Edinburgh social services' restructuring proposals could result in worse outcomes for children, the Association of Directors of Social Work has warned, writes Amy Taylor.
The organisation said that proposals to remove children's services from its location in social services was 'possible and even likely' to damage outcomes for children.
Restructuring options being considered by the council include for a new department of 'education and children's services' to be created. This would be made up from the services for children currently provided separately by education and social work. A separate department of social work would provide all other social services.
ADSW said that such a move could be damaging, as it would increase the distance between children's services and other support services accessed through social work such as those for criminal justice, mental health and disability.
It said that there is 'little evidence' that structural change will result in better services.
It added that in the short term the upheaval caused and impact on the morale of the workforce could have the reverse effect.
ADSW made the comments in a submission to the authority on its proposals for restructuring. The restructuring follows the inquiry report into the death of 11-week-old Caleb Ness, who was shaken to death by his father. The report found that Caleb's death had been avoidable, and social work director Les McEwan later resigned.
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