Question from Community Care: Independent social workers in demand

Independent social workers in demand

* Are children’s services within local authorities likely to go the route of adult services and become purchaser/provider? If so, what role will independent social workers play?

* The government green paper “Care Matters” recommends the piloting of social care practices – small groups of independent social workers commissioned by local authorities looking after the interests of looked-after children. What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of managing looked-after children’s services in this way?

* What needs to be done to ensure that independent social workers maintain appropriate ethical and professional standards of practice? In what way should independent social workers be regulated? 

GUIDE TIME FOR DISCUSSION: 30 minutes per question