UPGRADING eight care homes that face closure would cost the taxpayer more than £9 million, it has emerged.

A NEW modern carers centre has opened its doors in Enfield. The building, based in Baker Street, will provide a one-stop-shop for the estimated 29,000 unpaid carers in Enfield, and will be run by the carers themselves.

Government inspectors have issued a damning report on the care of children by a Westcountry council.

Nottingham City Council could employ social workers from overseas to avert the current recruitment crisis. The authority is investigating international recruitment and has had discussions with a German recruitment agency.

A study of newly qualified social workers has found that most wanted to quit after a year because of a combination of work pressures and lack of support.

Children’s professionals and commissioners are being called on to improve the support they give some of the most vulnerable young people as they make the transition to adulthood.

A modernisation strategy adopted by Birmingham City Council, which involves saving money by contracting out adult some social services to voluntary groups, has itself become the victim of cost cutting.

Schools and social care ‘could be badly hit’ by plans to increase health spending year on year, says shadow health secretary

Hundreds of children in Lancashire have been placed under protection plans by social services because of emotional, physical and sexual abuse.