Hi
recently started my PLO2 and it was going great, until yesterday when i was told that i was suspended without any warning. I was told that uni had been informed and that they would contact me. Didnt hear anything from them, so rang them and was told that i was being suspended as i had broken the rules of confidentiality on Care first. this has been a bone of contention as not had any formal training on how to use the system and have fumbled my way through it, whilst doing this i had come across a file related to me and read it not knowing about the confidentiality about reading about yourself!!
The information in it related to something that happened quite a number of years ago and i informed my practice assessor/supervisor straight away and informed her of what had shocked me as there was sensitive stuff relating to my childhood.
I spoke to her in confidence about this and she said that it would remain 'within these four walls'
When i spoke to uni this morning, they not only informed about care first, but of that information that i had told her in confidence!!
I feel totally in shock and am very upset as its seems that after all this time, effort and debt that i might not get through the rest of this course.
I dont think that the social work degree prepares students to work in the statutory placements, yes it give you the information, but the reality of social work is about paperwork, confusing data bases,with no training, being expected to know everything as a student only 3 weeks in, being let out on your own.
If something similar has happened to anyone,can you give me some advice.
Hi Pasha
This is a really miserable situation for you, not least because the uni sounds totally unsupportive; I would have expected them to have contacted you promptly and at the very least be investigating why one of their students was allowed to use CareFirst without training - incidently in the authority I work for and did both my placements with, your CF logon is only generated when you have completed the training for the directorate you are working in - there is something amiss about an LA that works in this way and also about a uni that seems to condone it.
As a social work student, you must have come across the caveat of confidentiality that if someone makes a disclosure that could potentially harm them or another person, the info has to be shared (appropriately); maybe your assessor felt that this was the case (perhaps the work you are doing could have had a adverse affect on you due to past experience), but it seems strange that this was only brought to light after you had accessed stuff on CF6 that you shouldn't have - incidently I don't understand how you did that - had a manager allowed you to use their logon? If so, that is never a good idea.
It sounds as though you were a bit overwhelmed with the placement; this is not unusual, but good supervision should help with this. As a student and now as an NQSW I often feel out of my comfort zone and maybe that's a good thing for keeping me on my toes. However this is different from being inadequately supported; in one of my placements I struggled with lack of a supervisor and was just lucky that I had a supportive assessor. If the uni leave you high and dry with this, maybe the student union could help with advice, or maybe the uni's local authority, a solicitor (some give a free initial consultation with no obligation to hire them) or Citizen's Advice, who seem to be able to access info and point people in the right direction for help with a huge range of issues.
Good luck - I hope it works out for you.
thanks for the message, the only thing that heard from uni is that they want to sort the matter out asap!!
will let you know the outcome
pasha
From what you say, you read your own file-is this right?
This may seem a niave question (and I should probably point out that I'm not overly clear what 'care first' is) but how can you not be allowed to read your own personal information? Do you not have a right to see it? or is that only applicable if you ask first?
i read my own file!! and have been told that i broke confidentiality!
care first is the system where all assessments, visits, are recorded.. had no formal training on it and therefore didnt know!
I know that when service users request to see files, all third party information has to be removed from the file before passing it on and it has to be signed off before it is handed over as there are other people that the information can affect and who might have informed or had contact with social services anonymously and theoretically the permission of all third party information sources would need to be gained - so in practice it is generally removed. Obviously this wouldn't have been done if you look at your own file!
I have no idea how it is in Children's services although I know in mental health we can be subject to disciplining if we look at anyone's file on the NHS databases without good reason and were told explicitly that this included our own information. It looks like a fault with the training as I know we are unable to access any databases without training.
I suppose you should have asked first but even then, suspension seems a bit drastic. Is Care First the counselling service owned by Partnerships in Care?
I agree this seems a bit drastic, especially to not have discussed it with you before hand. I would have thought from their perspective it would have been better to debrief you on what you did wrong and why you shouldn't have done it, rather than send you out into the world confused and with any information you may have gleaned! (not suggesting that you did, just hypothetically).
It also seems quite worrying that you were permitted to use a database like that without training. If you had your own log in then I think someone should be telling them to rethink procedures! and if you were using someone elses then technically the fault is theirs again.
Its a shame that the situation was so abrubt and not just seen as 'a lesson learnt' for both parties.
Yes, I agree with you, they could have taken me to one side and discussed this in a less formal way,instead its come to this. All can say is that they might have pointed out my lack of suitability, yet I have pointed out theirs. As for the information, it was my own and i have seen information with respects to my own cases,and do respect confidentiality.
