ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an introduction to the world of children’s social care, for those who, could do with knowing a bit more about lives like Karl’s. Teachers and other school-based practitioners need to be aware that the needs of children who have come into contact with social services may differ from other children’s. Thus, by its nature, state intervention in children’s and families’ lives (through social services) is inherently contested and contestable. Some also argue that children in need of support from social services can be seen as “trouble” by teachers and other professionals, driving a labelling effect which might lead them to go on and fulfil this stereotype. Ofsted is responsible for the inspection of children’s social care services and does this at the local authority- and individual setting-level. Poverty is one of the single most important factors leading to the involvement of children’s social services in families’ lives.
