Responding to the Association of Directors of Children’s Services report on ‘Building a country that works for all children post-COVID-19’, Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said:
“Councils will be integral to minimising any impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on our children and young people, from increased mental health challenges or safeguarding issues through to increased poverty and gaps in education, and helping them to thrive again. This report rightly highlights the need for properly resourced, long-term strategies to ensure all children have access to the right support.
“The real challenge for children’s services is yet to come. Councils and many others in the sector have raised concerns about the potential for increased demand for services as children return to school and issues become apparent. Tackling this will be a joint effort with central government, and we agree with ADCS calls for effective cross-government working to improve children’s lives.
“The Government needs to invest in preventative universal and early help services to ensure that children, young people and families receive the practical, emotional, educational and mental health support they need, as soon as they need it.”
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