Too few social workers see children in care alone

More than one in 10 children in care have never spoken to a social worker or caseworker on their own, according to research published by the children’s rights director today.

Of 123 children in care and care leavers surveyed by Roger Morgan, only 18% said their social worker or other caseworker always talked to them on their own. Nearly as many – 15% – said their social worker or caseworker never talked to them on their own.

The report, Messages for Munro, emphasised that children were more likely to confide in practitioners who saw them by themselves.

“We know from other consultations with children in care that children want to be able to talk to their social workers without carers or other people listening in so that they can tell them anything that is worrying them, even if it is about their carers,” the report said.

The survey also revealed that 70% of children wanted to see their social workers more often. Only 31% said they saw their social workers or other workers often enough.

Contact was another concern, with 31% of the children saying they could never get in touch with their social worker or case worker.

In a session of interviews with the children’s rights director, young people said they thought social workers should always give out their mobile numbers and be available on Facebook.

What do you think? Join the debate on CareSpace

Keep up to date with the latest developments in social care. Sign up to our daily and weekly emails

Related articles

Social workers should not let risk divert them from good corporate parenting

Plan to shut children’s homes prompts warning of crisis

Inform subscribers

Guide to direct work with children