A one-day Children in Wales course

This introductory course will provide a comprehensive background to the key principles and intentions of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, whilst also focusing on the main policy issues and the impact upon children, young people and their families.

The Act, which came into force in April 2014, will have a major impact upon all users of social services in Wales. The preamble to the Act describes its purpose as:

‘An Act of the National Assembly for Wales to reform social services law; to make provision about improving the well-being outcomes for people who need care and support and carers who need support; to make provision about co-operation and partnership by public authorities with a view to improving the well-being of people; to make provision about complaints relating to social care and palliative care; and for connected purposes.’ [1 May 2014]

The programme will cover:

Morning session 

• Historical and policy background to the Act
• What is well-being?
• Citizen centred services
• The outcomes framework
• Social services functions
• The changing role of the Third Sector and Social Enterprise

Afternoon session 

• Assessing and meeting needs of children, young people and their families
• Looked after and accommodated children and young people
• Safeguarding
• Co-operation and partnership
• Advocacy

The course is aimed at anyone requiring knowledge of the intended changes planned under the new Act. The information will be of interest to those directly delivering services and also in terms of understanding the Welsh public policy evolving under the Act.

About the Trainer

Mike Lewis qualified as a social worker in 1986. Between 1986 and 1995 he worked in Children’s Services, specialising in working with looked after children and in child protection. He has held a number of management posts with Action for Children, Save the Children and Children in Wales. Mike was CEO of the Welsh Refugee Council between 2007 and 2013 and now runs his own consultancy Hawliau. Hawliau focuses on ethics, values and rights within public services. Mike is also a part-time lecturer in Social Work and Social Policy at Cardiff University.

Mike is a registered social worker with a B.Sc. in Psychology, a MA in Social Policy, and a Postgrad Certificate in Management and is current undertaking a part-time doctorate.

He is a former trustee of WCVA and Linc Housing Association and is currently Chair of Cardiff and Vale Children’s Contact Centre. 

Cost:  Members £115  Non-members £135 

Find out more and book online.

This course is also offered as in-house training, please contact hannah.sharp@childreninwales.org.uk for more information.