Sign our open letter to Cameron if you oppose jail threat for social workers

Community Care has written an open letter urging the PM to abandon plans to extend the criminal charge of wilful neglect to children's social workers. Show your support by adding your name in the comments section.

March 16, 2015 in Children, Stand Up For Social Work, Support, Workforce

Photo: Flickr/wonderferret

Update: Comments are temporarily broken, but please don’t let that stop you from signing the open letter if you oppose the government’s advancing plans to jail social workers.

You can tweet us @communitycare writing: ‘I sign the open letter to #StandUp4SW’, write the same message on our Facebook page or email us at communitycare@rbi.co.uk.

In March, David Cameron announced controversial plans to extend the criminal charge of wilful neglect to children’s social workers.

Following a fierce backlash from the profession – a petition started by social worker Zowie Overy has so far been signed nearly 11,000 times – Community Care has written an open letter to the prime minister urging him to abandon the plans.

Published on the same day that the British Association of Social Workers asked chief social worker Isabelle Trowler to advise government against the plans, we hope collective action to stand up for social work will convince the prime minister to reconsider.

To show your support, simply leave your name in the comments section below. You can also tweet us @CommunityCare writing: ‘I sign the open letter to #StandUp4SW’.

Open letter to the prime minister

Dear Mr Cameron,

We are writing on behalf of social workers in England to urge you to abandon your plans to extend the criminal charge of wilful neglect to children’s social workers.

Social workers enter the profession, certainly not for money, status or an easy life, but to make a difference to the most vulnerable people in our society. They are dedicated and hard-working, often sacrificing valuable family time to work late into the evenings or over their weekends so they can meet the needs of their service users.

As part of our campaign to Stand Up For Social Work, we are calling on central government to support social workers. Your plans do anything but. They make for strong headlines and create the impression of a government talking tough to get results, but they fail to recognise and tackle the complex reasons behind every failure to protect a child.

Although recent serious case reviews have sadly highlighted some deeply concerning social work failings around the country, such failings rarely, if ever, occur because practitioners were wilfully neglecting the needs of the vulnerable. They occur because of scant local authority resources, burnt out staff, unmanageable, out of control caseloads, unprecedented demand for services, insufficient staff training and so forth.

The Local Government Association drew attention to some of these problems in a statement last week: “Children’s services are creaking under the strain as they work to protect the most vulnerable children from abuse, neglect and child sexual exploitation.

“In an NHS system failing to cope with winter pressures, the government recently pledged £2bn to alleviate the crisis. We need Whitehall to redress the balance and give us adequate resources to get on with the vital job of protecting children.”

Social workers contacting Community Care have also unanimously condemned your plans, admitting they now feel more fearful for their safety when working in the community. Many also fear the impact this will have on recruitment and retention, pointing out the threat of jail sentences may force people to leave the profession or never consider joining it.

We believe this government is committed to preventing child sexual exploitation. However, extending the criminal charge of wilful neglect to children’s social workers will not improve practice. Instead, it will heighten the intense blame culture these professionals are working in, making it even harder for them to engage the children and families they are trying to help.

Good practice comes from listening to the experiences of frontline social workers and empowering them to carry out their duties safely and effectively. Yet time and again, we hear social workers do not feel listened to. They feel stressed, frustrated and frightened.

It is this stress, fear and frustration that caused 88% of children’s social workers to tell us austerity measures in their local authority have left children at increased risk of abuse, 80% to admit they feel stress is affecting their ability to do their job and 73% to say they lack the support and resources to prevent a child in their local area from coming to serious harm.

It is simply not right or fair that dedicated children’s social workers – who are already bearing the brunt of 40% public sector cuts, soaring workloads and systemic failings nationally – are now being cast as potential criminals who wilfully neglect children.

We urge your government, and whatever government may follow, to address this critical issue by removing the threat of jail and ensuring there is adequate funding to recruit, support and retain a highly motivated workforce, equipped with the tools to protect children.

Yours sincerely,

Ruth Smith, editor

On behalf of the Community Care editorial team

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801 Responses to Sign our open letter to Cameron if you oppose jail threat for social workers

Samantha cass March 16, 2015 at 10:39 pm #

I sign the open letter ,
Sam Cass
- Ray McCabe March 17, 2015 at 12:06 pm #
  
  Ray McCabe
- Jacqueline O'Connell March 17, 2015 at 7:50 pm #
  
  I sign this open letter.
  - janet howard March 19, 2015 at 9:53 pm #
    
    I sign this open letter
  - Paula Marshall March 27, 2015 at 2:16 pm #
    
    I sign this open letter to David Cameron.
  - Duncan McG April 12, 2015 at 8:33 pm #
    
    I sign this open letter. It is powerful.
- Diana Boulding March 17, 2015 at 8:24 pm #
  
  I sign the open letter
  - Lucy Mukasa March 27, 2015 at 11:04 am #
    
    I fully agree with the open letter. Social workers and social care need encouragement from the Government not threats!
    
    I sign
- Robert Corteen March 17, 2015 at 8:24 pm #
  
  I sign this open letter
- Liz brian March 17, 2015 at 9:11 pm #
  
  I am signing . Liz
- Karen Exelby March 17, 2015 at 10:14 pm #
  
  I sign the letter. This is a punitive knee jerk response by the government. Why target the people who are struggling to maintain a service against impossible difficulties. On this basis lets just stuff our prisons with teachers , social workers and of course bankers and the police whose recent failings have been only too evident
- natalie peters March 18, 2015 at 8:35 am #
  
  signed
- Dawn Judd March 18, 2015 at 8:40 am #
  
  Social workers threatened with jail while trying to do their jobs with ever-decreasing resources meanwhile bankers and tax avoiders decimate public services!
  Two years ago Cameron was asking Tory party conference to applaud the work and efforts of hard pressed and much maligned social workers- now he wants to imprison them.
  I fully support the Community Care letter
- Belinda Mussard March 18, 2015 at 10:25 am #
  
  It seems that Cameron is rubber stamping the ‘blame culture’ and scapgoating social workers for the cracks in the system which is a result of govement led legislation and ‘austerity measures’. i sign up to the open letter
- G. Bamford March 18, 2015 at 11:19 am #
  
  I sign the open letter.
- Mary kelly March 18, 2015 at 5:32 pm #
  
  I appose Cameron’s attack on our Social Work Profession. He has no idea what we do and what difference we make to individuals on a day to day basis. Picking up the pieces when his Government simply ‘pulls the plug’ on funding for front-line services. Welfare Reforms that hit the most vulnerable deprived families in our Society.
  
  I could go on and on. Suffice to say the Ballot Box will have a more constructive impact.
- kieron lickley March 18, 2015 at 10:01 pm #
  
  i sign this open letter
- Sheryl Baker March 19, 2015 at 2:43 pm #
  
  I sign the open letter
- Liz Pugsley March 19, 2015 at 4:26 pm #
  
  I sign the open letter to David Cameron
- Jackie James March 19, 2015 at 4:43 pm #
  
  I sign this open letter.
- Hannah morris March 19, 2015 at 8:18 pm #
  
  I sign this open letter.
  
  Hannah Morris
- Phillippa hughes March 19, 2015 at 8:54 pm #
  
  Phillippa Hughes
  
  I sign this open letter
  
  I cannot believe I have to sign such a letter, what fool hardy goverment threatens to jail the very people who fight tirelessly to support and safeguard children.. Kettle Cameron and pot .. It’s you who have cut services, increased thresholds, doubled caseloads and put children at increased risk ..
  - Andrea Horsley March 22, 2015 at 10:43 pm #
    
    Signed
- Phil Bayliss March 20, 2015 at 6:57 am #
  
  I sign the letter
  Fil
- Wendy Clayton March 20, 2015 at 9:15 am #
  
  I sign the open letter
- Claire Jarvis March 20, 2015 at 10:42 am #
  
  Signed
- Fiona Goussard March 20, 2015 at 11:34 am #
  
  I sign this open letter
- Chris Mutton March 22, 2015 at 4:50 pm #
  
  I sign this open letter
- Steve Watkins March 23, 2015 at 8:21 pm #
  
  i sign the open letter
  
  Steve Watkins
  - Gloria Loaiza March 30, 2015 at 12:32 pm #
    
    Why are frontline social workers always blamed? We have unreasonable caseloads and expectations. Now we are deemed to be guilty of failures in the system!
- Katie Burrell March 23, 2015 at 8:37 pm #
  
  I sign this open letter.
- Hayley Aspinwall March 24, 2015 at 6:24 am #
  
  I sign this open letter
- Carys Davies March 24, 2015 at 11:18 am #
  
  I wish to sign the letter
  Carys Davies
- Elly Giles March 24, 2015 at 8:58 pm #
  
  I sign this open letter! And would like to invite David Cameron to come to my offices for the day!! 🙂
- jennifer cain March 24, 2015 at 10:01 pm #
  
  Happy to sign the open letter
- Paul Wallace March 25, 2015 at 9:03 am #
  
  I wholeheartedly support this letter
- Joanna Hewitt March 25, 2015 at 9:11 am #
  
  Joanna Hewitt. I sign this open letter
- Nancy Cattini March 25, 2015 at 1:22 pm #
  
  I sign this letter
  Nancy Cattini
- cheryl Woods March 25, 2015 at 1:51 pm #
  
  I sign this open letter
- Anne-Marie Davies March 26, 2015 at 9:17 pm #
  
  I sign this open letter
  Anne-Marie Davies
- Lauren March 27, 2015 at 1:02 am #
  
  I Sign this petition
- christine munro March 27, 2015 at 8:07 am #
  
  We have an experienced social in our family. I know of the many hours she spends at work how tired she looks at the end of the day. Unfortunately she cannot share her worries by discussing them because of the nature of her job. Social workers need more support and not live under threat of prosecution ans a jail sentence
- Francine Dickens March 27, 2015 at 9:53 am #
  
  I’m happy to sign this open letter
- Nikita March 31, 2015 at 6:19 pm #
  
  I signed….Nikita
- Flora Allison April 1, 2015 at 8:50 pm #
  
  I sign the open letter. Flora
- Claire costello April 3, 2015 at 11:13 am #
  
  Claire costello
- Alex Parker April 3, 2015 at 5:03 pm #
  
  Signed
- Ciara Mc Cann April 3, 2015 at 10:28 pm #
  
  Ciara Mc Cann
- holly curran April 4, 2015 at 5:03 pm #
  
  I sign this open letter.
- Janet McNiven April 6, 2015 at 8:48 am #
  
  Please may I sign this open letter to David Cameron, as I oppose his threat to jail social workers in his attempt to address child protection. Thank you.
- Kim Robinson April 7, 2015 at 6:20 am #
  
  I fully endorse this letter, and sign it, Kim Robinson
- Maggie McHale April 8, 2015 at 4:52 pm #
  
  I support the open letter
- Suzanna Jacoby April 9, 2015 at 8:02 pm #
  
  I sign the open letter
paula mcgeein March 16, 2015 at 10:51 pm #

paula mcgeein
Andrew Thomas March 17, 2015 at 6:45 am #

You jail social workers you will have no on left to operate a system which is under resourced, understaffed and is seen as an easy target for politicians seeking to cover up for successive governments failings.
- Andrew Thomas March 17, 2015 at 6:46 am #
  
  you mean edited
  - jan francis March 19, 2015 at 2:39 pm #
    
    I sign the open letter
Rebecca whicker March 17, 2015 at 7:37 am #

Stand up for social work
Jane Laing March 17, 2015 at 7:51 am #

I sign the open letter
Susan Lunt March 17, 2015 at 8:41 am #

I sign the open letter.
Susan Lunt
- Gordon Sharpe March 27, 2015 at 12:37 pm #
  
  How could any sane person not sign up to this letter?
Pauline Robinson March 17, 2015 at 8:56 am #

I sign this open letter.
Hannah Stockdale March 17, 2015 at 10:13 am #

I Sign this open letter.
Colin Gummer March 17, 2015 at 10:39 am #

I sign the open letter. Couldn’t agree more.
Marc Denham March 17, 2015 at 10:43 am #

I sign this open letter
- R Nelson March 19, 2015 at 9:44 am #
  
  R Nelson
Chris Sweeney March 17, 2015 at 10:44 am #

I sign this open letter
Ruth Gumm March 17, 2015 at 10:46 am #

I sign the open letter to David Cameron.
Steven Lucas March 17, 2015 at 10:47 am #

signed
Jan Burnell March 17, 2015 at 10:52 am #

I sign up for this open letter.

