Once again the state fails the least advantaged

I find this kind of report very disturbing.

The "cycle of disadvantage" is easy to see and ignoring it is both pragmatically short sighted and morally weak, yet state run assistance/care for the disadvantaged is often poor and sometimes appalling.

Regulars to this site know that I have a hobby horse about the greater integration of charity, faith and community groups in the fight against poverty and exclusion. I am aware that there are risks in this but I am also well aware that the current model is just not working.

Sometimes the courageous act is to admit that your current plan is flawed and look to build another one. How many more reports like this, how many more Victoria Climbies do we need before we fundamentally change the way we help the most in need?