UK DEBATE
Social workers “using outdated
methods”
SOCIAL workers are not doing the job
they are trained to do and rely too heavily on outdated methods that
do not work, according to a review.
Their managers in local authorities and other large bodies are
accused of running services that respond only in a crisis and have
become so risk-averse and bureaucratic that it has become impossible
for social workers to do their jobs.
The conclusions come in an interim report commissioned by Peter
Peacock, the education minister, titled the 21st Century Social Work
Review, to be published today. Headed by Willy Roe, a former
councillor and consultant, the review was launched in the aftermath
of a series of high-profile failures.
The report suggests change will be necessary, and may include
encouraging communities to take greater responsibility for tackling
social problems.
Para-professionals and the voluntary
sector may also form part of what Mr Roe described as “a new network
of social services”.
Final conclusions are not expected to be delivered to ministers
until the autumn. The findings have already provoked an angry
reaction from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla),
which said they called into question the credibility of the review,
as well as concern from the Association of Directors of Social Work
(ADSW).
Members of both organisations believe the review group does not have
evidence to justify its conclusions, and that the interim report has
been excessively influenced by anecdote.
The review has clarified the role of social workers, which Mr Roe
says may span various settings but is rooted in “a common core of
knowledge, skills and values”.
The report states that while social work should be about building
relationships with clients, this is not happening, and adds: “There
appears to be a growing mismatch between what social workers feel
they are trained to do and what they are required to do.”
Staff are burdened with excessive paperwork and bureaucracy, claims
the report. In response, Councillor Eric Jackson, Cosla's social
work spokesman, said: “These comments simply do not reflect a social
work profession that my colleagues and I work in.”
He said Cosla did not object to change, but said the review group
had not identified the real issues and added that major stakeholders
such as Cosla, ADSW and the unions had not been consulted prior to
the interim report. Mr Jackson said many of those involved in the
review – which includes representatives from local authorities,
health boards, charities, police and schools – would be unhappy that
such strong views were being expressed at this half-way stage.
ADSW insiders express similar concerns regarding the premature
nature of some of the statements in the interim report.
STEPHEN NAYSMITH
12 April 12 2005
http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/37106.html
