Independent review of children’s social care
Independent review of the needs, experiences and outcomes of the children supported by social care.
About the review
The government’s manifesto committed to review the children’s social care system to make sure children and young people get the support they need.
The review launched in March 2021. It prioritised hearing the voices of children, young people and adults that have received the help or support of a social worker, or who have been looked after.
Outputs
On Monday 23 May 2022 the independent review of children’s social care published:
- The independent review of children’s social care: final report
- The independent review of children’s social care: final report - accessible version
Additional supporting documents and evidence available on the National Archives include:
- the case for change within the children’s social care system
- Paying the price - the social and financial costs of children’s social care
- supporting evidence including a cost-benefit analysis of the review recommendations and details of what support works
Government response
On 2 February 2023 the government published its strategy and consultation on children’s social care, Stable Homes, Built on Love.
It responds to the recommendations made by:
- this review - the independent review of children’s social care: final report
- the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel report into the tragic murders of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes and Star Hobson
- the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) review into children’s social care placements
Membership
The review was independently led by Josh MacAlister, a former schoolteacher who founded the social work charity Frontline.
The review was supported by an experts by experience group, an evidence group and a design group.
The experts by experience group helped the lead reviewer to hear the diverse experiences of children and families who are supported by social workers.
The evidence group brought together a range of research perspectives and experts in children’s social care to ensure the review’s approach was evidence informed.
The design group reflected the range of public services already working to provide children with safety and stability, as well as those with other relevant expertise.
Terms of reference
The scope of the review and key themes and questions are set out in the .
Privacy notice and review updates
The explains how the review will process personal data.