If we don’t, as Social Workers then who will fight or us. There is no one.

We have taken the brunt of abuse from Society for cleaning up their messes

There but for the Grace of God go everyone of us
Elizabeth Howard March 17, 2015 at 10:52 am #

I agreenwith the content of this open letter and sign to show my support.
Jack Young March 17, 2015 at 10:58 am #

I sign the open letter
Deborah Rutter March 17, 2015 at 10:59 am #

I sign the open letter. This is another example of the disgraceful scapegoating that Cameron and his over-privileged cronies have exemplified in every area of public welfare that they have laid their tax-evading hands on. First the poor, disabled, sick and unemployed, then immigrants, and now social workers are to blame. It is the government’s responsibility to see that services are resourced to help those, including vulnerable children, who cannot help themselves.
Olga Lacerda March 17, 2015 at 11:01 am #

I sign the open letter

O Lacerda
Colin Saunders March 17, 2015 at 11:01 am #

I sign this open letter
Colin Saunders March 17, 2015 at 11:02 am #

I sign this open letter

Colin Saunders
- Modupe Adekogba-Afuye March 24, 2015 at 11:58 am #
  
  I sign this open letter
Andy West March 17, 2015 at 11:20 am #

I agree with this letter and readily agree to signing it. Mr. Cameron, I consider your wish to punish rather than try to understand in order to gain favour is reprehensible. Given that you have seen fit to adopt this posture at least since Baby P is evidence of your difficulty (inability) in learning anything from all the discussions you must have had with people who work day in day out in social care. You shouldn’t need to consult about this-you should know this is wrong already.

The same argument also applies for teachers and you should also amend previous legislation that already subjects health workers, similarly coping with a lack of resources and staff, to this punitive response.
- Joanna Knowles March 18, 2015 at 5:13 pm #
  
  I sign this open letter.
- Adam Birchall March 18, 2015 at 8:39 pm #
  
  I, Adam Birchall, agree and sign this open letter.
Wendy McDougall March 17, 2015 at 11:22 am #

I sign the open letter
Louise Storey March 17, 2015 at 11:37 am #

I sign this letter.
- Debbie Tennant March 22, 2015 at 8:46 am #
  
  Debbie tennant
  I sign this open letter
Emma Granger March 17, 2015 at 11:41 am #

I sign the open letter.
Andrea Shepherd March 17, 2015 at 11:42 am #

I sign the open letter
j smith March 17, 2015 at 11:51 am #

I sign this open letter
Liz McDermott March 17, 2015 at 12:20 pm #

I sign this open letter
Hilary Sharpe March 17, 2015 at 12:31 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Richard Harris March 17, 2015 at 12:36 pm #

I, Richard Harris, sign this open letter.
Steven More March 17, 2015 at 12:41 pm #

I sign and fully support your open letter.
- Sarah b March 17, 2015 at 7:07 pm #
  
  I have signed.
Pauline McDermott March 17, 2015 at 12:41 pm #

I sign the open letter.
tony bowyer March 17, 2015 at 12:57 pm #

where is the petition?
- Rachel March 17, 2015 at 2:37 pm #
  
  Hi Tony,
  
  You can find the petition here:
  
  https://www.change.org/p/david-cameron-mp-support-social-workers-not-imprison-them?recruiter=2915457&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=share_twitter_responsive
  
  Thanks,
  Rachel
  Community Care
Patricia Higgins March 17, 2015 at 1:21 pm #

I sign this open letter and fully endorse its contents
Charlotte Macdonald March 17, 2015 at 1:57 pm #

Charlotte Macdonald
Rhiannon Stokes March 17, 2015 at 1:58 pm #

I sign the open letter.
Helen Williamson March 17, 2015 at 2:00 pm #

I sign this letter
Jody Resuggan March 17, 2015 at 2:26 pm #

I, Jody Resuggan, support and sign this letter.
Lorraine Frost March 17, 2015 at 3:51 pm #

I sign this letter and hope the government really hear what it is saying. Social Workers should be able to hold up their heads and be proud of the difficult work they do and the message David Cameron is giving to the public is shameful.
Lorraine Frost March 17, 2015 at 3:54 pm #

I sign this letter and hope the government really hear what it is saying. Social Workers should be able to hold up their heads and be proud of the difficult work they do. The message David Cameron is giving the public is shameful.
Samantha Beresford March 17, 2015 at 3:56 pm #

I fully support and sign this open letter.
Charlotte May March 17, 2015 at 4:08 pm #

I fully support and sign this letter.
nicole March 17, 2015 at 4:09 pm #

Yes I’ll sign
A. leahy March 17, 2015 at 4:10 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Sophie Boote March 17, 2015 at 4:12 pm #

sophie boote
Laura Pattison March 17, 2015 at 4:12 pm #

Laura Pattison
Nigel Reigate March 17, 2015 at 4:13 pm #

Signed
Claire March 17, 2015 at 4:16 pm #

I sign the open letter
Claire Watts
Claire March 17, 2015 at 4:17 pm #

I sign this open letter
Claire Watts
lauren pennington March 17, 2015 at 4:17 pm #

I support and sign this letter
sophie jones March 17, 2015 at 4:18 pm #

I fully support and sign this open letter.
Meri Lalchan March 17, 2015 at 4:19 pm #

Is David Cameron trying to build this country or destroy vulnerable people’s lives? I critically and highly doubt him!
Amy N March 17, 2015 at 4:21 pm #

I whole heartedly agree with this letter and sign it.
Trish Ormerod March 17, 2015 at 4:22 pm #

I fully support and sign this open letter
- Natalie De Sadeleer March 17, 2015 at 4:27 pm #
  
  I sign this open letter.
  Natalie De Sadeleer
Tanya Serrant March 17, 2015 at 4:25 pm #

I sign this open letter
Lynne Scannell-Smith March 17, 2015 at 4:26 pm #

i retired from a 25 year career in 2010 which culminated in my chairing child protection (safeguarding) conferences and Reviews for Looked after children in London and Medway over 10 years. I never met a Social worker who acted negligently. I did, however, meet many hard working, skilful and dedicated social workers who gave unlimited of their own time to work alongside vulnerable children and families. Many children were protected by this wonderful band of people and many children remained with parents/carers who functioned much more positively after these worker’s interventions. Where there were failings they were due to lack of resources and staff time due to the ever increasing beurocracy heaped on staff by succeeding governments. Please listen to professionals, including your own experts and enable professional social workers to do the job for which they are trained. I am signing this letter.
Victoria Mandefield March 17, 2015 at 4:27 pm #

I sign and fully support this open letter.
Hannah Crothers March 17, 2015 at 4:28 pm #

I sign this open letter
Vikkijones March 17, 2015 at 4:29 pm #

I sign this open letter
nicola March 17, 2015 at 4:30 pm #

I sign
kim thomson March 17, 2015 at 4:39 pm #

I sign
Matthew Ayton March 17, 2015 at 4:40 pm #

I sign this petition
Ekim Erdogan March 17, 2015 at 4:48 pm #

I sign the open letter. Stand up for Social Work.
rebecca young March 17, 2015 at 4:48 pm #

I sign this letter.
Pearlene Webb March 17, 2015 at 4:54 pm #

I sign this petition
Gary Crisp March 17, 2015 at 5:00 pm #

Gary Crisp
Nikki Moore March 17, 2015 at 5:02 pm #

I sign and fully support this letter. Having worked in social work for nearly thirty years I feel very strongly and hope many more sign.
Melissa Floyd March 17, 2015 at 5:02 pm #

Signed!
John Robinson March 17, 2015 at 5:03 pm #

signed
Beth Beacom March 17, 2015 at 5:14 pm #

I sign
Sharon Ayles March 17, 2015 at 5:15 pm #

I, Sharon Ayles, sign this letter. Obviously this is a vote-grabber – how disappointing that any political party would suggest this type of punitive response, rather than look at the effect of increasing, year on year, budget reductions.
Sharon Ayles March 17, 2015 at 5:18 pm #

I sign this letter.
caroline vallelly March 17, 2015 at 5:22 pm #

Hear hear. I wholeheartedly agree.
Caroline Vallelly
Helen Gilmore March 17, 2015 at 5:23 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Michelle T March 17, 2015 at 5:28 pm #

I sugn this open letter. social Workers are one of the most undervalued professions and have a difficult job and are undervalued for the dedication they show.
Danielle Johnson March 17, 2015 at 5:32 pm #

I sign the open letter

Danielle Johnson
Gemma Jones March 17, 2015 at 5:33 pm #

I sign this open letter.
- F Foster March 24, 2015 at 8:17 pm #
  
  I sign this open letter
Michelle Owen March 17, 2015 at 5:33 pm #

I sign this open letter

Michelle Owen
Ros Gowers March 17, 2015 at 5:38 pm #

I add my name to this
Karen Smith March 17, 2015 at 5:41 pm #

Karen Smith
frances hewitt March 17, 2015 at 5:42 pm #

I fully support this petition.
Rachel Lawson March 17, 2015 at 5:48 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Jane Smith March 17, 2015 at 5:49 pm #

I sign – Jane Smith
Jane Smith March 17, 2015 at 5:50 pm #

I sign the open letter
Leonie Cobham March 17, 2015 at 5:53 pm #

I sign this petition
Jo Wyard March 17, 2015 at 5:56 pm #

I sign and completely support this open letter.
Joan Fitzsimons March 17, 2015 at 5:58 pm #

Joan fiyzsimons
Jo Wyard March 17, 2015 at 5:58 pm #

I sign and fully support this open letter.
Karen Yeomans March 17, 2015 at 5:59 pm #

I am in full support of this letter and sign it
Jo Wyard March 17, 2015 at 6:01 pm #

I sign and full support this open letter.
Kieley crane March 17, 2015 at 6:06 pm #

I sign this letter.

