Thread on UK Gov claim it could not respect 21 day Parliamentary consultation period for The Adoption and Children (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, which undermined safeguards for children in care. They claimed waiting would put services under 'extraordinary pressure' 
Covid presents big challenges for services. But is there evidence children's homes are currently under the 'extraordinary pressure' claimed? Not according to an Independent Children’s Homes Association report that staffing levels are at 95% despite Covid cypnow.co.uk/news/article/c…
What about LA children's services? Last week President of the Association of Directors of Children's Services, Jenny Coles, said, in an interview with Community Care magazine, that, due to school closures, referrals to children's services in England were in fact DOWN 50%
The legitimate concern Coles raises is that when schools re-open there is likely to be a big 'spike' in referrals. But this a prediction of a possible future rise. The lockdown period continues to at least 7 May, earliest schools could re-open is 10 May, no spike before then
Instead of publishing final legal changes on 23 April, the Gov could have published draft for scrutiny on 20 April. The 21 day period would have been met by 10 May - the earliest schools could reopen. Only credible explanation for Gov not doing so is aim of avoiding due scrutiny
In terms of presssures on children's services Wales also provides a good comparison, as the country with most similar legal and regulatory system for children's social care to England.
In Wales there have been no legislative reductions to children's rights. Gov guidance for covid period recognises pressure services are under, but tells LAs that it should seek to meet its existing statutory obligations to reviewing care and support plans for children in care
The Welsh Gov guidance also acknowledges LAs may struggle to meet some statutory requirements but gives advice on how that may be addressed within spirit of law. Not one single change of law needed in their view.
In England legal changes railroaded through include reducing statutory duties IRO:
SW visits to children in care
6mth formal review of children's care
Children’s complaints response times
Inspection visits to children's homes
Independent visitors requirement to visit
SW visits to children in care
6mth formal review of children's care
Children’s complaints response times
Inspection visits to children's homes
Independent visitors requirement to visit
But perhaps Covid is affecting England more than Wales? No evidence this is the case. In fact based on yesterday's official figures, Covid infection rate per head of population significantly higher for Wales than for England
Only position of integrity is for UK Gov to rescind this Statutory Instrument immediately. If they truly believe these measures are needed, they can reintroduce them respecting Parliamentary conventions such that each proposed change can be properly scrutinised and debated. END
