Channel 4's Dispatches tonight followed a family support worker going undercover within Surrey's children's services.
While I imagine the tabloids are going to have a field-day with many of the shocking things John, the mole, uncovered, a closer look at the documentary reveals a plea for help for social workers and support workers rather than a condemnation of them.
While I imagine the tabloids are going to have a field-day with many of the shocking things John, the mole, uncovered, a closer look at the documentary reveals a plea for help for social workers and support workers rather than a condemnation of them.
Yes, practice is shown as sloppy, social workers are seen not following protocol, but the film makers seem very sympathetic of practitioners' plight. Workers are shown crying because they "care too much", venting frustration at being trapped in the office under mountains of paperwork. John himself suffers sleepless nights because of the pressure put on him.
If nothing else it shows the difficulties faced by newly qualified social workers. While John was actually previously experienced in family support services, he presents himself to the council as a novice. Despite this status, he is given extremely difficult cases and immediately put out of his depth.
So here's hoping that rather than baying for the blood of workers trapped in this out of control system, the media shifts its focus to those who can make the most difference to change the situation -- the government.
What did you think of the programme? Have your say on the already cooking CareSpace discussion.
If nothing else it shows the difficulties faced by newly qualified social workers. While John was actually previously experienced in family support services, he presents himself to the council as a novice. Despite this status, he is given extremely difficult cases and immediately put out of his depth.
So here's hoping that rather than baying for the blood of workers trapped in this out of control system, the media shifts its focus to those who can make the most difference to change the situation -- the government.
What did you think of the programme? Have your say on the already cooking CareSpace discussion.
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