Darlington Borough Council's social services department will be under the scrutiny of a team of independent inspectors over the next few months.
The team, from the Audit Commission and the Department of Health's Social Services Inspectorate, will assess standards of service and suggest improvements.
The public are also being asked for their views on the service.
When the review is completed, the inspection team will compile a report with recommendations and the department must then produce a plan of improvements.
The review team will be in Darlington until January.
Anyone wanting to make comments about Social Services can call (01325) 346833, or write to Shirley Williams, Darlington Lead Reviewer, Joint Reviews, 33 Greycoat Street' London SW1P 2QF
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article