Kieley crane
Vikki Cole March 17, 2015 at 6:09 pm #

I wholeheartedly support this letter. Social work is a profession full of dedicated people trying to safeguard and protect the vulnerable and improve outcomes for them. In a pressured profession where people work insanely hard, why would you potentially sabotage the work and professionals by threatening them with jail. Mr Cameron, please hear the collective voice of those in the profession and support them to do the job with excellence rather than threatening them to improve. No social worker willfully neglects, seek out the True failings that have happened and work on change there, increase the support and resources available to social workers, a better use of national resources than imprisoning those trying to improve the nation’s future.
Sally Chittick March 17, 2015 at 6:11 pm #

i sign the open letter to David Cameron

Sally Chittick
Rachel Hardy March 17, 2015 at 6:18 pm #

Open letter signed.
- Jazz March 17, 2015 at 8:47 pm #
  
  I support and sign the open letter to David Cameron drafted by Community Care. I would add that rather than just England, this petition needs to state that it applies to the whole of the UK, i.e. England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
- Jazz March 17, 2015 at 8:49 pm #
  
  I support and sign the open letter to David Cameron drafted by Community Care. I would add that rather than just England, this petition needs to state that it applies to the whole of the UK, i.e. England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales
Sarah-Jayne Stephens March 17, 2015 at 6:21 pm #

I sign this open letter
Kirsty Johnston March 17, 2015 at 6:21 pm #

I sign this open letter. Kirsty Johnston
Kirsty Johnston March 17, 2015 at 6:22 pm #

I sign this letter. Kirsty Johnston
carol williams March 17, 2015 at 6:29 pm #

I signed the open letter
Carol Johnson March 17, 2015 at 6:37 pm #

couldn’t agree more!!! Signed!!!
Kathryn March 17, 2015 at 6:47 pm #

Kathryn Kerr
Grace decker March 17, 2015 at 6:55 pm #

I agree whole heartedly & sign this letter in support.
Athina Gouvia March 17, 2015 at 7:00 pm #

I sign the open letter.
Debbie Cranfield March 17, 2015 at 7:05 pm #

isnt our job hard enough? Open letter signed
Katrina Ugur March 17, 2015 at 7:16 pm #

i sign and fully support
Charlotte March 17, 2015 at 7:20 pm #

I sign this open letter
Sallie Tuck March 17, 2015 at 7:21 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Sandra Jones March 17, 2015 at 7:27 pm #

Open letter signed.
Julia Winkless March 17, 2015 at 7:27 pm #

Signed Julia Winkless
Ken Rogers March 17, 2015 at 7:38 pm #

I support this and sign the open letter
Vicky Ritson March 17, 2015 at 7:40 pm #

I sign this letter
Michael Hagan March 17, 2015 at 7:41 pm #

I sign this letter
Paul Beacom March 17, 2015 at 7:42 pm #

I sign and endorse the comments and concerns raised.
Tammy March 17, 2015 at 7:43 pm #

Tammy Cooper
Ann Knight March 17, 2015 at 7:43 pm #

Signed
Irina craciun March 17, 2015 at 7:45 pm #

I sign the open letter.
Denise Hardy March 17, 2015 at 7:46 pm #

I sign this letter
Kelly Kaiser March 17, 2015 at 7:48 pm #

Signed -if you’d spare a thought for us in adult services as well that would be appreciated!
Graeme Duncombe March 17, 2015 at 7:50 pm #

I sign this open letter
Juanita scallan March 17, 2015 at 7:51 pm #

I sign and fully support, for politicians to condemn sw in such a way is further disregard for the profession, whilst there is also lessons to be learnt, the sw out on the front line strive to provide the best care for the children
Seren Watson March 17, 2015 at 8:00 pm #

What you should be doing is supporting the social workers, giving them more staff, better pay, less red tape. Do more positive action than negative.
I fully support the social workers who do a very diificult job and with very little support!
Gaye Scurlock March 17, 2015 at 8:01 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Caroline Hamilton March 17, 2015 at 8:02 pm #

I sign the open letter. Caroline Hamilton
Eve Roberts, MSW March 17, 2015 at 8:02 pm #

I fully support and sign this letter
Caroline Hamilton March 17, 2015 at 8:04 pm #

I sign the open letter to David Cameron. Caroline Hamilton
Jacqueline Cowgill March 17, 2015 at 8:07 pm #

I sign and fully support this open letter.
Theresa Norris March 17, 2015 at 8:07 pm #

I agree and sign this letter.
Fiona Mackenzie March 17, 2015 at 8:09 pm #

I sign this open letter to mr Cameron
Zohra lichioui March 17, 2015 at 8:11 pm #

I sign the open letter. Invest in social care and allow social workers to do their jobs safeguarding children. This can be achieved more through releasing funds to have increased social work positions and greater access to much needed resources.
Fiona Graham March 17, 2015 at 8:13 pm #

i sign and support this open letter
Chrishelle Redlich March 17, 2015 at 8:13 pm #

Chrishelle Redlich
Tabitha Nelson March 17, 2015 at 8:16 pm #

I sign the open letter
Denise James March 17, 2015 at 8:19 pm #

open letter signed
Lyndsey Freeman March 17, 2015 at 8:20 pm #

I sign this open letter
Cassie Locke March 17, 2015 at 8:21 pm #

I sign this open letter!!
Kerry Higginson March 17, 2015 at 8:27 pm #

I sign the open letter wholeheartedly!
Aylish Doherty March 17, 2015 at 8:27 pm #

Signed
June Johnson March 17, 2015 at 8:32 pm #

I too support everything in this open letter and have signed for that reason, the threat of jail will help no-one and certainly not children
Love social work March 17, 2015 at 8:33 pm #

I sign this open letter.
John Deme March 17, 2015 at 8:40 pm #

I sign the open letter to David Cameron. This is ill conceived and poorly thought of. Such actions foster and nurture the blame culture social work is desperately trying to steer away from; in line with recommendations that were identified in reports and reviews YOUR government commissioned Mr. Cameron.

On another note, as a voting member of the British public, I am desperately sorry for ever voting for your party.

Rest assured that I learn from my mistakes, and have no intention of repeating this in the future.
Michelle EDge March 17, 2015 at 8:42 pm #

I sign this open letter
Naomi Adams March 17, 2015 at 8:49 pm #

I sign the letter you are going to lose social workers in an already pressurised stressful job!
Arfana Nasheen March 17, 2015 at 8:57 pm #

I sign this letter and fully support it.
Caroline Mccaffery March 17, 2015 at 8:58 pm #

more resources and support for social workers from the Government is what will help protect children Mr Cameron
Clive Wyaed March 17, 2015 at 9:00 pm #

I whole heartedly agree with this letter and sign it.
Fiona Newton March 17, 2015 at 9:04 pm #

All this suggestion does is devalue our profession! I fully agree with the open letter and sign it!!

Fiona Newton
Angela Worrall March 17, 2015 at 9:08 pm #

I sign this letter and fully support it
Caroline Golden March 17, 2015 at 9:25 pm #

I sign this letter
Nicola Ata March 17, 2015 at 9:27 pm #

I fully agree with the contents of this letter and sign in support.
Sarah Bennett March 17, 2015 at 9:28 pm #

I sign this letter.
Shira brown March 17, 2015 at 9:37 pm #

I sign this letter
Shira brown March 17, 2015 at 9:37 pm #

I sight this letter
Naomi Ainscough-Durkin March 17, 2015 at 9:43 pm #

proposing jail terms for professionals in a very difficult low paid role is abhorrent and demonstrates a blame culture society!
lindsey sayer March 17, 2015 at 9:46 pm #

I sign this well written open letter which captures the dire issues facing social work and the needs of vulnerable children all over the country.
stephanie naylor March 17, 2015 at 9:52 pm #

Stephanie Naylor
Amanda amesbury March 17, 2015 at 10:09 pm #

Agree please take note Mr Cameron
Stella Collins March 17, 2015 at 10:18 pm #

I sign this open letter
Stella Collins March 17, 2015 at 10:19 pm #

Let common sense prevail
Gill NEALE March 17, 2015 at 10:23 pm #

I sign this open letter
Leanne Holmes March 17, 2015 at 10:24 pm #

I sign this letter
Leanne Holmes
ali kitley-jones March 17, 2015 at 10:24 pm #

Signed,

Ali Kitley-Jones
Tina Martin-Collins March 17, 2015 at 10:31 pm #

I sign this letter and fully support it.
Helen Johnson March 17, 2015 at 10:40 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Helen Johnson
Daniel Newbolt March 17, 2015 at 10:42 pm #

Daniel Newbolt
Stuart Holmes March 17, 2015 at 10:48 pm #

A competent and confident PM would not feel the need to stoop to this kind of cowardly populist device to seek a few votes but would listen to people who actually know what they’re talking about.
There are already quite enough mechanisms to deal with any possibility of social workers failing due to being wilfully negligent, we don’t need more.
But maybe prison for David Duckenfield and whoever blocked the Cyril Smith investigations would be nice to look forward to…
I sign the letter, although I might have expressed it differently, because I don’t want anybody to think I’m in favour of Cameron’s stupidity.
Liz Collins March 17, 2015 at 10:57 pm #

i am a retired Social Worker and despair of any suggestion that a social worker would be held responsible and jailed. If we look at the historical cases health & education need also to take responsibility for keeping children safe, will teachers and paediatricians be jailed too??
amy w March 17, 2015 at 11:05 pm #

I sign this open letter
Lynn Carter March 17, 2015 at 11:24 pm #

I sign this open letter.
- Blessing Mlandeli March 19, 2015 at 8:06 pm #
  
  I sign this this open letter. It is not the Social Workers who are at fault here it is the entire system. Let’s face it charity begins at home. The target should be the disturbed parents not the Social Worker. Social Workers are not the problem here and therefore should not be used as a scapegoat for covering up the real reason behind child abuse.
Sue Ryan March 17, 2015 at 11:26 pm #

I agree and sign this open letter
Sarah Ryan March 18, 2015 at 12:20 am #

I sign the open letter, this is ridiculous!
Jacqueline Daniels March 18, 2015 at 12:26 am #

Shows his total lack of understanding about the function and role of social workers. Does he realise they don’t work in isolation, is he also going to jail, docters, teachers, health workers, etc?
Debra Gentle March 18, 2015 at 12:38 am #

I sign this open letter.
Lomaia René March 18, 2015 at 1:28 am #

# Lomaia René
Zubeida Adams March 18, 2015 at 3:35 am #

I sign this open letter, Zubeida Adams
Ann-Marie F March 18, 2015 at 3:38 am #

I sign and support this letter
Chloe Mearns March 18, 2015 at 4:59 am #

I sign this open letter and fully support it.
Sarah Burgess March 18, 2015 at 6:22 am #

I sign this open letter..

Sarah Burgess
Emily McAllister March 18, 2015 at 6:43 am #

I sign this open letter
Lesley Saunders March 18, 2015 at 7:33 am #

Signed and supported wholeheartedly
Catherine Gates March 18, 2015 at 7:54 am #

I sign this petition. I wholeheartedly agree with everything said. If Cameron does this people will not want to work in this profession. I certainly won’t be voting for a man with such stupid proposals.
Rachel Walker March 18, 2015 at 7:58 am #

I sign this open letter.
Charlotte Hughes March 18, 2015 at 8:22 am #

I sign
Charlotte Hughes
Heide Williams March 18, 2015 at 9:04 am #

I sign this letter, I can’t believe after 14 years in child protection that this is even being suggested! How about concentrating on securing the prosecutions of the the actual abusers and not the people trying to save vulnerable children in our country! I will NOT be voting conservative!
Martin Webber March 18, 2015 at 10:04 am #

I sign this letter
antje palmer March 18, 2015 at 10:45 am #

I sign the open letter
Jentie Weaver March 18, 2015 at 10:55 am #

I agree with the concerns in this letter, issues need addressing not blaming someone who did everything to help.