At the moment, just waiting to see what is the next stage.
thanks for all the comments
Pasha - someone talked about legal advice and i think they were right. my first point of call would be a lecturer that i got on with...
i have to agree with what someone else said too: it's really disappointing that the LA and the uni jump straight to suspension - it wouldn't be that hard to investigate within an hour or so (i was under the impression users of care first left an auditable footprint...). it's also incredibly poor that you weren't trained on the system. you've made a basic mistake that is very, very tempting - and you wouldn't automatically know the harm (which is it is included in the training). i think it's an over-reaction, but you will have to be contrite and take it on the chin to some extent. i'm frankly amazed that you weren't just given a bollocking and a "never do that again"... but then again, i'm not a practice assessor...
GeneralPig: Is Care First the counselling service owned by Partnerships in Care?
Is Care First the counselling service owned by Partnerships in Care?
No - it's one of ICS-compliant data systems used by Local Authorities to record client data. Like Liquid Logic, but really rubbish.
tom_ev
I have spoken to my personal supervisor from uni earlier today and she as very supportive.
It is very disappointing especially at this time, when Social Work needs good social workers to join the work force!
At the moment having to take alot of things on the chin,
As for practice assessors think that they need to have alot more training and supervision themselves before they take on a student for the first time, mine has two years post qualifying and I'm her first student!
Hi Pasha,
I am sorry to hear about your predicament. If it is any comfort to you, placements (especially stat ones) and unis (in my opinion), have developed a terrifying 'knee jerk' reaction style of behaviour towards anything that is supposedly non-pc. I am continually disappointed, aggrieved and fed up with social work students being 'thrown in at the deep end' and seemingly being 'made examples of' the whole time! There is a fantastic lack of support out there - accross the board. In house politics just create mutual buck passing and a blame culture that just envelops the student social worker. I am in my last few months of my BSC. It has been a slog the whole way - and continues to be. I was suspended off my first LA placement - my WBS was the most incredible bully they set me up with tasks - knowing that I would fail. (one being accessing the in house assessment system) I have to say though I was not allowed access to service users files/data until I had completed 3 days worth of training, how did you access files? sounds like their breech and shoddy policies. I might add that I am a mature student, with 4 children and I have undertaken a degree previously. I am so very lucky that my tutor is/has always been my saviour. If this has happened now, it is so early on request a change of placement. Your paying for this degree afterall! It may take time, it did with me and my placement ran well into the summer - but I passed. My second placement is nearing an end (4 1/2 weeks) and things have just blown again! Attending a 2 day training course the trainer (who obviously had a problem with sw's and students) has complained to my placement about me - in a very non-pc manner .My practice teacher is furious so am I. The whole thing is soooo pathetic that if it was in retail or engineering, anything really there would have been 'words' done with finished. This was a training course. For 6 months I have been working with substance misuse clients - never had supervision fron my WBS (she is never there) never any negative feedback about me - but the trainer had issues about being challenged and he has made a complaint - result investigation! It's a power thing, something that I thought the SW degree was designed to eliminate.
I am not bothered now as I know deep down the agency cannot 'do alot' because I work well with clients and the team. However it is uncomfortable and I am fed up to the back teeth of this degree and it's over the top pc ness - sense and sensibility has gone out the window.
Pasha, try not to worry. You looked at your files - freedom of information- Human Rights Act?
Stat placements are valuable - but emotionally draining due to their contant surveillance of you. The uni should support you. In the meantime gather your evidence, stay cool and focused - you will get through. Document everything and cc it to your tutor WBS and practice teacher - cover your back
Good luck keep posting how you are doing
Hi Bettyboop
Thanks for a very encouraging message I agree this was a knee jerk reaction and think that by the very nature of how it was done was unethical.
I do believe that the training of social workers needs to be overhauled, you learn the generics and the law in uni, however when a student comes into practice, they have not been given the basics, such as what forms are, what information needs to be put onto them etc... in effect most placements think that you are a final year student and that you are an extra body to take up an already overstretched team, not a student who needs to be supervised, trained and given support.
The carefirst has been a bone of contention, arrived at placement and was given the password on the second day, not given any training and then expected to know what to do! It's like they are setting you up to fail, what they dont realise is that its them that fails also.
The problem with the suspension is that my practice educator is also my supervisor and not sure if its a clash of personality, like you I am a mature student, have three grown up children and have some experience of life and the struggles that it takes to complete a degree. I wonder if i have become a threat to her. who knows.
