Child Care Solicitors

The Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) has found significant improvement in Children’s Services in Cardiff since its last inspection in 2014.

In a report published in March, CSSIW makes recommendations to ensure that improvement continues.

CSSIW visited the local authority in January and its inspection centred around five themes: Providing Direction, Delivering Social Services, Shaping Services, Access Arrangements and Assessment Care Management.

The inspectorate has reported finding evidence of a clear, strategic direction, led effectively by the Director of Social Services.

Staff morale is seen as generally positive – and the number of vacancies has fallen since 2014-2015, when 31% of posts were unfilled, says the report.

CSSIW inspectors also confirm that the needs of the child are kept at the forefront of assessments, work is appropriately undertaken to help keep them safe, families supported to keep children safe – and child protection procedures are well understood by staff.

As a result of social work intervention, outcomes for children and young people are found to be improving, the report states.

The City of Cardiff Council has welcomed the findings of the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales report.

Leader of the City of Cardiff Council, Councillor Phil Bale, said:

“I’m delighted to see this report clearly recognises the good work that is being carried out by our Children’s Services team.

“It’s especially welcome following on, as it does, from the WAO [Welsh Audit Office] report, which also highlighted the positive changes we are making for all our citizens.

“These are incredibly difficult times for the public sector – in Cardiff, we are faced with increased demand for our services from a growing population, while we have to make millions in savings every year.

“We are meeting these challenges head on – and I hope these reports and news on the City Deal will help residents see that we are delivering for them.”

Deputy Leader of Cardiff City Council and Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Families, Sue Lent, added:

“This was a major test for the council – coming two years after the last Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales visit, when Children’s Services was in a much less robust position.

“I welcome the findings of the report, which reflect the positive effects of our two-year strategic journey and confirm the areas we are focusing on to ensure this significant improvement continues.

“This inspection report gives us confidence for the future, as we take staff and partners with us through a period of sustained improvement, effectively prepare for the implementation of the Social Services and Wellbeing Act –
and secure better outcomes for the children and young people of Cardiff.”

Duncan Lewis Children Lawyers

Duncan Lewis children lawyers can advise parents in England and Wales on a wide range of child care law and family matters, including parents’ duties under the Education Act 1996 and SEND.

Duncan Lewis can also advise on Section 38 enquiries, pre-proceedings meetings, children taken into Local Authority care and Court of Protection cases.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and Duncan Lewis advises on family and child care matters under UK law and Islamic law, as well as being able to advise on cross-border family issues, such as child care arrangements, leave to remove and international parent-child abduction.

For expert legal advice on family and child care matters, call Duncan Lewis children lawyers on 0333 772 0409.