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| Child services are 'inadequate' | Child services are 'inadequate' |
| (9 minutes later) | |
| Children's services in Cornwall have been condemned as "inadequate" in a detailed report by Ofsted inspectors. | Children's services in Cornwall have been condemned as "inadequate" in a detailed report by Ofsted inspectors. |
| The report says children and young people in care are not properly safeguarded, with the department's leadership singled out for criticism. | |
| An unannounced investigation in July found serious concerns in the system and a more detailed report was ordered. | |
| The director of children's services resigned earlier this month, saying improvement was needed. | |
| The report says inspectors identified a range of failures in care planning, risk assessment, reviews, recording, planning and visits by social workers. It also says there is a significant lack of initial emergency placements. | The report says inspectors identified a range of failures in care planning, risk assessment, reviews, recording, planning and visits by social workers. It also says there is a significant lack of initial emergency placements. |
| The report makes 17 recommendations, some to be implemented immediately, others over the next few months. | |
| A new interim director of children's services has been appointed and has taken up the post. | |
| 'Fundamental weaknesses' | |
| Children's Minister Dawn Primarolo said the government was "working urgently" with Cornwall to address the concerns identified in the report. | |
| "It is deeply concerning that Ofsted's report highlights fundamental weaknesses in Cornwall's children's services," she said. | |
| "We will now ensure the council puts in place full and robust plans, very quickly indeed - that will get to the heart of the problems and secure rapid and sustainable improvement. | |
| Ms Primarolo added: "I will take whatever action is necessary to ensure the safety of children and young people in Cornwall." | |
| Earlier this month, former children's services director, Dean Ashton said a new approach was needed to boost standards. | Earlier this month, former children's services director, Dean Ashton said a new approach was needed to boost standards. |
| But he said there had been progress in the last three years in terms of education, family services, youth services and childhood poverty. | But he said there had been progress in the last three years in terms of education, family services, youth services and childhood poverty. |
| There have been concerns about the quality of child protection in Cornwall for several years. | There have been concerns about the quality of child protection in Cornwall for several years. |
| In 2006, the county was rated inadequate by the watchdog and a government sanctioned team was sent in. | In 2006, the county was rated inadequate by the watchdog and a government sanctioned team was sent in. |
| It was thought the service had improved with more favourable assessments in 2007 and 2008. | It was thought the service had improved with more favourable assessments in 2007 and 2008. |
| The unitary authority Cornwall Council took over social services from the former county council following its formation in April. | The unitary authority Cornwall Council took over social services from the former county council following its formation in April. |
| And in accordance with a new system of inspections started this summer, Ofsted inspectors carried out an unannounced inspection in July. | And in accordance with a new system of inspections started this summer, Ofsted inspectors carried out an unannounced inspection in July. |