Social Work Practice Pilots
Social
Work Practices Guide to Proposals
Piloting
the Social Work Practice model: a prospectus
Improving outcomes for children in care is a consistent theme in the Government's policies and strategies, and a priority of the Children's Plan and of Care Matters: Time to deliver for children in care. As part of this agenda, the DCSF is piloting ways of improving services. One of these is Social Work Practice pilots.
Social Work Practice pilots introduce an innovative approach to delivering outcomes for children in care. Subject to parliamentary approval of the Children and Young Person's Bill, we aim to put in place 6 to 9 pilots to test whether Social Work Practices can bring benefits to children and young people, social workers and local authorities.
Social Work Practices will be social worker-led organisations that are commissioned by, but independent of, the local authority, and provide the social work services for an agreed group of children. They will discharge statutory duties and responsibilities of the local authority in relation to these children.
Developing practice to meet local need
What Social Work Practices will look like and how they work will vary depending on local needs. One of the purposes of the pilots is to enable local authorities to test out different ways of delivery and learn about what works.
Proposals to be pilot sites
We are now seeking proposals from local authorities to be pilot sites for Social Work Practices as explained in Social Work Practices Guide to Proposals which sets out:
- Further detail on how Social Work Practices will work
- What should be included in the proposals
- The criteria for selection of pilot areas and information on the selection
process
- The support available for local authorities in putting forward proposals; moving from an accepted proposal to the selection of a provider; set up of an SWP, and beyond
Funding of approximately £200,000 - £250,000 per annum will be available to each successful local authority to support the running of SWP pilots.
Local authorities are asked to submit a proposal for a SWP pilot by noon 1 December 2008. Following Royal Assent of the Children and Young Person's Bill (expected in November) we will select local authorities to pilot SWPs.
Further information and support
We look forward to working closely with local authorities to make Social Work Practice pilots happen. If you would like support in developing a proposal for a Social Work Practice pilot, please email the Social Work Practice team by 16 October. Applications should also be returned to this mailbox.
This page was last updated on 09 October 2008
