4. Gaps identified in evidence given for question 3 and how these can be addressed

A gap identified is that we have not yet obtained direct feedback from children and young people. As stated, the proposed policy will not directly affect them so it does not seem appropriate to conduct empirical research with this group at the current time. All current feedback has been from the perspective of stakeholders in the social work sector and beyond, who themselves work directly or indirectly with children and young people.

The views gained from the Corum Voice report (see above) provide a valuable illustration of what children and young people would like to see in a social worker, and social work services, to best support them.

To address this evidence gap, seeking views more directly from children and young people could be considered in future work to shape the NSWA, were it judged to be necessary or appropriate.