Signed
Jentie Weaver
Kerri Dean March 18, 2015 at 11:07 am #

I sign this letter and agree whole heartedly with the sentiments expressed.
G. Bamford March 18, 2015 at 11:21 am #

I sign this letter.
valerie young March 18, 2015 at 11:40 am #

ii sign this letter
Georgia March 18, 2015 at 11:41 am #

I sign this open letter. I respect all the extremely hard work social workers carry out and believe that this is totally unfair!
Stacey Johnson March 18, 2015 at 11:48 am #

‘I sign the open letter
Jill Palmer March 18, 2015 at 11:49 am #

I completely agree. Jill Palmer
William Mcgee March 18, 2015 at 11:52 am #

Signed
Jadwiga Leigh March 18, 2015 at 11:57 am #

I sign the letter- and Mr Cameron I am still waiting for your reply to the letter I sent you two weeks ago. Your Number 10 office promised that all letters will be replied to- yet there has been no acknowledgement of it so far. It would be nice to hear from you soon
Emma Martlew March 18, 2015 at 12:04 pm #

I sign this open letter
Emma Martlew
Gail Molyneux March 18, 2015 at 12:08 pm #

I sign this open letter as I do not agree.
Beverley Sprague March 18, 2015 at 12:14 pm #

I am sick of social workers being villified, undervalued and underpaid. I am only glad I am at the end of my career and not the beginning and would discourage anyone from joining the profession as it is at the moment
Nora McClelland March 18, 2015 at 12:26 pm #

I support this letter
Lynne Froud March 18, 2015 at 12:33 pm #

I support and sign this letter
Denise Derbyshire March 18, 2015 at 1:03 pm #

signed.
Mohammed Rahman March 18, 2015 at 1:18 pm #

I support and sign this letter.
J Maphosa March 18, 2015 at 1:26 pm #

Here we go again, politicians are at it again pontificating on matters they know nothing about. Trying to score political points to win the next election by turning social work, like they do with the NHS, into ‘political football’. When will you learn to listen to professionals themselves? You have already succeeded in weakening the social work profession by turning Social workers into bureau-professionals. Child protection social workers need support and protection from the state, not vilification and threats of imprisonment.
J Maphosa March 18, 2015 at 1:29 pm #

I sign this petition
Dave Palmer March 18, 2015 at 1:30 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Jenna Kovacs March 18, 2015 at 1:34 pm #

I sign this letter.
Chloe March 18, 2015 at 1:39 pm #

I sign and support this open letter
Louise Dickinson March 18, 2015 at 1:58 pm #

Many of my family members are social workers. They are some of the hardest working people around, sacrificing their own time and quality of life to help children who need them. There are so many restrictions that stop this work achieving its full potential, which are largely to do with government funding and bureaucracy for its own ends. Adding blame culture and increasing the vilification these exceptionally hard working individuals already face is irresponsible and cowardly scape goating.
Renji March 18, 2015 at 2:02 pm #

I support and consider this as a signature.
beverley miles March 18, 2015 at 2:03 pm #

I sign an open letter
Lisa Wiggins March 18, 2015 at 2:35 pm #

I am a social work student, and this has put fear amongst us. By threatening this, you will in effect significantly reduce the amount of social workers going into working with children and families, especially child protection. This will increase the caseloads of already struggling social services departments. Shame on you Mr Cameron! Perhaps if you were to have a day in the life of a social worker, then you may see the invaluable work that they do and how difficult they are finding it due to your austerity cuts.
Sue J. (Wales) March 18, 2015 at 2:38 pm #

It’s astounding that such an ignorant proposal can be made by the prime minister of our land. Not only astounding but frightening… After nearly 30 years in the Social Work profession, I despair and can only hope that sense will prevail and that whoever is to make such a decision, gets some awareness training regarding the real issues that Social Workers and their counterparts face every day in the hugely difficult task of keeping people safe.
Emma Underdown March 18, 2015 at 3:16 pm #

I sign this open letter
Barbara MacArthur March 18, 2015 at 3:23 pm #

How can I not sign? Of course I sign. After over 30 years as a social worker I realise that people like Mr Cameron haven’t got a clue about ouir profession and the hazardous and harrowing work we carry out day to day.
Julie McGowan March 18, 2015 at 4:57 pm #

Julie McGowan
Femi Odusanya March 18, 2015 at 5:29 pm #

I sign the open letter to Cameron.
Jed McAndrew March 18, 2015 at 5:36 pm #

I sign this open letter
Nicola Flint March 18, 2015 at 6:06 pm #

I sign the letter
Sandy Bowden March 18, 2015 at 6:11 pm #

I wholeheartedly sign this letter. As a Social Worker for over 25 years I am dismayed and disappointed that anyone could believe that threatening to imprison social workers can help with staff morale. We make decisions on a daily basis to try to protect children and young people from harm. I would like to see Mr Cameron do our job for one day and still think this ludicrous idea is a good one !!!!!!
Nadia cooper March 18, 2015 at 6:41 pm #

I sign. How can the government hope to get school leavers and graduates to consider a profession that is unsupported and where you are accountable for a whole host of agencies and families decisions and could therefore end up in jail?!
Alison Dickson March 18, 2015 at 6:59 pm #

Yes I sign because David Cameron has no understanding whatsoever of the social work profession
Theresa Batchelor March 18, 2015 at 7:06 pm #

I support the contents of this letter and can only ask that the Primeminister reconsider this course of action against a workforce already challenged at every turn and whose only intention is to support the rights and safety of the most vulnerable in our society.
Julia Pearce March 18, 2015 at 7:58 pm #

Shamelessly political and not in the interests of the people of this country
Jo L March 18, 2015 at 8:00 pm #

I sign this letter
Philip Dickinson March 18, 2015 at 8:05 pm #

Philip Dickinson
Melanie Bowley March 18, 2015 at 8:06 pm #

I sign this open letter and suggest Mr Cameron that you and your colleagues decline your 11% payrise and instead use that money to create more resources and early interventions for these families that as social workers we are accused of failing!!
Steve Rogowski March 18, 2015 at 8:09 pm #

Agree with the letter.
nikki murphy March 18, 2015 at 8:11 pm #

I sign this open letter
Lindsey Morgan March 18, 2015 at 8:20 pm #

signed, also left the profession disillusioned shortly before the jail announcement. Correct decision to leave!
Marc Baker March 18, 2015 at 8:32 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Nicola Cleave March 18, 2015 at 8:46 pm #

I sign the open letter
Hilary Burgess March 18, 2015 at 8:54 pm #

I sign this letter – the proposal betrays an abject failure to understand the complexities of child protection.
Harley March 18, 2015 at 8:59 pm #

Well done to the Government for once again completely failing to understand the workload and stress that our healthcare workers are already under.
And failing to understand the additional pressure this will put people under.
Signed
Harley
Paul Walker March 18, 2015 at 9:02 pm #

I sign this open letter to oppose the threat of jail for social workers.This is a smoke screen by the government to deflect attention away from the fact that services are woefully underfunded.I would challenge any government minister to take that level of responsibility for vulnerable children and adults.Social workers cope with excessive case loads and unmanageable levels of stress on a daily basis.Now,as a society we are looking to demonise them.It’s not good enough!
Audrey Moeller March 18, 2015 at 9:08 pm #

I do sign this letter
Deborah Parry March 18, 2015 at 9:14 pm #

I sign this open letter
helen priest March 18, 2015 at 9:36 pm #

I sign the letter
Zoe Scrimshire March 18, 2015 at 9:39 pm #

Zoe Scrimshire
carly kane March 18, 2015 at 10:25 pm #

I sign this. As a student social worker at the beginning of my career it saddens me our government thinks this is the way forward. If anything itll create more degensive practice and will potentially place those vulnerable at more risk. Narrow minded.
Rachel Waters March 18, 2015 at 10:32 pm #

I sign this open letter
Yvonne hands March 18, 2015 at 10:56 pm #

I sign the open letter
Sue Holliday March 18, 2015 at 10:57 pm #

I sign this open letter
Yvonne hands March 18, 2015 at 10:58 pm #

I am in full support of this letter
Laura Mccormack March 18, 2015 at 11:16 pm #

I’ve signed!
Laura Mccormack March 18, 2015 at 11:16 pm #

I’ve signed
Ruth Welch March 19, 2015 at 12:10 am #

I sign against David Camerons recommendation
Graham Hennis March 19, 2015 at 6:19 am #

This sort of thing gives the employer free reign to accuse even more Social Workers of doing wrong and have a “get out of jail card” (sic) to cover up their own failings and mismanagement.

I sign the open letter
Julia Abadi March 19, 2015 at 6:29 am #

Mr Cameron I sign this open letter, thinking; why don’t politicians face the same sanction following the death of disabled people and those with mental health issues, who have committed suicide due to their benefits/resources having been cut?
David Crump March 19, 2015 at 6:41 am #

What a fool
Sue Butterworth March 19, 2015 at 7:00 am #

Sue Butterworth
Dawn Whitaker March 19, 2015 at 7:34 am #

I sign this open letter, and expect a considered response.
Bernadette Edwards March 19, 2015 at 8:18 am #

Signed.
R Nelson March 19, 2015 at 9:44 am #

Social worker need the full support of government not threats too jail and demean them.
Sue Bineham March 19, 2015 at 9:51 am #

I sign this petition and urge DC to rethink his ideas and move away from using the stick and offer the carrot instead. We need more social workers and this potential threat will not promote the profession as a good career choice,
Eileen Fursland March 19, 2015 at 10:28 am #

I sign this open letter.
Louise Whalley March 19, 2015 at 10:30 am #

I sign this open letter. Louise Whalley
Louise Whalley March 19, 2015 at 10:37 am #

I sign this open letter. Louise Whalley.
Richard Andrews March 19, 2015 at 10:45 am #

I sign this open letter
J Phillips March 19, 2015 at 10:51 am #

I am signing for all of the reasons cited
jacqueline Burden March 19, 2015 at 11:10 am #

I fully support this letter and wish to add my signature. thanks
Amy Finney March 19, 2015 at 11:21 am #

I sign this.
Emily Hextall March 19, 2015 at 11:40 am #

I endorse this letter.
catherine seddon March 19, 2015 at 11:51 am #

I support & sign this open letter.
Sue Anderson March 19, 2015 at 12:41 pm #

I sign this letter.
martin pankhurst March 19, 2015 at 12:44 pm #

i support this open letter
Lindsay Young March 19, 2015 at 1:08 pm #

I support this letter.
Claire Freestone March 19, 2015 at 1:14 pm #

I support this letter.
helen gormley March 19, 2015 at 2:28 pm #

Helen Gormley,
I sign the letter.
Amy Callaghan March 19, 2015 at 2:36 pm #

I support this letter.
Sabrina Napthine March 19, 2015 at 2:38 pm #

I agree and support this letter
Tara March 19, 2015 at 2:42 pm #

Agree, signed
Tara
JC March 19, 2015 at 2:44 pm #

I sign this letter.
Adrian Rutledge March 19, 2015 at 2:51 pm #

Adrian Rutledge

I also support the letter.
Dean Marsh March 19, 2015 at 2:53 pm #

I sign and support this open letter
Samuel Okwei-Nortey March 19, 2015 at 3:17 pm #

I am against David Cameron’s plan of punishment rather than improving resources
Alison Hollard March 19, 2015 at 3:18 pm #

I sign the open letter.
- Alison Hollard March 19, 2015 at 3:22 pm #
  
  I sign and support the open letter.
Samuel Okwei-Nortey March 19, 2015 at 3:20 pm #

Pls correct typo(punishment)
Louise March 19, 2015 at 3:25 pm #

I sign this letter with heavy heart that the social work profession has been driven to this action
Maggie Danesfahani March 19, 2015 at 3:32 pm #

I sign and support the open letter
Christina Fowden March 19, 2015 at 3:33 pm #

I sign and support this open letter
y totsuka March 19, 2015 at 3:47 pm #

I sign and support this open letter.
Karen Worthington March 19, 2015 at 3:49 pm #

‘I sign the open letter to #StandUp4SW’
Andrew Hay March 19, 2015 at 3:58 pm #

I sign this open letter
Liz Pugsley March 19, 2015 at 4:27 pm #

I sign the open letter
Anne Silber March 19, 2015 at 4:44 pm #

I sign this open letter
Tina Bates March 19, 2015 at 5:10 pm #

I, Tina Bates, hereby sign my agreement to this open letter.
Francis Akyirem March 19, 2015 at 5:31 pm #

I sign the letter
David Rudd March 19, 2015 at 5:34 pm #

I’m a retired Child Protection Social Worker who worked up to 10/12 hrs per day including Sunday’s to ensure that children on my caseload were safe and protected. In today’s cutbacks and David Cameron’s intention to jail failing social workers I willingly sign the open letter
Katie Tilley March 19, 2015 at 5:46 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Danielle Diver March 19, 2015 at 5:57 pm #

I sign
Wendy Wyatt-Thomas March 19, 2015 at 6:03 pm #

I sign this open letter
Gillian jones March 19, 2015 at 6:16 pm #

I have signed the letter.
Julie Watterson March 19, 2015 at 6:40 pm #

Julie Watterson
I have signed the letter.
Jo Hiscocks March 19, 2015 at 7:11 pm #

Signed
Jayne Paterson March 19, 2015 at 7:19 pm #

I sign this open letter
Roselyn Thompson March 19, 2015 at 7:20 pm #

I will sign this open letter
Natasha Smith March 19, 2015 at 7:26 pm #

Signed
jane wiltshire March 19, 2015 at 7:30 pm #

Signed. Couldn’t agree more
Janine Willetts March 19, 2015 at 7:56 pm #

I sign.
Lyn Allen March 19, 2015 at 8:07 pm #

I sign this open letter
Ruth Jackson March 19, 2015 at 8:20 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Rob Cooper March 19, 2015 at 8:24 pm #

I sign and endorse this letter

Rob Cooper
Kelly Berglund March 19, 2015 at 8:24 pm #

I sign this open letter
R Pateman March 19, 2015 at 8:32 pm #

I sign this open letter
Odette Harrison March 19, 2015 at 8:37 pm #

I sign this open letter.

