Following a critical inspection by Ofsted in December 2023, Havering's children's services faced significant reforms due to high caseloads and poor management. Councillor Oscar Ford reported that improvements included lowering caseloads and adopting AI tools. A restructuring of the department into two teams has also taken place. Despite these advancements, Ford noted that more work is needed, particularly in improving case management systems. Financial strains persist, with significant funding allocated to support these improvements amidst broader council challenges.
The council acknowledged its children's services have faced significant strains, requiring an extra £11 million for improvements amid complex challenges, reflecting a larger systemic issue.
Councillor Oscar Ford expressed optimism about reducing social worker caseloads, yet acknowledged complexities remain, emphasizing ongoing enhancements in management and case systems.
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