I am trying not too worrry and I am gathering as much evidence as possible and trying to keep my chin up.
All can say is that both uni's and placement educators have a responsibility to educate and train in the correct manner and if it comes to light that this isnt happening through something like this, however hard it is for the person involved, you have to fight. after all that what social workers do everyday...
I work with the CareFirst system and appreciate what a nightmare it is!! It cannot do simple things like formulate a Chronology of visits etc.!!
I hope everything gets sorted out and you get reinstated and back to studying ASAP, I also hope Social Work hasn't lost a willing employee through this! Don't be put off, I'm sure every LA isn't as insensitive as the one you were working for!!
Holly
x
Hi Holly
Thanks for your message, appreciated your comments.
So far not heard anything with respects suspension,hope to know more by the end of the week.
Care first is so difficult to work out and no it cant do the things that sw are expected to do build up cases. It really needs to be re-addressed!
Hope that this experience doesnt stop me from fulfilling my dream, but it has made me think about LA's.
Pasha
How are things for you at the moment?
Just to inform you I have been suspended for 2 weeks from my last placement. Only had 23 days to go. Got dissertation to complete, portfolio and direct ob 2 and 3 to write up and pa 4. Still have an ipl assignment to submit by Friday. Could not happen at a more stressful time.
I just want to convey to you that there is hope. My pt and tutor believe in me and are with me all the way. This, once more is a clear case of 'over inflated egos' something that is seemingly too prevelant in modern social work. Bullying is so endemic in this disipline. Thank goodnes sw with c&f has recognised the institutionalised and inherent problems within sw is not just organisational and government based - but lies with the 'I know hierarchal best attitude' that prevails all too much in contemporary sw practice.
I will graduate
I will not go into social work
Decision made!
Hope you are ok
Things are in suspension!!
I'm sorry to hear that and you were so close, what is wrong with these people, what were you suspended for can I ask?
We are sent on placements to learn and are given so much stress with doing uni work as well, you would have thought that they take this into consideration!
At this moment in time, I've had a meeting with uni and basically they are saying that I was a service user! with respect to my files on care first and that iI should have told them! How can you be a service user, if you've never recieved services in the first place and didnt know that you were on there.. just a crock of sh*t! Blame anything on you so they dont look bad!.
Like you, this has had a serious affect on why I want to be a Social worker.. andI'm not sure that I do... it seems to me that as long as you tick the right boxes, do as your told, and cover your arse, then good for you!!!!
Hope that things get sorted for you, and yes you will graduate, but to me the profession has lost another decent social worker... I'm gonna graduate come hell or high water, and im sure that it will open doors ... but social worker.... hell no!
Keep in touch.
im on facebbok, if you want to add me: heavenlybabe2007@hotmail.com
Betty Boop is absolutely right, those of us who have worked in social services for many years are dismayed by the scapegoating of people who do not accept the party line whatever that might be or unintentionally challenge the way things are. There is also little time in busy teams to debate, induct or train new people and mistakes can easily be made, even by experienced staff. This behaviour is of course a defence machanism against the intolerable stress experienced by teams through excessive referrals, tabloid publicity and endless changes of direction, restructuring, procedures, legislation etc. Previous posters have identified that you should not have looked at your own file (there is usually a local process for reading files based on legislation) but its not really a serious breach and could have been handled by a quiet chat (presumably not time for this), I do hope things work out but the problem is not you but the system and our lack of compassion to eachother.
To some point Bettyboop is right and after reading you message and seeing that you are dismayed, what future is there for those who are in training.
It seems like, although there is a massive shortage of social workers, and they are getting numbers thru the doors of university but when they are required to go on placements that these do not put enough into training them. When you start at a statutory you become an extra body not a trainee who is most likely gonna make mistakes.
What's the future of social work? i think that instead of going into a placement in the system, that maybe a school of social work would be more appropriate.
Hi guys,
Sorry you've had such poor experiences on placement - I've experienced bullying workplaces and poor practice settings (usually where inexperienced managers are over stressed) both in social work and social care, however I would emphaise not all organisations are like this.
I would warn against preventing students from being placed 'within the system' as, whether positive or negative, students need real world placements. There are huge issues in social work at the momment and students need the experience of what is really going on - for their development and ability to choose a career in social work but also to help them and their teams when they start work as NQSWs.
I've been in situations where 'hit the ground running' is an understatement and managers feeling out of control exert control over their employees as the only other option but regardless there are always people you can turn to for support (usually collegaues will be more than aware of the team environment and able to share coping strategies).
