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Government told to reconsider court restrictions on independent social workers

By Janaki Mahadevan, Thursday 19 April 2012

Criticism of independent social workers is not grounded in evidence, researchers from Oxford University have found.

Family courts have been told to reduce the reliance on independent social workers.

The Family Justice Review, which published its final report in November last year, called for independent social workers to only be employed in family courts in exceptional circumstances.
It cited delays in the system and duplication of evidence as reasons for the restricted use of the specialist professionals.
But research from Oxford University, based on 65 cases concerning 121 children, found that cases referred to independent social workers involved children and parents with multiple problems.
In nearly half of the cases, the social workers had conducted work that had not already been undertaken by local authorities. Where reports were delayed, in most cases it was due to change in circumstances of the cases. On all other occasions, the reports were filed to the lead solicitor on time.
John Simmonds, policy director at the British Association for Adoption and Fostering, said: “It is clear that there needs to be a re-evaluation of the negative picture that is currently driving reform.
"This must include a robust evaluation of what is at danger of being lost to court processes that make life-changing decisions on the future of children.”
Most of the cases examined by the researchers involved children aged six or younger who were subject to concerns or allegations of failed parenting.
On average, the specialist social workers had 24 years' experience in the children's social care profession.
Hilton Dawson, chief executive of the British Association of Social Workers, said:
“At last we have an evidence base to give us a true indication of the value added to family court proceedings by highly experienced independent social workers. The research challenges the views presented in the Family Justice Review.”
The report concluded that if the government moves forward with the recommendations of the Family Justice Review, without further research into the impact of independent social workers, it risks failing children and increasing delays.
Philip King, director of the Confederation of Independent Social Work Agencies, said: “With a dramatic rise in the numbers of children coming into care, the research highlights that courts may be severely hampered by a lack of access to these experts who have been shown to be able to provide high-quality, forensic reports to meet deadlines.
“The government needs to urgently rethink its policy towards social work experts if it is to meet its own agenda for more decisive and speedier justice for the most vulnerable children within our society.”

Magazine wants your story. Fee offered.

 Hi there

I'm a writer for Grazia magazine and I was wondering whether you might be able to help with a case study search.

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Caroline

Disadvantaged Scottish families less likely to access health visitor checks

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An Easter Message

If Jesus was born in today’s troubled times would the same thing happen?

The Mission of Jesus

Jesus was born, in a stable, so unkind
His mission on earth was for the sake of mankind.
He was raised in a family who were workers in wood
and his life on this earth was only for good

He was an ordinary lad growing up in hard times
But in him stirred something that was spiritually fine
He confounded the wise men with wisdom and lore
And cleared out the temple and told them 'no more'

The story of old is that he healed all the sick
some people thought it was some kind of trick.
tis what YOU believe that matters to you
so listen to his teaching and follow him too.

The priests at the time were so unkind
If people believed Jesus, then they would find
That they were controlled by lies and deceit
his truth would leave the church facing defeat.

So they plotted against him and brought him to trial
His followers were frightened and uttered denial
the crucifixion carried out was a terrible blow
Now the truth for mankind, will they never know?

But Jesus’ mission was clear and precise
A message so simple is for all to be nice
‘to love one another as he has loved you’
If you follow this teaching, God will bless you.
 
Jimmy

Jimmy Deuchars 0141 882 5658