'The Cost of Instability: How Reliance on Agency Social Workers Affects Vulnerable Children'

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced that new rules limiting councils' use of agency social workers in children's services will begin to take effect next month. These regulations are part of an effort to reduce reliance on temporary staff in favor of more stable, permanent teams within children's services. The DfE is concerned about the high costs associated with agency social workers, as well as the impact on service continuity and outcomes for children.

The changes are designed to improve workforce stability, allowing for more consistent relationships between social workers and the families they serve. This shift is expected to benefit children by fostering stronger bonds with social workers and reducing turnover, which can disrupt care and support.

The introduction of these rules is in line with broader efforts to reform children's social care in the UK, addressing staffing challenges and ensuring better, more reliable support for vulnerable children.

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Social workers are incredibly wonderful people the profession is worth higher pay