Good luck with your placements and please don't take these experiences as evidence that all social work teams face the same issues.
Pika
Hi Pika,
Your comments are appreciated. However I am not feeling generous in any shape or form towards the social work profession at present. I like Pasha am in suspension!
I have just returned from a meeting with my tutor and practice teacher. I hold these 2 people (former social workers) in very high regard. They also believe and support me 100 %. My tutor, who has known me for some 6 years is dismayed that this placement in order to cover their gross inadequacies, have basically used me , the student as a scapegoat. They are hell bent on 'exposing' my apparent distorted value base, but have decided that one comment that I apparently made in a training session proves this. I was due to finish my placement 18th March and here I am on a 2 week suspension - pending another inquiry on March 3rd - where they (the placement)!!will come to their final conclusions.
Worse scenario - they stop the placement, 3 years of hard work never failed a unit or placement ,committed, dedicated student - game over.
2nd a fit to practice placement called. Bit like a court. I have to give evidence along with my tutor and practice teacher to support my case - to justify myself.
This is where now I have to gather evidence like a school child in a playground she did this he said that stuff to support my worth?!
If the panel agree with the placement - again game over - if our collective evidence wins the day an alternative placement to finish my 100 days to be sought.
The panel may decide I need to complete another 100 day placement - but I am due to graduate in July.
Been on the placement nearly 6 months - they have stated that they have no issues with my practice at all strange paradox!
So, I have a portfolio to compile I have 1 more direct ob to undertake and write up and 1 more pa. Thank goodness I have completed most of placement work!!
Of course there is the small concern over the write up of a 10,000 - 12,000 dissertation! Oh and two more uni assignments.
My tutor has 12 of his students in year 3 on suspension at present - for various reasons.
Probably if this gets sorted, I will be able to attend graduation but only be awarded honours diploma, due to the placement days having to be extended. Apparently once the board meets though 2 weeks post graduation my full BSc will come through.
I just think what is the point of putting myself through all this stress at my age. I am not perfect but there are some aspects of my personality and character that I like. I like that I am caring, passionate and will advocate on behalf of any client for what they want. I am not afraid to stick my head over the parapit! Unfortunately I am too honest and too transparent.
My tutor actually said to,me today - out of all the students on the course you are the one person that most deserves to graduate - praise indeed but I still feel worthless and oh so worried about my future and that of my children.
As a single mum of 4 we have suffered severe financial hardship over the last 3 years in order that I could get a good career with a decent salary to support all of us. I have, I think as a mum compromised my children. SW degree is so non-family friendly. Workload is unbelievable and I have to still work to keep roof over our heads.
I truly wish I had never ever embarked on this degree.
Still maybe tomorrow when I am feeling maybe less upset I will motivate myself get on with my assignments and dissertation and gather my evidence.
Yep thats what I will do
They won't beat me
12 students in a year group on suspension???!!!!!!!!!!!!! What on Earth is going on?
My thoughts exactly Squirrel - I qualified a few years ago and even one person on suspension was thought to be a big issue.
Betty boop - I'm sorry you're having such a hard time at the moment, although it's positive that the uni are backing you up - hopefully that will mean you can either finish the placement for simply do another two weeks elsewhere - the potential of another 100 day placement would be enough to put anyone off!
12 !!!
Adarynefoedd, you got it right when you spoke of defence mechanisms and intolerable stress. It is present in ALL organisations, not only in Social work! So, difficult as things may have been for Pasha and Bettyboop, I would advise that they should not adopt a knee jerk reaction, which they have accused their 'persecutors' of, and quit Social Work. They should reflect on why they chose the profession in the first place. It was not because of those individuals in their current organisations; individuals who have adopted defence mechanisms to 'cover their backsides'.
One of the many things that we learn in any organisation is the 'power' and 'people' dynamics. I was a father of three when I was studying; and older than a number of colleagues and supervisors [and managers]. To challenge the views of such individuals was not difficult, it was HOW to challenge them that was. This was where the concept of 'constructive criticism' comes in.
Pasha and Bettyboop, tread softly. No one likes to be ordered around or told about their errors in an aggressive way; especially if your positioin has not thrust upon you the power to assume such a position. So, we should not condemn the Social Work profession [the media are doing enough of it already], but learn to [like all Social Workers should] reflect on how we come across to others, how we communicate, how we enable, how we manage, how we promote and how we support clients, amongst many others. We should particularly learn not to always wholly blame others for our misadventure, but think about how we may have contributed to the situations we find ourselves. That way, we'll be less angry towards others, and learn from our experiences.
