Shortage of children’s social workers in Wales an “emergency”

The shortage of social workers in children’s services has
become an “emergency” in Wales, the Welsh
children’s commissioner has warned, writes Maria
Ahmed.

In his third annual report, Peter Clarke said children at risk
who were not allocated a social worker were in “real
danger” if a staffing shortfall was not addressed.

Clarke highlighted the “increasing difficulty” of
recruiting and retaining newly qualified social workers in
children’s services. He also expressed concerned about the
lack of children’s complaint’s officers, noting that
only 10 local authorities had developed the role.

Clarke said greater efforts should be made to look at better pay
and conditions, public perceptions of the profession and workforce
planning.

The commissioner also announced he will be undertaking a
detailed study of bullying which he identified as having a
“major impact” on the lives of children and young
people.