Aberdeen councillors approve new framework for commissioning children’s social services

08 September 2016

A new model for Children’s Social Work to commission external services was approved today (Tuesday 8 September). Councillors also approved a recommendation that a new approach to council work continued to be supported.

The Public Social Partnership (PSP) framework model was approved by the Education and Children’s Services committee and will see a more systematic approach, involving third sector partners and current service users, to commissioning services in Children’s Social Work.

The framework will support Reclaiming Social Work, an evidence-based, whole system redesign model of social work for which £2.93 million has been earmarked by Aberdeen City Council. The model, which also received continued backing today, is designed to provide improved outcomes via a reduction in the number of looked after children placed in high cost, out of authority residential placements; increased staff retention and a reduction in staff absences

The five year investment will be supported by the PSP approach and follows a comprehensive strategic needs assessment undertaken by Children’s Social Work.

Angela Taylor, Convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee at Aberdeen City Council said: “This is really good news for children and families who use social services as it will take into account their views and deliver better outcomes for them.

“The systemic changes we are making, both in commissioning and delivering these services, will also ensure thatfunds are allocated where they are most needed”.