Pasha's position is particularly unfortunate - reading your own file. However, the authorities have a point when they speak of confidentiality. It is one of those rules, regulations and legislation that Adarynefoedd referred to. Besides commenting on the entry, if you have not altered any of the records or tried to delete information, I guess that you have not committed an unforgiveable offence. I wish you well in your endeavours.
Had some good news today, been told that they are not taking it any further and I can continue my course. ll have to start another 100 day placement and will finish later then everyone else and may not graduate but should count myself lucky! I do, however, I am unable to work in the my LA, and the practice co-ordinator has to disclose why placement was terminated, I feel like the issues of inadequate training and the 'knee jerk' reaction has been ignored.
My feelings over the last couple of weeks have ranged from negative to positive, and the fact that I was niave about why I wanted to become a social worker in the first place, have been tested, however did complete essays and handed them in with alot of reflection put into them about the why's!!
I have come to far to fall at this hurdle and you have to keep fighting for yourself because no one else will do it for you... learnt that one.
The universities have to look at what training is given in LA's and is it enough, the pressure on staff is a bursting point and maybe having a look at how training is delivered at that level should have some more thought.
Bettyboop dont give up...
Well Mr. Bojangles you are so b***dy reasonable. It is precisely your approach that allows the system to flourish. I went through similar experiances to those discussed here, only difference is that I went through it thirty years ago. You do not seem to realise that we work in a "caring profession"; that as long as we tow the line we get treated in a caring way. Cross that line and the system takes on Gestapo like responses. Do not live in a fools paradise. Pasha has been treated as though she accessed her next door neighbours information. The worst she is guilty of is akin to doodling in a lecture. Swift word in her ear should suffice. You talk of how one comes accross, this should apply both ways. The parable of the sun and wind competing to remove the man's coat does not always apply. We need to shout!!!!!!
There is something about the qualities it takes to get to power positions and along the way SW qualities become corrupted.
(As they say, the fact someone wants to become a politician should disqualify them from standing.)
Shirack: Pasha has been treated as though she accessed her next door neighbours information. The worst she is guilty of is akin to doodling in a lecture. Swift word in her ear should suffice.
Pasha has been treated as though she accessed her next door neighbours information. The worst she is guilty of is akin to doodling in a lecture. Swift word in her ear should suffice.
Pasha read her own file. You do not just accidentally trip over this stuff, it would have entailed a search. That, in my book, is a dismissable offence if the person is an employee, or the person would be asked to leave a placement, if a student. Hardly akin to doodling in a lecture, Pasha is lucky she got off so lightly. She would have been fired/asked to leave here, call that a Gestapo like response if you will. A caring profession does not have to lower standards, performance expectations and dismiss or ignore ethical guidelines, just so that employees/students feel all warm and fuzzy. We are accountable for our actions, as is any employee, doing any job in any field.
Nadine,
I'd agree if we were talking about a worker, but if its your first placement in the LA and you have received no training, the LA and Uni have very little reason to show that you should have known better. I'm surprised it wasn't just dealt with in a three way meeting with the assessor, student and uni - a ticking off, red face and a bumpy start to the placement but it continues none the less.
pika: Nadine, I'd agree if we were talking about a worker, but if its your first placement in the LA and you have received no training, the LA and Uni have very little reason to show that you should have known better. I'm surprised it wasn't just dealt with in a three way meeting with the assessor, student and uni - a ticking off, red face and a bumpy start to the placement but it continues none the less.
A person should not need training to realise that accessing a file containing potentially sensitive information, without permission, is likely a no-no. Plain common sense should have kicked in, if nothing else.
Nadine: Shirack: Pasha has been treated as though she accessed her next door neighbours information. The worst she is guilty of is akin to doodling in a lecture. Swift word in her ear should suffice. Pasha read her own file. You do not just accidentally trip over this stuff, it would have entailed a search. That, in my book, is a dismissable offence if the person is an employee, or the person would be asked to leave a placement, if a student. Hardly akin to doodling in a lecture, Pasha is lucky she got off so lightly. She would have been fired/asked to leave here, call that a Gestapo like response if you will. A caring profession does not have to lower standards, performance expectations and dismiss or ignore ethical guidelines, just so that employees/students feel all warm and fuzzy. We are accountable for our actions, as is any employee, doing any job in any field.
