A documentary director who wants to hear your views.

Hello there I'm a freelance documentary director who makes programmes for both the BBC and Channel 4. At the moment I'm doing some research into child protection services across the UK. This programme will examine some of the issues surrounding child protection with a realistic view of what it’s like to work on the front line. Since researching this area it has become clear to me that social workers are often trying to do their best but are under extreme pressure. The main problems seem to include the ICS computer system, huge case loads and a lack of support from senior managers, to name a few. This of course is resulting in an exodus of qualified staff and many are leaving because of burnout. My programme will examine whether social workers have become the victims in a system which is preventing them from doing their job. Through historical anecdotes we will also explore how they have arrived at a targets culture which is counter intuitive to doing front line work. At the moment I'm trying to understand the processes and the systems under which social workers are now having to do their jobs. I have spoken to a few social workers off the record and I have been both moved and shocked with tales of their daily work on the front line. For many, there are rewarding moments but it seems fraught with difficulty. I have spoken to people from various local authorities including Haringey, Doncaster, Surrey, Northampton, Newham and Bristol. As you can imagine there are many similarities. To help continue building up a picture of child protection across the UK I would like to talk with social workers who are currently working in Birmingham or if that is too difficult then people who have just left. Birmingham is the largest LA and I've heard that it has an antiquated computer system. They are dealing with the largest amount of children who have child protection plans, outside of London. I'm assuming that it has different challenges to other LA's. I am also very keen to speak with social workers from departments who are getting it right - or at least moving in the right direction. I know there are some LA's trying new things within child protection. I would be interested to hear about any successes. I am fully aware that many social workers will feel reluctant to come forward and talk openly, I am more than happy to talk off the record or anonymously. You have my word that our conversations will not be broadcast/published in any way. Social workers views/opinions and daily frustrations have been excluded from the media and it’s important to readdress the balance. The best contact is via email - molsprog@yahoo.com. We can then arrange a safe time to talk over the phone. Thanks for your help