Could it also be sent to Isabelle Trowler, who appears to have forgotten that she is my profession’s advocate representative? I do not expect to agree with everything she has to say but I do expect her to stand up for Social Work and not appear to be looking out for her own rewards/ambitions.
Beverley Dickson March 19, 2015 at 8:38 pm #

I sign this open letter
Helen Cook March 19, 2015 at 8:41 pm #

We need more support, more training, better supervision, real investment, and obviously more knowledge and understanding from those in positions of power who should know better – not threats
Julie power March 19, 2015 at 8:52 pm #

I sign the open letter #Standupforsocialwork
Zara O'Donnell March 19, 2015 at 8:53 pm #

I sign the open letter
Helena Polson March 19, 2015 at 9:00 pm #

Signed in full support.
Chris webb March 19, 2015 at 9:01 pm #

I support this letter and I am disappointed in this governments victimisation and systematic destruction of people and their private lives
Alison Holden March 19, 2015 at 9:09 pm #

I sign this letter on behalf of myself and my beleaguered colleagues who, it seems are being penalised and put under unnaceptable strain for trying their best. Enough, now, Mr Cameron, unless you are prepared to make yourself as accountable as you wish me to be.
Isobel Cherrington March 19, 2015 at 9:28 pm #

I sign. I’m a retired social worker/manager with 34 years experience and current pressures and demands on colleagues is unbelievable without this kind of threat being made
Manuela Campbell March 19, 2015 at 9:32 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Sheila Keith March 19, 2015 at 9:44 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Monica Burke March 19, 2015 at 9:47 pm #

signed
Sally Seaman March 19, 2015 at 9:55 pm #

I absolutely sign this open letter. As a third year social work student I have just completed my final year placement and cannot wait to get out into practice. I am perfectly aware of the working conditions: long hours impeding on family time, high case loads, lack of resources, funding cuts, media scapegoating and so on, but still, I am willing to go and support vulnerable families and safeguard children at risk. Now David Cameron wants to add the threat of a prison sentence. I have four of my own children to consider and sadly this may prove one risk too far. David Cameron should be ashamed for even considering this idea, let alone actually saying it!
Wendy Parker March 19, 2015 at 9:57 pm #

I sign this open letter
Vivien Freeman March 19, 2015 at 10:05 pm #

With the threat of yet greater cuts to the welfare budget there will inevitably be more stress on families and yet more children in need of the support of social workers. Would you enter a profession which threatens to jail you???
Welfare budgets need to be increased. The budget is a disgrace in pandering to the likes of me,a retired worker with no mortgage a reasonable pension and savings.
Sue Finch March 19, 2015 at 10:06 pm #

I sign the open letter
H McFarlane March 19, 2015 at 10:34 pm #

I sign this open letter
Louise moon March 19, 2015 at 10:37 pm #

I sign this open letter
Sam March 19, 2015 at 10:40 pm #

I sign up to this open letter. Is this the benefit of having a Chief Social Worker? The worst attack in recent times on Social Workers?
Lucy Davis March 19, 2015 at 11:06 pm #

I sign this open letter,
Lucy Davis
Debbie Lewis March 20, 2015 at 12:09 am #

I will gladly sign the petition against the ridiculous idea of jailing social workers. I would also like to echo what others have said about lack of resources and the difficult job that child protection SWs do. They do their very best under the circumstances and I bet nobody else walking a day in their shoes would do anything differently but of course when things go wrong they are the first and frequently the only ones to bear the brunt of media and public attack and outrage, which politicians jump on the bandwagon of in the hope of gaining public support. When will people realise that social workers do not work in isolation, they are not the only decision makers and rely on other experts to make recommendations to inform decision making!
Phil Davis March 20, 2015 at 5:07 am #

I sign this open letter
Bernadette Burns March 20, 2015 at 5:57 am #

I sign this open letter.
Imprisonment and the legalities involved is costly, the government would do better to invest in more social workers to lower case loads and lesson the pressure on social workers, allowing more time to do their work
Samantha Barron March 20, 2015 at 6:41 am #

I agree and sign this petition.
Chris Laycock March 20, 2015 at 7:24 am #

Just another attempt to bash the ‘Social Worker’ just to make him appear tough for the electorate. Every social worker in the country needs to get their name on this petition as its an outrageous decision on his part.
Chris Laycock March 20, 2015 at 7:27 am #

I fully support this petition.
Bernadette Hawkes March 20, 2015 at 7:39 am #

David Cameron and his cronies have no understand about social work. The general public are mostly looking for someone to blame when things go wrong.
Charlotte Marsh March 20, 2015 at 8:24 am #

I sign this open letter
Chris Wainwright March 20, 2015 at 8:40 am #

I would like to support this open letter and therefore will add my signature.
Tracey March 20, 2015 at 8:47 am #

Please add my signature to this petition. An absolute insult to all social workers working hard to support and protect vulnerable people.
Claire Sherman March 20, 2015 at 8:58 am #

I sign the open letter as I am applying to study a social work MA in September, and this frightens me.
William Uglow March 20, 2015 at 9:17 am #

I sign this open letter
Wendy Clayton March 20, 2015 at 9:17 am #

I happily sign the petition.
Dani Powis March 20, 2015 at 9:20 am #

i sign the open letter
Ingrid Jones March 20, 2015 at 9:42 am #

I am against the criminalizing of social workers for what in many cases is the inability by local authorities to support them effectively with human resources; material resources; training; supervision and effective integrated and joint working amongst other statutory agencies who fail to work alongside and with these extremely hard working social workers. If Mr Cameron actually understood the skills and the actual type of work that social workers do he would not be suggesting such a move. Social work cannot be undertaken in a linear or tick box manner. It takes time to build relationships and to gain the trust of children and families and it cannot be measured by how many documents or pieces of paper that are completed on time. Social work is about face to face work and interaction between the social worker and others. If this step is taken then it has to be related to other professionals who also fail to report and work on the protection of every child.
Karen Clarke March 20, 2015 at 9:48 am #

I sign this open letter to David Cameron
Christina Morrell March 20, 2015 at 9:53 am #

I sign this open letter.
Karen Walker March 20, 2015 at 9:53 am #

I sign this open letter
Colin Bowker March 20, 2015 at 10:28 am #

I sign this letter.
Nicola Sarsfield March 20, 2015 at 11:02 am #

I sign this open letter to David Cameron.
Anne Finlay March 20, 2015 at 11:42 am #

I sign this open letter
Glenda Grimstead March 20, 2015 at 12:15 pm #

I do this job as I care about children. The years spent protecting my own children from threats from families, physical attacks avoided, children pulled out of situations no adult could cope with and seeing them go on to have happy succesful lives away from their abusive families are never shown but occassionally when a child is killed or hurt usually by their main care givers the social worker should have had “second sight” and is pilloried. It’s a good thing the police aren’t placed in the same situation in relation to crime or we wouldn’t have a police force. Yet the person in charge of this country feels we are wilfully not doing our job and as a consequence should be put in gaol for a longer period than many perpetrators receive. Thanks for the support!
Rose Westall March 20, 2015 at 12:35 pm #

I sign this open letter. Rose Westall
Chris Hill March 20, 2015 at 12:40 pm #

Dear Mr Cameron,

I would like to voice my support for this open letter, on behalf of social workers in England, to urge you to abandon your plans to extend the criminal charge of wilful neglect to children’s social workers. It seems very easy for you to pass judgement from your position, but please ask yourself how doing this will in any way help protect the vulnerable in our communities.
Samantha Bryant March 20, 2015 at 1:25 pm #

I sign this letter.
I feel disgusted by the government’s attempts to criminalise Social Workers, when the government have contributed to the current state of services through their drastic cuts and their role in creating unworkable conditions. Where is your own accountability?
I am a joint Social Work and Mental Health Nurse. The Francis Report highlighted institutional failings which seemed to have been glossed over, with a similar attempt to focus blame solely on front line workers. SHAME ON YOU!

I fully support this open letter and gladly sign it.
carly djoric March 20, 2015 at 3:04 pm #

i sign this letter
Jenna RIddell March 20, 2015 at 3:16 pm #

I sign this open letter.

I’m starting my Social Work Degree in September and thankfully this proposal hasn’t put me off, although it could have that affect on others. There’s a shortage of Social Workers in the UK so why deter people from going into this profession by extending the charge we will face?!
Joe Padfield March 20, 2015 at 4:14 pm #

I sign this letter
Laura Thompson March 20, 2015 at 4:54 pm #

I signed
- Margaret Burt March 20, 2015 at 9:24 pm #
  
  I am pleased to have the opportunity to sign this letter to register my dissent from proposals.
Jan Mackenzie March 20, 2015 at 6:35 pm #

I fully support this open letter and gladly sign it. Social Workers work well over their weekly hours unpaid. Protecting children is a stressful job – ever increasing case loads, trying to cover vacancies in teams, with the reducing services to support children and their families, Children who need to be ‘looked after’ can be placed all over the country away from their families and communities. All these result in social workers ending up doing their paperwork in the evenings and forever looking over their shoulder in case they have missed something for the child.
This is an unbelievable appalling proposal which will strike at the hearts of hard working committed social workers!
Elaine Calvert March 20, 2015 at 6:37 pm #

i signed this letter
Julie Blakey March 20, 2015 at 6:38 pm #

I am in full support and sign this open letter.
Angela Kime March 20, 2015 at 7:16 pm #

Social justice for social workers!

Signed A.kime
Caroline March 20, 2015 at 8:12 pm #

I sign this letter.

This move is yet further evidence of how little David Cameron understands, and wants to understand, the most vulnerable people in our society and those who work them. He is too quick to react and perhaps needs to consider more proactive, preventative measures instead of trying to criminalise the people who are trying to make a difference.
Michelle Brady March 20, 2015 at 8:45 pm #

I sign this open letter.

