News

Stoke-on-Trent social services is serving some people well, but the prospects for continuous improvement are uncertain, according to a joint review, writes Katie Leason.

While the social services department has many strengths, the authority is "at a crossroads" and needs to make more key decisions to allow social services to move forward and fully modernise its services, finds the report by the Social Services Inspectorate and the Audit Commission.

Stoke-on-Trent has achieved some positive changes to services, and has plans to achieve further improvements in many areas, but users, carers and other agencies are concerned that social services can be slow to respond.

Many adult service users experience delays in accessing services, a lack of clarity about who should have an assessment, and too many referrals within the department and between agencies.

In children and families services staff tend to be reluctant to offer family support. A more co-ordinated approach is needed between agencies to ensure that the right combination of services is available to prevent family crises.

The pattern of services has been changing too slowly, claims the report, and opportunities to achieve better integration with local health services have not been fully grasped.

The report reveals that there are good relationships across local agencies and a "shared will" to develop better services. However, the authority must focus on developing clearer and more ambitious plans with its partners, and on implementing these within an acceptable timescale.