hildren 2,706 Children’s homes (all types) 317 Independ ent fostering agencies 59 Resi. family centres 38 Adoption support agencies 37 Voluntary adoption agencies Data from March 2021 national statistics: Main findings: children’s social care in England 2021 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) CSC 400k CLA 80k Chn in Eng 12M 11 Mapping the core local data flow Understanding the typical order of events, and the approximate hierarchy of interventions within CSC, is a key starting point for understanding the wider system, and longstanding colleagues can sometimes take for granted their knowledge of this data flow. It’s not obvious what a “S47” is until you’ve found out – but you need to know the significance of the data points you’re reporting and analysing. The core local data flow can be visualised as a “pathway” or flowchart, and it’s a useful exercise to map such a flowchart as part of induction for a new colleague. Even just an hour's session, talking through the directions which social work can take following a contact/referral, is hugely valuable. Opposite is an example. Bear in mind that the map doesn't have to be "right" or "complete“; it just has to help the analyst build their mental model of the interdependent system from which we're gleaning our data points. From this, it becomes easier to learn by doing, or to identify useful routes for further research. White text: Recorded activity (likely max days’ duration in brackets) Black text: Indicative caseloads (typically as at date, or per month, based on an example LA receiving 400 contacts per month) MASH / SPOA / “Front Door” Child needs help Early Help Need Safeguarding / CSC Need Advice / signposting / “NFA” Refer to Partner Internal / family support or TF/SF etc. Contact (1) Referral (1-7) “NFA” Assessment (45) CP (90-730