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LPCF Meets with Children’s Social Care – A Significant First Step Forward

 

We hear you. We know many parent carers have had tough experiences with social care and some may feel wary or frustrated. LPCF’s role is to bring those real experiences to the table - the positive and the painful - and to make sure they are heard by decision makers.


On the 16th December we marked a significant milestone for our Forum - our first meeting of this kind with Children’s Social Care. This is another important step forward since Michelle and Miranda became Co-Chairs, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring parent carer voice is heard at every level.


We met with:

• Louise Anderson, Director of Children’s Social Care

• Brendan Lee, Interim Head of Child Protection / Children in Need (Family Safeguarding)

• Fiona Harris Hilton, Children’s Services Deputy Representative

• County Councillor Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

• County Councillor Simon Evans, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Children and Families

• Dave Carr, Director of Policy, Commissioning and Children’s Health


During this constructive meeting, we:

  •  Introduced who LPCF are, our mission and our growing presence across Lancashire.

  •  Highlighted the importance of coproduction, recognising how essential family voice is, especially within Children’s Social Care.

  •  Shared extensive parent carer feedback, gathered this month and earlier this year also through our ongoing face to face engagement at SEND Roadshows and Family Hubs.

  •  Presented real lived experiences to show how families feel about social care involvement, offering insight into what is working and what needs to improve.


 They have listened and next steps are already underway. Children’s Social Care have taken our feedback and conversations on board and we expect to hear from them soon about:

 

  • Setting up ‘Let’s Talk’ sessions, providing direct opportunities for parent carers to speak with senior leaders.

  •  Facilitating face to face group meetings between parent carers and senior members of Children’s Social Care.

  •  Establishing regular meetings between LPCF and Children’s Social Care, ensuring that parent carer feedback feeds into service development on an ongoing basis. Working together for Lancashire families


Our commitment:

We want families to receive the support they deserve and we want to help Children’s Social Care achieve that. If your experience has been difficult, we see you and we will work to make it better.


LPCF will continue to be out in the community, listening, representing and ensuring that parents and carers across Lancashire have a strong, respected voice at the table.


 To share feedback or request a safer, private conversation please email secretarylpcf@lancashireparentcarerforum.org.uk


 
 
 

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