We have published our joint review of child protection arrangements (JICPA) in Denbighshire
The joint inspection took place in February 2023.
Together with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW), His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation and Estyn, we carried out a joint inspection on the multi-agency response to abuse and neglect in Denbighshire.
This report outlines our findings about the effectiveness of partnership working and of the work of individual agencies in Denbighshire.
In common with many areas across Wales, we found the challenges in recruitment and retention of staff across key agencies in Denbighshire is impacting on safeguarding children’s arrangements. This is made more difficult by the high levels of demand and increasing complexity of children’s needs.
Due to a lack of social workers, there is a growing reliance on newly qualified and agency social workers. In the local authority, the situation has been categorised as a corporate high risk.
We found there are systems and relationships in place to facilitate effective partnership working where a child is at risk of harm. Partners are working to a shared ethos of safeguarding children at different levels of vulnerability. Organisational leaders have a shared vision with a positive approach to regional safeguarding arrangements.
This clear strategic commitment has resulted in the commissioning of a sufficient range of effective local services to support children and families.
To see all our findings and recommendations, read the full report below.