Michelle Brady
Hayley McClean March 20, 2015 at 9:38 pm #

I am a qualified social worker and work as a social care complaints investigator. The responsibility for any failings within Children’s Services, lies within the service as a whole and not with individual workers. I also wish to point out that the safeguarding of children is a multi-agency responsibility under the Working Together guidelines. Therefore convicting social workers of ‘willful neglect’ is misleading and does not recognise that if a child is failed, this is usually as a result of combination of factors across agencies.
I support and sign this open letter.
Ruth Bolton March 20, 2015 at 10:21 pm #

I sign this letter
Bobbie Scott March 20, 2015 at 11:30 pm #

I sign this letter.
Sally Williams March 21, 2015 at 7:55 am #

i signed
Sheridan Coker March 21, 2015 at 8:49 am #

Signed
Elizabeth Gore March 21, 2015 at 9:23 am #

I gladly sign this open letter. Social workers are not appreciated.. Elizabeth Gore.
Elizabeth Gore March 21, 2015 at 9:27 am #

I gladly sign this letter, social workers are not appreciated Elizabeth Gore.
Lyndsey Radcliffe March 21, 2015 at 10:06 am #

I sign this petition
Rosie March 21, 2015 at 10:59 am #

I sign this open letter
Julie Kidd March 21, 2015 at 11:07 am #

I sign this open letter in the hope that one day we will be respected in our profession rather than be vilified by the media and those in the public that believe what is reported.
Kath Thomas March 21, 2015 at 1:18 pm #

Dear Mr Cameron,

I would like to voice my support for this open letter, on behalf of social workers in England, to urge you to abandon your plans to extend the criminal charge of wilful neglect to children’s social workers. It seems very easy for you to pass judgement from your position, but please ask yourself how doing this will in any way help protect the vulnerable in our communities.
Debbie March 21, 2015 at 5:28 pm #

I have signed the petition
Vicky March 21, 2015 at 5:38 pm #

I sign this letter.
The Government are driving forward in any way that they can their proposals to cut the amount of social workers coming through education and continue to believe they can fast track social workers or “step up” social workers who are more robust and able to manage the emotional demands of the job. HOW WRONG YOU ARE MR CAMERON. Throwing money at Local Government to adopt the Step up to Social Work programme with the thought that a masters will make them more robust is short sighted, demonstrates you have little idea of what is actually happening on the ground and shows your naivety in thinking that a piece of paper with Master on it will suffice (and boy what an incentive to adopt this approach when you have cut their budgets to the bone). I have left front line practice as a manager as I watched with horror the rising case loads, workers crying at their desks, taking work home on a nightly basis and limited higher management support. How can anyone even with a Masters manage the demands of 35+ cases.
Mari Booker March 21, 2015 at 5:50 pm #

I sign this letter.
Alison Altoft March 21, 2015 at 6:51 pm #

Signed
Hannah Matthew March 21, 2015 at 9:30 pm #

I sign this letter.
Louise Mellors March 21, 2015 at 9:39 pm #

Signed
Joanne roberts March 21, 2015 at 11:04 pm #

I sign this letter
Harold Hotchkiss March 21, 2015 at 11:43 pm #

This government vilifies everyone who works in the public sector and will not rest until everything is privatised. Then of course they reap the financial rewards and there is no accountability, when these companies fail like G4S they are rewarded by further lucrative contracts.. Lets face it the present government know the cost of everything and the value of nothing.
Sophy March 22, 2015 at 12:56 am #

i sign this letter
Tanya Dodsworth March 22, 2015 at 3:52 pm #

I sign this open letter. This is a knee jerk response that yet again does not address the actual problem. The cuts made to public services by this government has probably caused more harm but politicians aren’t being imprisoned.
Lynda Newman March 22, 2015 at 3:54 pm #

Government wake up to the world of social work. The job is driven by a passion to protect the vulnerable.
Helen O'Sullivan March 22, 2015 at 4:56 pm #

I sign this open letter
Andrea Pickering March 22, 2015 at 5:13 pm #

Thanks for the support Community Care, it’s a shame our unions aren’t doing as much and our senior managers for that matter!
Heather Heeley March 22, 2015 at 5:13 pm #

I am fully in support of the letter.

Signed
Laura Blythe March 22, 2015 at 7:09 pm #

I sign the open letter.
Laura Blythe.
Jackie Morgan March 22, 2015 at 7:23 pm #

I sign and support this letter
Rebecca Sexton March 22, 2015 at 7:43 pm #

I sign this letter.
Michelle mckillop March 22, 2015 at 8:07 pm #

I sign this letter.
Michelle mckillop March 22, 2015 at 8:10 pm #

i sign this letter
Laura Beech March 22, 2015 at 8:22 pm #

I sign
Shirley Sadri March 22, 2015 at 8:58 pm #

I want government ministers to spend a day with a social worker at the front line or even a week to see what we do and the pressures we are under to keep children and young people safe with the reduction in resources available to us. Then they would think again about their policies and cut backs and how it affects disadvantaged families.
Jon Brown March 22, 2015 at 10:23 pm #

I sign this letter. Jon Brown
Andrea Horsley March 22, 2015 at 10:46 pm #

Signed
Amena Begum March 22, 2015 at 11:44 pm #

Amena Begum. Shame on you. Support social workers instead of threatening them with prison. We didn’t get into this career thinking we wouldn’t do our best for all vulnerable children.
lynda March 23, 2015 at 12:00 am #

I sign this letter because we should not punish the people who have the very difficult job of sometimes working with people who do not always appreciate their efforts, get terrible abuse and told that they’re not wanted. They still try to do their best for the children in the hope that they will make a difference There some wonderful people out there who just truly care, who are not on a career ladder, (there are a few). So give them a brake. Better communication between agencies would be a start.
Debra Milburn March 23, 2015 at 6:46 am #

I sign the open letter
nina ridsdale March 23, 2015 at 7:28 am #

I sign this letter
Rebecca Read March 23, 2015 at 7:44 am #

I sign this open letter.
Sinead Sharkey March 23, 2015 at 7:45 am #

I’m signing in support of all those people doing a tough enough job
Kate Gascoine March 23, 2015 at 7:49 am #

Sadly I am leaving the profession. Enough is Enough.
It is already an expectation that the service runs on the good will of the social workers who use their own cars, internet, and work many many late night hours at home to meet the timescales of the paperwork. Paperwork that cannot be achieved when social workers understand the importance of and choose to spend valuable working hours WITH THE CHILDREN they work with.
Karen D'Gama March 23, 2015 at 7:54 am #

Karen D’Gama
Ann Dobson March 23, 2015 at 9:06 am #

I am signing this open letter
Ann Dobson March 23, 2015 at 9:07 am #

I am signing this open letter.
Tracey Bell March 23, 2015 at 9:44 am #

I gladly sign this letter.
Bill Stone March 23, 2015 at 10:54 am #

I am happy to sign this open letter. Social workers are not to blame.
Charlotte Johnson March 23, 2015 at 11:21 am #

I sign and support this open letter
Joanna Dick March 23, 2015 at 12:20 pm #

I sign this open letter.
And agree whole heartedly with the sentiments and concerns raised. Please acknowledge and recognise the above Mr Cameron.
Samantha Morgans March 23, 2015 at 12:21 pm #

I fully support this letter !
Samantha Morgans March 23, 2015 at 12:34 pm #

I fully support this letter !

Mr Cameron, instead of putting the fear of god into social workers and and social work students turn this around by putting the fear of god into the perpetrators that these hard working individuals fight against daily in keeping our children safe from harm.

I would like to see you try your hand at this stressful, poorly resourced and under-appreciated profession and see how you would feel when the added burden of a jail sentence is thrown on top of all that.

You wouldn’t last a day and you would soon be signing this letter just like we are to stop the ludicrous intentions of the threat of jail from the stereotypical white collar, highly paid pen pushers that you and your cabinets members are.
Joanne Poole March 23, 2015 at 12:59 pm #

I wholeheartedly support the open letter. Social workers have been convenient scapegoats for far too long, we are quite rightly outraged at this injustice, piled upon injustice against our hard-working, under-resourced, under rewarded and hugely skilled profession. I hope this letter is merely the beginning of social workers standing up and refusing to be treated so appallingly.
Alison Williams March 23, 2015 at 1:04 pm #

I sign the letter
Terence Parr March 23, 2015 at 1:32 pm #

Totally supportthis letter.
Wendy Jennings March 23, 2015 at 1:36 pm #

I support this open letter, this is not the way to encourage new workers and certainly not the answer to an already over steretched service.
Patricia Hiley March 23, 2015 at 2:41 pm #

I sign this letter.
Claire Davison March 23, 2015 at 2:59 pm #

I sign and support the above open letter. Social Workers are often blamed for failings in the service when they can only do so much with the resources available to them. Instead of pointing the finger of blame there should be consideration given to what is realistically expected from an already overstretched and often undervalued service. Without support from our Government this essential service is destined to see an increase in failings instead of a decrease. The threat of a prison sentence is likely to reduce the number of people willing to put their neck on the line for the children who so desperately rely on them doing so.

Mr Cameron – Please reconsider this plan to prosecute those who are doing their best day in and day out. They turn up every day to put the needs of others before their own with little thanks or reward other than the knowledge that they are helping someone who really needs it. If you want to truly help our most vulnerable children it is your duty to use your position of power to support the valuable Social Workers who strive tirelessly to protect them. Do not make it so easy to point the finger of blame at the people who are trying their hardest to make things better for our vulnerable children.
Jane Stubberfield March 23, 2015 at 3:45 pm #

I sign this open letter
Vilde Aagenaes March 23, 2015 at 3:56 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Sandra Walker March 23, 2015 at 4:22 pm #

I sign this letter
Victoria Hughes March 23, 2015 at 4:39 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Joyce Carter March 23, 2015 at 4:54 pm #

I sign this open letter to defend Social Workers in all specialties; my own daughter is a Senior Social Worker and has been helping abused children and their families for many years. SHE is often at risk entering clients homes who are, occasionally, violent and often has to transport clients in her own car many miles to visit their children who may be in care. I worry that one day my daughter will suffer harm from one of these clients, she already has to take so much abusive behaviour in her daily working life. Social Workers need praise and encouragement not threats from our Prime Minister’s government. Shame on you Mr Cameron, I’ll never vote for you again.
Anahita West March 23, 2015 at 6:17 pm #

signed
Louise whiting March 23, 2015 at 6:56 pm #

i agree and sign this open letter
Pauline March 23, 2015 at 7:08 pm #

I sign and fully support the open letter. Social services need more staff and smaller workloads. I can’t see any MP having to work a 72 hour week to earn a 37 hour week wage!
Melanie Thomas March 23, 2015 at 7:27 pm #

I sign this open letter
Lorraine Wilkinson March 23, 2015 at 8:19 pm #

This demonstrates a complete lack of insight or knowledge into the real daily challenges and issues for social work. Good point made by Polly that perpetrators are rarely charged even for known repetitive abuse and neglect Cameron needs to focus on them not the exhausted social workers working hard every day!!!
Katie Burrell March 23, 2015 at 8:38 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Wendy Payne March 23, 2015 at 8:45 pm #

I sign this open letter. For the life of me I can’t understand how threatening to put social workers in prison will help anyone. These people are often damned if they do and damned if they don’t. They are caring, hardworking people who work under immense stresses and are frequently threatened by their clients. They work hard in a very poorly paid job trying to make the lives of others better. If they commit a criminal offence they can already be imprisoned just like anyone else – why do you need to add further threats. My daughter-in-law is a new social worker and when I hear what she has to deal with I can’t understand why anyone would want to do the job and not many do. This move will do nothing to improve the numbers applying. She’s often frightened by clients, doesn’t get the supervision she deserves and is always working with too few staff. Perhaps we should be considering criminalising the powers-that-be when they don’t provide the necessary funding to enable these services to run effectively.
Donna Aspinall March 23, 2015 at 8:51 pm #

I sign this open letter. Social Workers can only do so much with the resources they have. Jail should be for the criminals, not professionals who are trying to help.
Grace Clark March 23, 2015 at 9:11 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Lisa McKenna March 23, 2015 at 10:58 pm #

i sign this open letter – the importance of investing in the key areas noted in this letter would make the difference please take note. Lessen case loads more supervision more time to think & reflect!
Victoria Mansfield March 23, 2015 at 11:14 pm #

I sign this open letter.
elaine mcgroarty March 24, 2015 at 12:34 am #

I sign the open letter!

