Someone to watch over me

Someone to Watch over me

BBC1

Episode four (of six) 7 December

10.35pm

Star Rating: 3/5

This was a powerful episode that did well to reflect the
everyday dilemmas and risks faced by child protection social
workers. The familiar scenarios were a salutary reminder of what
social workers encounter daily, We saw a mum with a history of
depression, alcohol abuse and a violent relationship, who had seen
three children previously removed from her. Could she fare better
this time?

The programme challenged stereotypes and showed how hard staff
worked to enable the family to take care of their son.

It was useful that references were made to the team, social
services, the courts and, indeed, the assistant director getting
involved in a case, balancing previous impressions that the social
workers work and make decisions in isolation.

Ami’s career in social work ended when a client assaulted
her. She was devastated and was initially determined not to let it
stop her from doing the job she loved. Despite this and trying
again, she left the profession just six weeks after returning from
sick leave.

Although courageous to put themselves before the cameras, there
clearly could be arguments as to how the camera’s presence
may have affected the social workers’ behaviour, but the
snapshots were pretty real and very, very familiar.

Maureen Floyd is team manager, family support and care
planning, London Borough of Sutton.

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