recently found evidence of “impressive” social work practice among the charity’s first recruits.

With almost 100,000 children in need in the West Midlands, the expansion will see Frontline place around 60 graduates and career changers across the region.

Birmingham City Councils said they would join professionals already working to transform the lives of vulnerable children and families, with Frontline just one of a range of initiatives to support children’s social work in the West Midlands.

Later this summer, applications will open for 300 places for graduates and career changers on Frontline’s leadership development programme.

In addition to the West Midlands, those who successfully secure a place will work across the southeast, the northwest and the northeast of England.

Frontline’s chief executive, Josh MacAlister, said:

“Lots of work is underway to improve the support for vulnerable children in the West Midlands – and Frontline is looking forward to contributing to this wider effort.

“Social work has the power to change lives and – alongside existing professionals in the region – we’re looking forward to developing more outstanding social workers to help address deep social disadvantage.

“For graduates and career changers looking for a job with purpose and a leadership challenge, we will open for applications later in the year.”

Executive director of Children’s Services in Birmingham, Alastair Gibbons, added:

“Birmingham Children’s Services is committed to improving our support for children through an unrelenting focus on social work practice, on direct work with children and families, and a learning culture.

“Frontline will provide high-quality development for aspiring social workers and leaders who want to make a difference to those in need in the city and region.”


The first 104 participants began the Frontline programme in July 2014, and having worked in local authorities in Greater Manchester, Greater London, Buckinghamshire and Essex for a year, became qualified social workers in September 2015.

The second 121 participants began the Frontline programme in July 2015 – and Frontline will be recruiting 300 participants for the 2017 intake later in 2016.


Duncan Lewis Children Lawyers

Duncan Lewis children lawyers can advise on a wide range of child care and family matters, including children taken into local authority care, child abuse within the family and Court of Protection cases.

Duncan Lewis advises on child care under UK law and Islamic law – and has expertise in cross-border family cases, including advising on international marriage, adoption and divorce, international parent child abduction, child care arrangements, parental responsibility, leave to remove orders and spouse abandonment.

Duncan Lewis can also advise on FGM, honour crimes, forced marriage and dowry disputes.

For expert legal advice on family and child care law, call Duncan Lewis child care solicitors on 0333 772 0409.