DAVID CAMERON…you should be the one prosecuted for wilful neglect children ! YOU cut the budgets and subsequently the numbers of social workers ! YOU place children at risk daily by YOUR actions and YOUR narrow mind.
Dean wood March 24, 2015 at 6:42 am #

I signed and support this open letter
P sykes March 24, 2015 at 7:28 am #

Signed
C. Birkhamshaw March 24, 2015 at 10:17 am #

Over 40 years in social work, including senior management positions, my main concern is that this proposed move will undermine the social work profession and so provide a poorer service to children and their families. Highly unlikely that any social workers will actually be jailed, but this measure would protect fewer children and put more at risk through the indirect effects. If politicians were imprisoned or sacked for making mistakes, we probably wouldn’t have any left.
Angela Simpson March 24, 2015 at 10:22 am #

I sign this letter
Angela Simpson March 24, 2015 at 10:23 am #

I sign this open letter.
May Thompson March 24, 2015 at 10:32 am #

I sign this open letter
Caroline Dennett March 24, 2015 at 10:33 am #

I sign this letter.
Caroline Price March 24, 2015 at 10:51 am #

I sign this letter
Amy Kierans March 24, 2015 at 11:03 am #

I sign this letter.
Maxine Weber March 24, 2015 at 11:06 am #

I sign this open letter.
Janine Cooper March 24, 2015 at 11:06 am #

I sign this letter
Adam Auty March 24, 2015 at 11:07 am #

Adam Auty.
john langley March 24, 2015 at 11:13 am #

I am a Masters Degree social work student on final placement, graduating this year. I hereby sign the letter. I want to be a social worker not a risk assessing administrator filling in forms to stave off possible legal proceedings (and now possible jail time!!) staring at a computer all day.
sharon mcgonagle March 24, 2015 at 11:25 am #

signed
Lindsay moulding March 24, 2015 at 11:30 am #

I Sign this open letter to David Cameron
Dominic Thierry March 24, 2015 at 11:30 am #

I also sign this open letter in my capacity as a lecturer in Care and a former professional in the investigation of child abuse, Dominic Thierry
Dominic Thierry March 24, 2015 at 11:31 am #

I also sign this open letter in my capacity as a lecturer in Care and a former professional in the investigation of child abuse, Dominic Thierry
- Angela Quarm March 24, 2015 at 3:45 pm #
  
  I sign the open letter to make Mr Cameron understand that social workers are not the enemy. We are in this work to keep children safe at home and to reduce the risk to children and young people. We cannot eliminate risk and cannot see into the future. His statement is both damaging to the social work profession and adds to the negative view to the social work profession.
Julie Gray March 24, 2015 at 11:35 am #

Julie Gray I sign this letter and fully support its contents, myself having been a front line children’s social worker for over 30 years.
Albert Boyd March 24, 2015 at 11:38 am #

35 years in social work, senior manager and defender of workers sanity. What madness is this David Cameron? The least insightful, most ill-conceived and most damaging proposal for a profession a politician has ever considered. Wake up and fund the services properly, Stop playing politics with children’s lives!
Joanne McGrath March 24, 2015 at 11:48 am #

I would like to sign this open letter to the Prime Minister so that he can hear our voice on this. When is society going to recognise or even celebrate the good that social work does every day?

Threatening people with jail for making potential mistakes is scape goating, bullying and is a ricoche response to perceived public demands and media hype.

I hope Mr Cameron has read the letter sent to him by Polly Baynes, social worker, who speaks profound sense.
Michael Mellors March 24, 2015 at 12:01 pm #

I sign the open letter
Gavin Jinks March 24, 2015 at 12:14 pm #

I sign this letter
Priscilla March 24, 2015 at 12:34 pm #

I sign this
L Wilson March 24, 2015 at 12:49 pm #

Criminalising people who are doing their best to try and protect children is not the way forward
Allen Orepo March 24, 2015 at 1:07 pm #

I signed this letter
Allen Femi Orepo March 24, 2015 at 1:08 pm #

I sign this letter
Evonney Martindale March 24, 2015 at 1:12 pm #

I sign the open letter. I condemn Mr Cameron’s bullying and intimidating approach towards committed frontline Social Work professionals, who already operate under very stressful conditions.
Andrew Howlett March 24, 2015 at 1:13 pm #

I sign
Vicky Coleman March 24, 2015 at 1:17 pm #

I sign this letter.
Nicola Mitchell March 24, 2015 at 3:01 pm #

I agree with the contents of this letter and sign.
Debbie Seeds March 24, 2015 at 4:59 pm #

I fully support the content of this letter and sign.
Pat Gale March 24, 2015 at 5:04 pm #

I think the points made in the letter well reflect the sentiments of those who go into the profession. We continue to need high quality workers, suitably rewarded by recognition not just money, and well supervised with case loads that enable workers to carry out their protection/support role. Why are energies not being directed into enabling the results of enquiries to improve service, rather than threats. This will be counter productive.
Gillie Christou March 24, 2015 at 5:31 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Beverly Hanshaw March 24, 2015 at 5:40 pm #

I support your letter and oppose the proposals
Mihaela Paun March 24, 2015 at 7:08 pm #

I sign this letter.
Nicola morse March 24, 2015 at 7:15 pm #

I have signed this open letter , come do the job yourself if you think you could do it better . Can we swap places for a week?
Ross McCleary March 24, 2015 at 7:21 pm #

I gladly sign this open letter.May all politicians and governments move from a culture of blame and jail, to an understanding of the compassionate motivation that is ingrained in social work professionals who manage “risk” at all levels…..Sharon Shoesmith for Prime Minister!….. would get my vote every time.
Reni Landor March 24, 2015 at 7:22 pm #

I sign this open letter
Julie Woodcock March 24, 2015 at 7:47 pm #

I sign the open letter.
Gill Grantham March 24, 2015 at 7:54 pm #

I sign this letter.
Carol Addison March 24, 2015 at 8:06 pm #

I support this letter. I am dismayed by the lack of understanding and support shown to front line social workers by this government. The job is challenging enough without the threat of imprisonment ! How ridiculous and insulting.
Amanda March 24, 2015 at 8:24 pm #

I sign and fully support this open letter. Sometimes I feel real despair at the lack of understanding of what Social Workers do and how decisions are made in both adults and children & families services. All safeguarding is a multi professional process who all have a duty of care.
Nafisa Aslam March 24, 2015 at 8:40 pm #

I have signed
Michelle March 24, 2015 at 8:42 pm #

I sign this open letter in support of friends and colleagues who work in social care. Society needs to recognise it’s not social workers at fault its the people who commit crimes against children who are at fault. Social workers deal with so much daily that many have had enough and are leaving as soon as possible. Support our services David Cameron instead of vilifying and destroying them!!!!
Alistair Bland March 24, 2015 at 8:44 pm #

I also sign and support this letter.
Chloe wicks March 24, 2015 at 8:48 pm #

I sign and support this letter
lesley hobman March 24, 2015 at 8:52 pm #

Signed
Sue Hardy-Dawson March 24, 2015 at 8:57 pm #

Words fail me, I agree with this letter and am signing it.
Sally Hook March 24, 2015 at 9:03 pm #

I sign this letter and deplore yet more vilification of my profession.
Laura Temple March 24, 2015 at 9:09 pm #

I sign this open letter.

Laura Temple
Janet Dixon March 24, 2015 at 9:10 pm #

I sign the open letter
Rachel Prudhoe March 24, 2015 at 9:19 pm #

I sign this letter .
Martine Lewis March 24, 2015 at 9:28 pm #

I support and sign this open letter
Clare March 24, 2015 at 9:30 pm #

Im signing as a newly qualified social worker having time off with my little girl I will be looking for work come September when she starts nursery & this is putting me off. If social workers didn’t have high case loads then these higher risk cases could be worked with more in depth. Let’s stop the change & stand up fe social workers.
Sarah filip March 24, 2015 at 9:34 pm #

I sign this open letter as my wholehearted agreement of its contents
kerry valentine March 24, 2015 at 10:02 pm #

I sign this open letter wholeheartedly. Social workers should be encouraged and supported in this demanding line of work, not imprisoned. Threat of jail will discourage even more people from this already jeopardized profession leaving vulnerable children without the help and support they need
Tim Addison March 24, 2015 at 10:03 pm #

Complete support for this. It’s not the first time Cameron has steamrollered on with his outrageous policies regarding a subject about which he hasn’t a clue. He should try living the lives of some of the people against whom he legislates.
Helen Goode March 24, 2015 at 10:22 pm #

I sign this letter.
Amy Smith March 24, 2015 at 11:23 pm #

I sign this petition
Tracy Pestana March 24, 2015 at 11:38 pm #

I sign this open letter which I fully support.

This Government proposal will not encourage people to join our profession. Social Workers are already known to be leaving the profession due to the emotional and professional demands made of them. We need to be reassured that our profession is appreciated, valued, and respected – not that we will be subjected to possible imprisonment when all we want to do is to encourage and generate well-being and safety for the children and adults we work with.
Tracy Pestana March 24, 2015 at 11:47 pm #

I sign this open letter and fully support it.

No one will be encouraged to join our profession, which is already struggling to retain it’s staff. Social Workers do not need to be threatened with the prospect of imprisonment – we need positive support – not a condemnation of our profession by a Government.

As Social Workers in an already stressful role, our anxieties do not need to be raised further.
Rachel March 25, 2015 at 12:10 am #

I sign the open letter to #StandUp4SW’.
Liam Rich March 25, 2015 at 12:21 am #

Signed by me, Liam Rich
Sara March 25, 2015 at 12:45 am #

I sign
Sally Payne March 25, 2015 at 1:20 am #

I, Sally Payne, fully agree and sign this open letter.
Rose Robertson March 25, 2015 at 3:48 am #

Social Workers work incredibly hard and are not recognised or supported enough, a policy to criminalise social workers will simply discourage potential new recruits.
Vicky Smith March 25, 2015 at 5:58 am #

I sign this in support of social workers who I have worked with for 30 years.
E smith March 25, 2015 at 6:07 am #

Agreed and signed
Vicky Smith March 25, 2015 at 6:16 am #

Social workers need support to do an almost impossible job. They do not deserve to be hounded and now imprisoned?
Cleo Magaya March 25, 2015 at 6:27 am #

I sign the letter and support everything said.
Claire Ellis March 25, 2015 at 7:00 am #

Feeling very undervalued and persecuted by a government who know fine well that the only way to reduce risks to children is to lower social workers caseloads. No social worker that comes into the profession wants to do a bad job and any incompetence is due to lack of support, training and having no available time to b able to further develop skills! Social workers work within a culture and system that makes it very difficult to fight against the exploitation of their employee rights e.g. Being Underpaid for the responsibilities of the job, working long hours which results in the loss of annual leave and toil, working under extreme stress and anxiety which leads to mental and physical health problems. This would not be accepted within any other work place or profession! I fully agree and sign this open letter.
Dora Jurca March 25, 2015 at 7:03 am #

I support and sign the letter.
Becky Reed March 25, 2015 at 7:08 am #

i sign the open letter
Hannah Nicholson March 25, 2015 at 7:14 am #

I support this letter
Jo Strong March 25, 2015 at 7:37 am #

I sign and support this open letter.
LYNDELOU March 25, 2015 at 7:58 am #

the role of the social worker has changed since i qualified. it is more about money, saving money, not spending money and leaving the vulnerable to the risks. thresholds have ben raised whilst funding has been reduced. the services which could intervene early have all gone with the financial cutbacks. social workers now need to be business managers, administrators, ticking boxes and meeting unrealistic timescales. i spend much of my day writing up the account of my caseload and less time actually doing the work with people. its become a business model whilst the social model is being crushed under all the weight of the beaurocracy. the governments threatsof imprisoning social workers is ludicrous and undermines the dedication that social workers give to the people they are working to protect.
sarah ball March 25, 2015 at 7:59 am #

I support this letter
Anne Gordon March 25, 2015 at 8:00 am #

SIGNED, Anne Gordon. As an unpaid carer I know too well how austerity measures affect the most vulnerable in society. I have severe health issues and it has taken eight months to get an agreement for funding so that my 27 year old son can get an assisted living placement. Now we wait for a place to become available in an overwhelmingly underfunded care sector! Why don’t we imprison those who clean their moat on expenses?
Katharine Jackson March 25, 2015 at 8:50 am #

Signed
chris thornton March 25, 2015 at 9:12 am #

I support this open letter
Zoe Jones March 25, 2015 at 9:40 am #

i sign and fully support this open letter
TraceyTaylor March 25, 2015 at 9:51 am #

