Scots propose extra social work training

Registered social workers in Scotland will be required to undertake
at least five days’ child protection training every three years
under proposals put forward by the Scottish Social Services
Council.

The proposals, a response to pressure from Scottish ministers, meet
the desire for all social workers, not just those involved in child
protection issues, to receive the training.

The new requirement would mean that five of the 15 training days
required in every three-year registration period would be
ringfenced for child protection. This would also include any child
protection procedures that can be applied to the protection of
vulnerable adults.

Association of Directors of Social Work convenor Helen Hunter said:
“There needs to be more focus on child protection training and this
is a huge step in the right direction.”

But she added that more detail was needed on what the training
would cover because there were no specific guidelines.

Consultation on the proposals closes on 19 November and the
Scottish Social Services Council will consider the responses at its
December meeting.

– More at www.sssc.uk.com