http://www.communitycare.co.uken-gbThu, 09 Feb 2012 12:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/09/117973/family-courts-plans-risk-miscarriages-of-justice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/09/117973/family-courts-plans-risk-miscarriages-of-justice.htmlSocial workers and children's guardians have condemned "nonsensical" government plans for a six-month limit on care cases, warning the deadline could lead to miscarriages of justice.Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117934/council-pays-1m-damages-for-shocking-child-abuse-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117934/council-pays-1m-damages-for-shocking-child-abuse-failings.htmlEssex council has paid damages of almost £1m to four siblings it failed to protect from years of parental abuse, Community Care has learned. (Pic: posed by model, Nigel R. Barklie/Rex Features)Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117935/councils-face-hidden-army-of-child-abuse-damage-claimants.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117935/councils-face-hidden-army-of-child-abuse-damage-claimants.htmlLocal authorities could be hit by a “hidden army” of people seeking damages for historic child abuse cases, lawyers have warned.Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/09/117912/dont-forget-needs-of-older-children-in-care-urges-charity.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/09/117912/dont-forget-needs-of-older-children-in-care-urges-charity.htmlUrgent attention must be given to older children who become looked-after, Barnardo’s has warned, as new data reveals high numbers of older children entered care for the first time last year. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/06/117910/ministers-order-first-official-study-into-adoption-breakdown.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/06/117910/ministers-order-first-official-study-into-adoption-breakdown.htmlThe first study looking at why, and how often, adoptions break down has been commissioned by the Department for Education. (Pic: Janie Airey/Mood Board/Rex Features)Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/08/117868/councils-fail-to-divert-children-in-care-from-custody.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/08/117868/councils-fail-to-divert-children-in-care-from-custody.htmlLocal authorities across the country are failing to divert looked-after children from "the dreary, damaging route from care to custody", according to research published today. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117855/government-launches-missing-children-strategy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117855/government-launches-missing-children-strategy.htmlA national strategy to reduce the number of children and vulnerable adults who go missing from home or care has today been published by the Home Office. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117844/research-findings-on-social-pedagogy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117844/research-findings-on-social-pedagogy.htmlSocial work academic Joe Smeeton examines research findings contained in Raising the bar? Evaluation of the Social Pedagogy Pilot in residential children's homesThu, 01 Dec 2011 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117833/temporary-reprieve-for-essex-childrens-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117833/temporary-reprieve-for-essex-childrens-homes.htmlEssex Council has temporarily reversed its controversial decision to close all of its children's homes following a legal challenge by a teenager living in one of the affected homes. (Picture posed by model) Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117814/care-worker-who-gave-child-alcohol-struck-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117814/care-worker-who-gave-child-alcohol-struck-off.htmlA residential child care worker who poured alcohol into a 15-year-old service user's soft drink and applied fake tan to another child's torso has been struck off for breaching professional boundaries. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/22/117789/childrens-homes-struggle-to-provide-care-and-education-on-the-premises.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/22/117789/childrens-homes-struggle-to-provide-care-and-education-on-the-premises.htmlDespite Ofsted's feared new inspection regime and a tough economic climate, children's homes are mostly improving. Judy Cooper reports on the effect of inspections on outcomes Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/18/117791/government-orders-rapid-review-of-adoption.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/18/117791/government-orders-rapid-review-of-adoption.htmlThe government has ordered the Treasury to conduct a "rapid review" of adoption focused on speeding up the process and increasing the number of adoptions from care, Community Care has learned. Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117781/can-councils-still-afford-to-house-care-leavers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117781/can-councils-still-afford-to-house-care-leavers.htmlLegislation to improve the lot of children leaving care needs to be backed by money, finds Joe LepperThu, 17 Nov 2011 12:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117770/social-workers-urged-to-forge-closer-links-with-sure-start.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117770/social-workers-urged-to-forge-closer-links-with-sure-start.htmlChildren’s social workers need to work closer with Sure Start children's centres for parenting support to have a significant impact on child protection, according to a sector expert. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/15/117765/independent-social-workers-being-forced-out-of-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/15/117765/independent-social-workers-being-forced-out-of-system.htmlIndependent social workers are seeking a meeting with children's minister Tim Loughton after claiming they are being systematically forced out of the child protection systemTue, 15 Nov 2011 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/15/117756/councils-fail-to-keep-figures-on-missing-children-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/15/117756/councils-fail-to-keep-figures-on-missing-children-in-care.htmlCouncils across the country are flouting their legal duties by ­failing to keep accurate records of children missing from care, a Community Care investigation has revealed. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117750/book-review-how-to-think-about-caring-for-a-child-with-difficult-behaviour.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117750/book-review-how-to-think-about-caring-for-a-child-with-difficult-behaviour.htmlI wish I had written this book, writes Lynn Baxter! It is an excellent handbook for foster carers and adoptive parents in particular, but all child care workers and parents would benefit from it. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/06/117711/practice-panel-are-the-children-at-risk-of-neglect-and-emotional-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/06/117711/practice-panel-are-the-children-at-risk-of-neglect-and-emotional-abuse.htmlExperts offer advice on how to help young children suffering the fall-out from their parents' violent rows and neglect Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/03/117704/family-justice-review-wants-to-eliminate-shocking-delays.