Vetting scheme may make clients wary

Clients considered a risk to children or vulnerable adults could
be reported to a new central vetting scheme by social workers.

Under proposals put out to consultation by the Department for
Education and Skills last week, social workers would be expected to
notify the scheme when they have taken action in private family
matters and believe those involved could pose a risk to children or
vulnerable adults in their working lives.

However, British Association of Social Workers director Ian
Johnston warned: “You won’t even get your foot through the front
door if [clients] think you are passing information on
automatically rather than making a judgement call.”

The proposal forms part of the government’s response to the
recommendation by Sir Michael Bichard to develop a registration
scheme covering all those who work with children and vulnerable
adults.

The scheme will build on and extend the existing barred lists –
List 99, the Protection of Children Act List and the Protection of
Vulnerable Adults List – and the work of the Criminal Records
Bureau and its network of registered bodies.

 

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