Edinburgh workers ‘lack confidence’

Edinburgh social workers lack confidence in their child
protection decisions because of unclear guidance, according to a
council report into progress made since the death of baby Caleb
Ness in 2001.

Though the audit finds there has been a general improvement in
services since the toddler’s death at the hands of his abusive
father, it reports that social workers need clearer guidance when
assessing children.

A third of professionals surveyed said they thought joint
assessment guidance from their agencies was unclear, and none
strongly agreed that they felt confident doing child protection
work.

They also complained of a lack of consultation between
professionals and agencies when planning and organising
services.

Child protection guidelines state decisions on whether to put a
child on the at-risk register should rest with the interagency case
conference, suggesting a democratic process.

Such a situation could result in less experienced conference
panelists over-ruling more experienced colleagues, which, the
report says would increase the number of children on the register.
However, an examination of 57 case files showed a high standard of
practice.

Roy Jobson, director of children and families at Edinburgh
Council, said the audit gave an “honest” account of child
protection practices.

A Unison survey of Edinburgh social workers due out soon is
expected to call for an increase in spending on placements for
looked-after children.

 

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