It looks as though 2004 is set to be an eventful year for social care. On the legislative front we can expect a new children's bill and also new legislation on mental health and, probably, mental incapacity. There is also to be a review of the laws on prostitution, the first for 50 years. Areas to be considered include the merits of tolerance zones and new ways to help women escape the vice trade. This year also sees the full implementation of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 which is aimed at making child welfare paramount in all decisions on adoption. In the spring the government will publish a white paper on its proposals for a single equality and human rights commission. This will replace the Equal Opportunities Commission, the Commission for Racial Equality and the Disability Rights Commission. Meanwhile, the government has pledged to continue pressing ahead with tightening up rules for asylum seekers. In the face of all this promised activity we asked our panel their hopes and fears for the coming year and also the sort of headlines they would like to see.
Julia Ross, social services director, London Borough of
Barking and Dagenham
"The headlines I'd like to see in 2004 would be 'Health and social
care finally fully integrated for all' or perhaps 'Government hits
targets on child poverty'. As for my hopes and fears for social
care, I have no fears! The fact is that social care services, in
the public, voluntary and private sectors, are all flourishing and
will continue to evolve and become more effective. Now the acute
sector in the NHS is beginning to hit its targets, we'll see
primary and community-based services flourish alongside social
care. Going into 2004 Iam as optimistic as ever."
Felicity Collier, chief executive, Baaf Adoption and
Fostering
"In 2004 I want to believe that every child really does matter.
That needs a government that speaks with one voice and applies the
same principles to all children - including children in custody,
children seeking asylum and privately-fostered children. The
minister for children and young people must become a member of the
cabinet and the children's commissioner should report to
parliament. Also we need to get the attention we have been promised
on the role and status of social workers and foster carers."
Martin Green, chief executive, Counsel and
Care
"Home care is in crisis. The service is underfunded, poorly
regulated and the staff are undervalued and neglected. The
government must face up to the fact that many of their objectives
for health and social care will never be achieved until we have
professionally structured, properly resourced and nationally
consistent home care services. We need to see joined-up action, not
just joined-up rhetoric."
