Government withdraws social care ‘myth busting’ guide after legal challenge

The children's minister had previously defended the legality of a document campaigners said threatened children's rights

Photo: ArtemSam/Fotolia

The government has removed a controversial ‘myth busting’ document from its innovation website after a legal challenge was launched against its accuracy.

The document was published last year but was immediately subject to criticism as campaigners felt it inaccurately said local authorities were legally permitted to reduce and remove support from children at various stages in and out of the care system.

Solicitors acting on behalf of children’s rights campaigners Article 39 said parts of the document could deprive children and young people of “fundamental support and protection” as they launched a judicial review last month.

The children’s minister, Nadhim Zahawi, defended the document last year, claiming it simply clarified council duties and did not seek to change anything in the children’s social care statutory framework.

However, following the judicial review application, the document has now been withdrawn from the children’s social care innovation programme website and the Department for Education will notify local authorities and other bodies about its withdrawal.

The key elements being challenged by the review were:

  • Social workers do not have to lead assessments of children who automatically gain ‘looked after’ status and protections when remanded to custody;
  • Councils do not have to offer a return home interview to children who have run away or gone missing;
  • Councils do not have to appoint separate social workers to foster carers and children in long-term placements;
  • Personal advisers appointed to advise and support young people leaving care can take on the local authority’s duties in respect of ‘Staying Put’ arrangements – where 18- to 21-year-olds can continue living with their foster carers;
  • Social workers only have to make one visit a year to foster carers looking after a child for more than a year;
  • Social workers can decide to visit children in long-term foster placements as little as twice a year.

Oliver Studdert, solicitor at Simpson Millar, representing Article 39, said: “It is absolutely right that this guide has been withdrawn.

“It is unfortunate that it has taken the issuing of court proceedings to achieve this, but it is reassuring that the Secretary of State has now acknowledged the concerns of Article 39 and other charities and experts concerning the removal of vital statutory safeguards for vulnerable children and care leavers.”

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “Ensuring that every child, no matter their circumstances, grows up with the care and support they need to lead a happy, fulfilling life, is our overriding focus. We remain committed to assisting local authorities to support the best interests of children and families and using new methods to do so. Rather than divert time and public money to litigation, we have taken the decision to withdraw the Guide.

“Our statutory guidance continues to set out how local authorities should operate in order to provide the best services for vulnerable children and young people and make sure everyone is given the chance to succeed.”

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4 Responses to Government withdraws social care ‘myth busting’ guide after legal challenge

  1. Tom J March 26, 2019 at 2:01 pm #

    So to clarify: Are the myths now facts or are the facts myths?

  2. Ms Golds March 27, 2019 at 3:23 pm #

    I’m also confused, is this now something that is now going to continue as SW practice that isn’t litigation lead but is clarified that the SW should look at what support the LA can give the family to support them as per their ” supporting your family to stay together” quote. That is also a lie.

  3. Phil Sanderson March 27, 2019 at 8:29 pm #

    Well done to Article 39 for taking a stand against this Tory nonsense

  4. Jane Gray March 29, 2019 at 4:50 pm #

    So relieved Article 39 acted on behalf of us all who are involved in protecting vulnerable children and young adults. Huge thanks from me as you have maintained the integrity of my professional practice.