Strong foundations - How effective can the integrated children's system be when working with vulnerable children and their families?

This article examines how the Integrated Children's System (ICS) may affect social work practice with vulnerable children and their families. It begins by setting out the theoretical basis of the ICS model, locating it within a government agenda for change and the introduction of evidence based practice. It goes on to highlight some concerns about the specific pieces of research on which the model is based, specifically the Looking After Children documentation, and questions the usefulness of basing the ICS on problematic ideas. Finally it attempts to show how the ICS model may have implications for practice, calling on the tradition of inquiry and debate that has previously characterised the professional development of social work.