Commenting on children’s social care reforms announced today, children and young people’s professional advisor at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Dr Sally Payne, said:
‘We welcome the reforms and hope that a focus on early help and prevention will ensure better outcomes for children, young people and families.
‘It’s vital that occupational therapists are included as part of the review process. They’re essential, yet often unrecognized, members of the children’s social care support team.
‘With skills in physical and mental health and an ability to work across traditional care, health and education boundaries, our early involvement can help prevent the needs of children, young people and families escalating and leading to placement breakdown or requiring crisis support.
‘The social care system needs significant investment in the right places to work effectively, including into the occupational therapy workforce. Timely access to occupational therapy expertise will mean children, young people, and families have access to the support they deserve and need to grow, thrive and live fulfilled lives.’