Care in crisis—Is there a solution? Reflections on the Care Crisis Review 2018

Abstract

In 2017, the number of applications for care orders in England and Wales was the highest ever recorded at 14,207. This is a significant factor, contributing to the rise in the number of children who are looked after, which is at the highest level since 1985.The authors reflect on the recently published Care Crisis Review 2018, a sector-led review, which examines the reasons for the rise in care proceedings and the number of children in care. The review sought to identify changes to policy and practice within local authorities and the family justice system, in an attempt to divert cases away from the family courts and to reduce the number of children in care, where it is safe to do so.Whilst the legislative framework is largely effective and the system generally works well, there is insufficient funding and resources to meet the needs of children and their families when they seek help, regardless of whether this is at an early stage or when they are in crisis and most in need of care and protection. KEYWORDS care crisis, care orders, children in care, relationship working 14,207. The number of care applications for the year 2007 and

Commentary: Technology, power and inequalities – achieving a humane approach to the digital divide – a commentary on Aboujaoude and Gega (2021)

“…However, this has unintended consequences of a less tolerant approach towards individuals most at risk, and a resulting increase in vulnerability and state intervention (Cross, Bywaters, Brown, & Featherstone, 2021). Adopting an instrumental approach fails on both levels: the crisis shows no sign of abating and the numbers of children at risk in England continue to rise (Holt & Kelly, 2019). Significantly, this approach fails to appropriately meet the complex needs of hard to reach children and their families, who are the group most likely to be impacted by digital exclusion, but with increased use of digital surveillance – digital use for many children and their families is a marriage made in hell.…”