Cast ye not the first stone. How many of us coming accross information personal to us would not be tempted to take a peek. I think the greater sin here is the lack of moral courage shown by the person who promised to keep the information "within these four walls". It would have been appropriate to handle it all "Within these four walls"
Yes we have to be responsible with information and I believe most of us know how to do this. Nadine I think you have all the qualities to far in social work.
how can you possibly have breached confidentiality if the info was only about yourself. If no one told you that you could not access info about yourself then how could you be breaking a rule. What rule?
Appea;! Maybe it won't come to that. speak to the union rep at your placement - your prob not in the union but they will help you anyway.
Shirack,
Thank goodness there is seemingly someone out there with a sense and sensibility approach to SW! I read Mr Bojangles post and my blood boiled. However I chose not to reply as I was keen to keep re reading to see if I could find some comparables to what has happened to me (and Pasha). Shirack your thoughts and reply post echoed my feelings exactly. Yes I remember why I chose to undertake the social work degree. However having been exposed to seasoned (professionals) and NQSW I have been shocked at how quickly they are all immersed in organisational beauracy.
It's oh so evident in LA's particulary in Care Management. I discovered you may have the title of SW, but you are mearly a gatekeeper and the service-users/clients within this sector (over 65's) are the most dis-empowered, vulnerable group whom a SW should advocate for. They are only interested in meeting their targets. They all can talk the talk but cannot walk the walk. Mature students, by the way of which I am one - do offer lots of life experience and for many of us SW is a career change. If I do not know how to eloquently challenge by now then I will give up (note to Mr Bojangles).
I also agree with you Shirack , Nadine has the qualities to go far in social work, she obviously 'sticks to the rules' always and would never be tempted to peek. After all this info is about Pasha how dare she read files that sw's have written about her.
SW profession is like MI5
It still continues to display hierarchal practices , bullying, back stabbing and covering your backside.
I do not know about you but I am concerned that Pasha's WBS promised to keep the info Pasha had shared 'within these four walls'. Pasha demonstrated openess and honesty - WBS ? Are the WBS's service-users/clients also granted with the line'what you say to me will remain confidential.
Nadine - take note practice placements should be just that students are NOT social workers they are students LA's and all placements come to that would be as well to be reminded of that. I have yet to undertake a placement that have not viewed me as 'an extra pair of hands'.
Bettyboop,
Thanks for your posting it is nice to feel we are not lone voices. You say earlier on you will pass and won't go into SW.
I had the same experiences and did join the ranks. I like to think I touched a few people along the way but it was mainly tilting at windmills when you get to people who have cost effectivity on their agenda. (Middle management and above.)
Seems now the system is designed to weed us out to deter us from ever joining.
Gordon Brown, Malcolm Tucker and Alec Ferguson's of this world now set the agendas. (All successful and all bullies; sad indictment.)
Read your comments, Bettypoop and shirack. You appear to have missed a remark I made in relation to challenging others. There's nothing wrong with challenging people. It's the way it is done that shows maturity and endears you to or alienates you from your peers and superiors.
And, if you get to 'Middle Management and above', you'll appreciate the dictum: 'he who pays the piper, dictates the tune'. Social work is not different from other professions.
To those missing the point by a mile - the file most likely contained third party information, which is routinely redacted before the subject user can request to see it. Confidentiality was breached - end of. If you cannot see this, perhaps going into another field where you do not handle confidential information is a good plan. If my private information in someone else's file was read by a student, I would sue the pants off the LA. I train students in placements, and one of the first things we go through are the confidentiality rules. The rules are not hard to understand. There are plenty of students who get through placements without any major issues.
If you see things in such a black and white way perhaps you should consider another career. But like I said you seem to have all the qualities to progress to head of service. I don't think anyone is missing the point. You will have many supporters in your views.- I just find it sad. -It is not really about what was done, it was the way it was dealt with. I think you have missed the point.
Most social workers are human, thank Odin.
I wish you luck.
Nadine
I can see your point about 3rd party information, and I totally understand confidentiality as I know about other service users personal information and that has and will remain confidential. Also, I found my file accidentially and didnt read it fully, the system shows part of the infomation as you scroll the mouse over it! Once this happened, I told my practice assessor/supervisor straight away as I felt it was necessary for them to know.
What has to be taken into consideration is that not all LA's are training students properly, in fact they are letting them loose on a system they dont understand, they are being treated not as a Social worker in Training, but as an 'extra person to take on an the extra caseloads' .LA's should be made accountable for inadequately training students then scapegoating them when they make mistakes.
Yes, there are rules, but not only students break them..