Recently in Scotland Category

Note to social workers, if you've had a bad day at work and want to let off steam by telling your Facebook friends or Twitter followers about your horrible boss and the dreadful "little beasts" you're working with, think again. (After all, disparaging online remarks have a habit of catching up with people.)

That was the warning from Ann Moffat, conduct case manager for the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) who this week - during a speech to celebrate World Social Work Day - claimed many social workers still need to come to terms with the safe use of social media: at once a useful tool to share advice and learning and a virtual minefield that needs to be navigated carefully, and soberly.

"If you are putting something on a public website about the fact you don't like your boss, or your service users are just awful, or you're working in a child care setting talking about 'these little beasts' in your care, then you are creating a situation where your position in the social services workforce may not be tenable," she said.

For anyone unclear about the safe use of social media, the SSSC will soon issue renewed guidance, including what the boundaries are (not insulting your colleagues or service users, no matter how tempting, is probably a good start). In the meantime, here's some useful advice we prepared earlier. (Picture: Posed by model; Rex features)

Morning all. On our radar today: Scotland's children's commissioner has criticised police for failing to convict any child traffickers, despite a huge rise in the number of children trafficked into Scotland over the last 18 months.

The BBC reports that a couple with learning disabilities feel let down by social services and courts after being forced to put their children up for adoption.

Anyone read this article over the weekend? A behind-the-scenes look at a US school that actually sanctions the use of electric shocks as a treatment for children and young adults with severe autism or emotional problems...

Picture credit: Victory of the people on flickr

If anyone was wondering what had happened to Gamu Nhengu (pictured) since her shock exit from this year's X Factor, here's your answer: the teenager, controversially eliminated from the ITV show last month, has been busy recording a Christmas single for Scottish charity Aberlour.

Stirling-based charity Aberlour, which provides support to over 6,000 of Scotland's most vulnerable children and families, is releasing "Where Will You Sleep This Christmas?", featuring Gamu and the Aberlour choir, in a bid to steal the coveted number 1 spot for Christmas.

Gamu, whose family is reported to be facing deportation, has supported Aberlour for several years. The single will be available for download on 13th December; listen to a preview here.

Photo credit: Rex Features

North Ayrshire has been rated one of the best models for child protection services in Scotland by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education. Strong early intervention and good leadership and teamwork were two positive aspects highlighted by inspectors.

This is the second inspection to take place in the council, following an earlier visit in 2007/2008, which also reported positive results.

The most recent report also identifies three examples that it recommends be used as models of good practice throughout Scotland. These are: staff evaluating outcomes of domestic abuse referrals and making improvements accordingly, housing services playing an important part in identifying vulnerable children, and improving home security arrangements for adult and child victims of domestic abuse.

Other good news from Scotland is that the number of young people on the at-risk register in Aberdeen has dropped to its lowest level for a decade. According to the council, the 119 children currently on the register represents a 10-year low.