Flexibility from the courts for children's social services in Sheffield will now be reduced

Sheffield Council ensured services remained available to all families referred for support – but staff had to adapt.

And the majority of rules were not relaxed despite the public health emergency, said Carly Speechley, director of children and families, in a report.

"Courts have been tolerant of local authorities acting creatively in difficult circumstances on a temporary basis, such as by providing indirect contact through Skype.

"There have been some minor relaxations such as the quoracy of the adoption panel or the visiting requirements for looked-after children, but these have been minor and will not be extended beyond September.

"Children’s social care is required to continue the majority of its business as usual despite limitations in using facilities, contact venues and social distancing requirements."

Ms Speechley said courts had had a "degree of tolerance" with these difficulties but any flexibility will now be reduced with severe penalties for Sheffield Council if it failed to do its job properly.

She added: "A failure to assess and intervene appropriately may lead to a vulnerable child suffering serious harm, which could result in Serious Case Reviews, reputational damage, and claims for damages in civil proceedings

"A failure to comply with a court’s requirements may result in delays for children, judicial criticism, costs orders, and adverse and potentially unsafe outcomes for children.

"A failure to comply with contact obligations may result in emotional damage to children.”

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