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/03/117704/family-justice-review-wants-to-eliminate-shocking-delays.htmlSocial workers and courts will be expected to complete care cases in no longer than six months, if recommendations made by the Family Justice Review, led by David Norgrove (pictured) are accepted by government. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/01/117696/children-in-care-to-gain-savings-head-start.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/01/117696/children-in-care-to-gain-savings-head-start.htmlChildren who have been looked-after for more than one year are to be given individual savings accounts, each with an initial payment of £200, the Department for Education announced today. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117693/social-workers-criticise-quality-of-work-by-guardians.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117693/social-workers-criticise-quality-of-work-by-guardians.htmlSocial workers say their relationship with court guardians is close to breaking point and having a direct impact on their ability to support and protect children. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117680/protecting-looked-after-children-from-cyber-bullying.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117680/protecting-looked-after-children-from-cyber-bullying.htmlProfessionals need to be proactive if they are to prevent children's misuse of social media websites, writes Professor Helen Cowie Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117678/preventing-placement-breakdown-among-looked-after-children-with-complex-mental-health-needs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117678/preventing-placement-breakdown-among-looked-after-children-with-complex-mental-health-needs.htmlA team-around-the-child solution is preventing placement breakdown among looked-after children with complex mental health needs, reports Louise Hunt Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117676/social-workers-key-to-keeping-children-out-of-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117676/social-workers-key-to-keeping-children-out-of-care.htmlOfsted has backed the importance of the social worker relationship with families, finding it is the most effective way to prevent children from entering care. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117656/tips-on-writing-welfare-reports-in-private-law-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117656/tips-on-writing-welfare-reports-in-private-law-cases.htmlA rise in care applications and private law cases means more social workers are being asked to provide courts with welfare reports.Matthew Burman gives some guidance on what is expected Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/18/117627/call-to-curb-scrutiny-powers-of-family-court-judges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/18/117627/call-to-curb-scrutiny-powers-of-family-court-judges.htmlFamily court judges should have their powers of scrutiny limited to core decisions, such as whether to take a child into care, kinship arrangements and permanency planning, according to a major report on the family justice system due out soon.Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117581/larger-childrens-homes-would-help-keep-siblings-together.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117581/larger-childrens-homes-would-help-keep-siblings-together.htmlLarger children's homes had several benefits. Among them was the ability to accommodate siblings. A German model could provide the template for their revival, writes former Care Leavers' Association president Phil Frampton Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/04/117548/council-wants-to-charge-parents-who-put-children-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/04/117548/council-wants-to-charge-parents-who-put-children-in-care.htmlParents who put their children into care could soon be forced to foot the bill, under plans being considered by a council in England. (Picture posed by model, credit Rex Features). Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117533/ofsted-a-quarter-of-councils-not-protecting-children-adequately.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117533/ofsted-a-quarter-of-councils-not-protecting-children-adequately.htmlAlmost a quarter of local authorities are not adequately protecting children in their area according to latest Ofsted figures.Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117507/childrens-spending-on-guardianship-orders-rises-sharply.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117507/childrens-spending-on-guardianship-orders-rises-sharply.htmlCouncil spending on special guardianship orders is set to increase massively this year, sparking concerns it is at the expense of adoption support. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117515/adoptions-continue-to-fall-as-children-in-care-rise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117515/adoptions-continue-to-fall-as-children-in-care-rise.htmlThe number of adoptions has again plummeted in England, according to figures from the Department for Education.Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/117499/how-do-i-explain-my-child-protection-role-to-a-child.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/117499/how-do-i-explain-my-child-protection-role-to-a-child.htmlSocial workers often struggle to explain to children their safeguarding role. Consultant social worker Joanna Nicolas provides some tips Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117498/supporting-learning-disabled-parents-to-keep-their-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117498/supporting-learning-disabled-parents-to-keep-their-children.htmlOften the most controversial child protection cases appearing in the media are those concerning learning disabled parents whose children have been taken into care. These stories are often sensationalist and rarely convey the full facts of a case.Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117483/conduct-and-retention-concerns-over-childrens-homes-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117483/conduct-and-retention-concerns-over-childrens-homes-staff.htmlResidential child care in Wales has experienced "significant turnover" and a disproportionate number of conduct referrals since the introduction of mandatory registration, the Care Council for Wales reveals in its annual review.Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117458/childrens-unit-uses-video-to-encourage-reflective-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117458/childrens-unit-uses-video-to-encourage-reflective-practice.htmlA children's home in Scotland has become the first to use video to encourage reflective practice. Jackie Cosh reports Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117462/number-of-adoptions-increases-in-wales.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117462/number-of-adoptions-increases-in-wales.htmlA decline in the adoption rate in Wales has been halted, according to latest figures. