24/02/04 - Cumbria County Council response to the SSI Inspection of Social Care Services for Children and Families

Today, Stephen Wilds, Interim Corporate Director of Social Services issued the following statement in response to the publication of the report by the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI) on social care services for children and families in Cumbria.  

“One of the main functions of the Social Services Inspectorate is to help local government plan and deliver quality services.  I would like to acknowledge the time taken by the Inspectors and others involved in the evaluation, consultation and production of this report.  

I took up office as Interim Director of Social services on 3 February and was well aware of the Inspectors findings and the work needed to improve and develop services to ensure children and families are served well.  Cabinet has today given me delegated power to implement the Action Plan created to address the current issues.  A cross party panel will work alongside Overview and Scrutiny to ensure members are able to carefully monitor continuous development of the service.  Improving the practice, capacity and management systems within the service to ensure we serve children and families well in Cumbria is my first priority.  There is some good practice to build on and longer-term plans agreed last year are starting to reap benefits.  I am confident that working with dedicated officers and committed Council members, Cumbria can deliver the quality services vulnerable children deserve.”