When you’re managing pressure from every direction – tight budgets, growing backlogs, and ever-changing regulatory demands – it’s only natural to ask tough questions before bringing in external support.

It ensures that those eligible receive fully funded care, covering everything from residential care to complex medical support. However, for local authorities and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), navigating the assessment and appeals process can be a resource-intensive and complex challenge.

If you’re up to date with current affairs in social work, you’ll be familiar with the debate around unregulated placements. In 2021 the government announced it would become illegal for children under 16 to be placed in unregulated children’s homes or supported living placements.