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117438/third-of-councils-no-longer-run-or-own-childrens-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117438/third-of-councils-no-longer-run-or-own-childrens-homes.htmlMore than one-third of English councils no longer own or run any mainstream children's homes, a Community Care investigation has found, raising doubts about the future of local authority provision. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117437/register-of-restorative-justice-experts-is-launched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117437/register-of-restorative-justice-experts-is-launched.htmlThe Restorative Justice Council (RJC) has launched the UK's first register of restorative justice experts. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/11/117409/how-restorative-justice-can-improve-relationships-in-childrens-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/11/117409/how-restorative-justice-can-improve-relationships-in-childrens-homes.htmlRestorative justice can be effective in developing empathy in troubled young people. Camilla Pemberton looks at one model being used in children's homes Sun, 11 Sep 2011 00:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117408/social-work-must-embrace-theory-if-munro-ideas-are-to-succeed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117408/social-work-must-embrace-theory-if-munro-ideas-are-to-succeed.htmlA tendency to disregard theory could damage implementation of Professor Munro's report, argues Claudia Megele Fri, 09 Sep 2011 18:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117419/social-worker-accused-of-rape-by-former-child-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117419/social-worker-accused-of-rape-by-former-child-in-care.htmlA social worker repeatedly raped a boy who was in his care at a children's home in the mid-1990s, a jury has heard. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117401/legal-aid-bill-could-leave-thousands-of-children-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117401/legal-aid-bill-could-leave-thousands-of-children-at-risk.htmlThe Legal Aid Bill, if approved, would exclude at least 6,000 children from receiving legal support, according to The Children's Society. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/04/117386/can-boarding-schools-help-prevent-children-being-taken-into-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/04/117386/can-boarding-schools-help-prevent-children-being-taken-into-care.htmlProfessionals are being urged to consider boarding schools as an early intervention method for children on the edge of care, with Kent Council leading the way. Daniel Lombard reports Sun, 04 Sep 2011 20:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117391/benefits-upheaval-will-damage-foster-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117391/benefits-upheaval-will-damage-foster-care.htmlThousands of foster carers could be forced to give up fostering if government plans to shake up the benefits system go ahead, the Fostering Network has warned. Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117378/e-petition-signals-call-to-reinstate-childrens-homes-body.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117378/e-petition-signals-call-to-reinstate-childrens-homes-body.htmlPressure is mounting on the government to reinstate the National Centre for Excellence in Residential Child Care, or a body with a similar remit, as an e-petition is launched on the No 10 website.Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/25/117350/care-worker-drove-teenage-clients-after-smoking-cannabis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/25/117350/care-worker-drove-teenage-clients-after-smoking-cannabis.htmlA care worker who smoked cannabis before driving two teenagers home from a concert has been struck off the social care register.Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117340/one-third-of-sexual-exploitation-victims-are-looked-after.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117340/one-third-of-sexual-exploitation-victims-are-looked-after.htmlNearly one-third of children who are sexually exploited in England are looked-after, according to Barnardo's.Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117325/should-childrens-homes-offer-good-behaviour-rewards-to-looked-after-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117325/should-childrens-homes-offer-good-behaviour-rewards-to-looked-after-children.htmlSome children's homes use rewards to encourage good behaviour, but the idea is controversial, finds Daniel Lombard Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117294/the-best-performing-family-court-in-the-country.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117294/the-best-performing-family-court-in-the-country.htmlDerby's designated family judge James Orrell presides over the best performing family court in the country. Patrick Weir reports Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/08/117269/council-left-children-at-risk-inspectors-find.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/08/117269/council-left-children-at-risk-inspectors-find.htmlInspectors have condemned Anglesey children's services for leaving children at potential risk, poor assessments and long delays in children in need cases. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117259/council-set-to-close-childrens-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117259/council-set-to-close-childrens-homes.htmlLancashire Council will close two of its children's homes this year, and three more by 2013, under plans to cut costs and reduce the number of teenagers in residential care. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117246/social-pedagogues-fail-to-improve-outcomes-in-childrens-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117246/social-pedagogues-fail-to-improve-outcomes-in-childrens-homes.htmlEuropean social pedagogues employed in English children's homes as part of a government-funded pilot have failed to achieve better outcomes, an evaluation has found.Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/27/117228/ofsted-proposes-two-week-long-unannounced-inspections.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/27/117228/ofsted-proposes-two-week-long-unannounced-inspections.htmlOfsted inspections of local authority children's services could in future consist of a two-week, on-site, unannounced visit that will include direct observation of interactions with children and families. The new regime will focus more on listening to children. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/26/117225/new-bill-could-see-looked-after-child-caseloads-rise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/26/117225/new-bill-could-see-looked-after-child-caseloads-rise.htmlThe Legal Aid and Sentencing Bill has had its first reading in the House of Commons. Here Ed Mitchell and Dean Woodward look at theimplications for councils Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117218/scr-social-workers-ignored-adopted-childrens-pleas.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117218/scr-social-workers-ignored-adopted-childrens-pleas.htmlSocial workers and other practitioners were intimidated by a couple who adopted three children and then abused them both physically, emotionally and verbally over 10 years according to the serious case review. Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:15:00 GMT