Towards a framework for ethical innovation in children’s social care

Purpose Substantial government investment has accelerated innovation activity in children’s social care England over the past decade. Ethical concerns emerge when seems to be propelled by a drive for efficiency and over-reliance on process output indicators, as well as, or even instead of, improving lives of children, families societies. No ethical framework exists at present act check such drivers. This paper reviews literature with aim considering how best address this gap. Design/methodology/approach draws review care, conducted part an Economic Social Research Council-funded project exploring services young people exposed extra-familial risk harm. Findings study proposes new conception “trustworthy innovation” sector that holds standards principles code ethics work. offers framework, informed interdisciplinary school organisational ethics, operationalise extended definition; analytic guides policymakers practice question every stage whether particular model is ethically appropriate, practically feasible within specific context. Implications local decision-making national policy are set out, alongside questions raised future research. Originality/value first offer children's care. The guide sector, which they can use test make decisions about