I sign this letter
Carlita March 25, 2015 at 10:21 am #

I sign this open letter
Irene Tagg March 25, 2015 at 12:12 pm #

I also sign and fully support this open letter. I am astonished at this proposal
Julie March 25, 2015 at 1:05 pm #

i am outraged that this proposal has even been considered. I work for a local authority and work very closely with many Social Workers, who despite seriously high caseloads, strive to do the absolute best that they can to help children and adults in need. There are not enough Social Workers, and the ones we have work flat out to keep up. More Social Workers with a more manageable case load is the answer, not making a scapegoat of a profession who simply can’t cope. Social Workers are part of a multi agency network of professionals who all have responsibilities to ensure the safeguarding of vulnerable children and adults
L LUKER March 25, 2015 at 2:27 pm #

I sign this open letter
Lauren Butler-Howard March 25, 2015 at 2:57 pm #

I sign this open letter
Moira Dodson March 25, 2015 at 3:11 pm #

It all seem part of getting rid of social workers altogether as another cost cutting exercise. This government is bent on privatising not only Child Protection -despite the professional objections to so doing-but the other social work services too. Given the extraordinarily punitive publicity given to every so called failing of social workers without usually any appropriate context being given, particularly the local authority service cuts, it seems like a populist move to further demonise this profession. This government will quite happily encourage volunteers or employees of private companies without any social work background or qualification to take over such roles. One has only to look at Free Schools – some of which are free of qualified teachers, as an example which is generally cited by the current government as a success story. One wonders if G4S employees performing child protection ‘duties’ would be liable for the same penalties. It’s all very depressing.
Signed
Amy Morrison March 25, 2015 at 4:48 pm #

i sign this open letter
Amy Morrison
Janice Wilson March 25, 2015 at 5:34 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Jo Jopling March 25, 2015 at 6:12 pm #

i sign the open letter
Kieran Conway March 25, 2015 at 6:15 pm #

I sign this open letter
Anne Barker March 25, 2015 at 6:47 pm #

I wholeheartedly agree!
lesley parker March 25, 2015 at 7:16 pm #

I sign this open letter
Liz shotter March 25, 2015 at 8:10 pm #

I qualified 2 years ago as a social worker and I have struggled to find that elusive first role due to massive cut backs in the social care system, influx of private sector employees losing their roles due to reduced funding and reluctance of la’s to provide statutory placements and eroding social work entries for students. Despite all of this I was hopeful but nervous at the already massive responsibility of being a social worker, but honestly? I’m so intimidated due to these proposals and overall lack of support and training I doubt I will ever enter the profession. What a waste of energy and money those four years of further education cost me
- Gail Morrison March 25, 2015 at 8:59 pm #
  
  Signed. Shame on you Mr Cameron. Enough with the point scoring. Come and spend a week in a social work office and get a grasp of life in the real world.
Nicole Harris March 25, 2015 at 8:20 pm #

Signed

Nicole Harris
Gail Morrison March 25, 2015 at 8:51 pm #

Open letter signed…..shame on you Mr Cameron.

Come and spend a little time in a Social Work Office and get a grasp of life in the real world.
Gail Morrison March 25, 2015 at 8:54 pm #

Shame on you Mr Cameron. Come and spend some time in a social work office and grasp the workings of the real world.
Gail Morrison March 25, 2015 at 8:55 pm #

Signed in full support. Shame on you Mr Cameron.
Anna Barnes March 25, 2015 at 9:18 pm #

I fully endorse the content of this letter and sign my name to show my support.
Aimee Driscoll March 25, 2015 at 9:35 pm #

I sign and support this open letter
leah Hanson March 25, 2015 at 10:54 pm #

I sign the open letter and support its views in its entirety
Annapoorani Suppayya March 25, 2015 at 11:27 pm #

signed
Paula Clarke March 25, 2015 at 11:40 pm #

Paula Clarke
Janet McDonald March 26, 2015 at 1:51 am #

underpaid, under resourced, undermined and now under threat
Helena March 26, 2015 at 6:14 am #

I
Anna Shaw March 26, 2015 at 7:07 am #

I sign this open letter
Seanna March 26, 2015 at 7:57 am #

I sign this letter and urge for the focus from Politicians, and media, to shift from being punitive to being supportive of the work we do as Social Workers. Making our jobs harder and working under threat of jail will not improve the system but will result in recruitment being harder than it already is and the emotional abuse we experience on a daily basis will increase.
Susan Orlinski March 26, 2015 at 8:04 am #

I sign and fully support this letter.
Jenny Morgan March 26, 2015 at 8:31 am #

I sign this open letter as a social worker of 25 years standing. I also call upon Mr Cameron to pledge to improve funding for Mental health services as we struggle to mop up the distress and dispair which are consequences of abuse for many people.
Louise Deane March 26, 2015 at 8:48 am #

i sign the open letter
Frances Cribbes March 26, 2015 at 8:52 am #

Happy to sign this open letter.
TJHA1 March 26, 2015 at 9:06 am #

I sign the open letter as a social worker who works in adults services in support to my colleagues in childrens services
Sue Payne March 26, 2015 at 1:19 pm #

I am happy to sign the open letter as a social worker in children’s services.
Sue Payne March 26, 2015 at 1:19 pm #

I am happy to sign the open letter as a social worker in children’s services.
Alison Greenwood March 26, 2015 at 1:20 pm #

I am in support of this letter
wmidgley March 26, 2015 at 1:28 pm #

I sign this open letter
wmidgley March 26, 2015 at 1:29 pm #

I sign this open letter
wmidgley March 26, 2015 at 1:29 pm #

I sign this open letter
wmidgley March 26, 2015 at 1:29 pm #

I sign this open letter
Tilly Baker March 26, 2015 at 1:31 pm #

I will sign this open letter, and remind the PM that as a student the consensus in the academic year that I represent is that this is going to have a massive impact on student intake. We advise that the PM should concentrate on reducing the environmental stresses and harmful behavior that central government imposes upon practice i.e. ridiculous case loads, proceduralisation of human work and lack of resources.
Tilly Baker March 26, 2015 at 1:31 pm #

I will sign this open letter, and remind the PM that as a student the consensus in the academic year that I represent is that this is going to have a massive impact on student intake. We advise that the PM should concentrate on reducing the environmental stresses and harmful behavior that central government imposes upon practice i.e. ridiculous case loads, proceduralisation of human work and lack of resources.
Cherryl March 26, 2015 at 1:34 pm #

An utter disgrace! I also sign the open letter.
Jon Hancock March 26, 2015 at 1:42 pm #

I sign the open letter
SJ March 26, 2015 at 1:46 pm #

that’s right – jail us, Mr Cameron; but, let the bankers get away with the mess they created and let tony blair get away with war crimes he committed through pure greed. Your Big Society will surely be fixed with us jailed, lol!

that’s why I’m signing this letter
Alison blake March 26, 2015 at 1:46 pm #

I sign this open letter
Alison blake March 26, 2015 at 1:47 pm #

I sign this open letter
Alison blake March 26, 2015 at 1:52 pm #

I sign this open letter
Chris Mills March 26, 2015 at 1:53 pm #

I sign the open letter, as a former social worker and child protection manager and as some-one who has recently been involved in developing policy on safer practice. The priority should be making children safer by trying to reduce the likelihood of things going wrong. The vast majority of tragic outcomes are due to system failures and practice errors, not deliberate wrong-doing. So we need to focus on failures and errors. We only find out about the causes of weaknesses in systems and working practices if workers are prepared to report and discuss them. The Damacles sword of a prison sentence is the last thing we need if we hope to make it easier for people to talk about workplace errors and system failings. To my mind the PM’s proposal is most likely to result in less safe systems – because people are likely to be even more afraid to admit to error. The result will be more unsafe children. That’s a policy disaster in the making.
Chris Mills March 26, 2015 at 1:57 pm #

I sign the open letter, as a former social worker and child protection manager and as some-one who has recently been involved in developing policy on safer practice.
Carmel Robinson March 26, 2015 at 1:59 pm #

I sign the open letter. We should be encouraging people into our profession.
Carmel Robinson March 26, 2015 at 1:59 pm #

I sign the open letter. We should be encouraging people into our profession.
Noelle Barton March 26, 2015 at 2:02 pm #

I sign and fully support this letter.
mike reay March 26, 2015 at 2:23 pm #

I sign this open letter
and ask that police decision making in respect of such referrals to them, be subject to regular audit.
george storrow March 26, 2015 at 2:49 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Erin Johnston March 26, 2015 at 3:59 pm #

Erin Johnston
Lynne Hobbs March 26, 2015 at 5:58 pm #

I sign sign this open letter.
Lin Pearce March 26, 2015 at 6:07 pm #

I sign this open letter and fully support it, which is my democratic right to do so.
Mick Byrne March 26, 2015 at 6:38 pm #

I sign this open letter and would encourage each prospective MP to spend a day in a Social Work office – not touring the Corporate Head Office but local offices and listening to their constituents who are working hard to protect other constituents and / or their children.

It is a shabby pre-election stunt and as voters we should be asking ourselves which party best represents the values we hold dear.

And of course we should remember that Mr Cameron won’t able to follow through if he is sitting on the opposition bench from Friday 8th May.
Joshua Kehinde March 26, 2015 at 6:50 pm #

‘I sign the open letter to #StandUp4SW’.
Julie March 26, 2015 at 7:17 pm #

I sign the open letter too Julie masters
Claire Bevan March 26, 2015 at 7:32 pm #

I sign this open letter
Jenny Rowe March 26, 2015 at 7:36 pm #

I sign this open letter to support Social Workers who are being required to do more and more with less and less.
Phil Herridge March 26, 2015 at 7:39 pm #

I sign the letter
Natasha Czyzewska March 26, 2015 at 7:45 pm #

I sign
Clare Draper March 26, 2015 at 7:54 pm #

I sign this open letter and stand up for social work
Frances Hoggarth March 26, 2015 at 7:56 pm #

I fully support and sign this letter
Lisa Newbury March 26, 2015 at 8:33 pm #

i sign this open letter . As a social worker On the front line , I see the need to support this profession not vilify it .
Martin Ferris March 26, 2015 at 8:42 pm #

As a Social Worker/Practice Educator I fully support and sign this letter.
Stuart provan March 26, 2015 at 8:49 pm #

I totally support this letter and was horrified to hear the language used by David Cameron in relation to Social Workers. I work in child protection but not as a front line SW – how does he ever believe that people will be encouraged to be a part of this vital profession when our country’s Prime Minister can be so casual in the language that he uses in relation to the highly complex issue of protecting children. Review what you have said – reflect upon the impact of what you have said and take a more meaningful and thoughtful approach.
Rebecca Willshaw March 26, 2015 at 8:50 pm #

I sign this open letter
Caroline Going March 26, 2015 at 8:56 pm #

I sign this open letter to David Cameron and the government, we all need to stand up for my fellow Social Workers. The threat of prison is not the way forward to protect children. Manageable caseloads, quality supervision and training is what we need. Invest in Social Work, don’t punish us.
Diane Sewell-Blythe March 26, 2015 at 9:04 pm #

I wholeheartedly sign this open letter and challenge our inept government and many politicians guilty of defrauding the system to listen to the commensense view of those who understand the job, although sadly I fear they will not as vilifying social workers gains votes with the public with whom we are not popular. Diane Sewell-Blythe
Liz Ray March 26, 2015 at 9:29 pm #

Signed in full support.
Julia Clayton March 26, 2015 at 9:42 pm #

I support social workers- they do a very difficult job without proper investment in resources.
Lynne thomson March 26, 2015 at 9:55 pm #

i sign this open letter
Elaine Dickson March 27, 2015 at 12:00 am #

I am totally in agreement and sign this open letter.
Tina Barclay March 27, 2015 at 12:03 am #

I sign the open letter…disgusted with our government who suggests sending people to jail will do anything to assist the person’s colleagues and team…who on their already high caseload, will have to absorb their criminalised one as well. If I had a social worker, health visitor, guidance tutor involved with my or my childs life, I would want them to posess many qualities and skills, but having time, just time to listen, to process, to analyse and make decisions, to debreif, to be supervised, are as highly underated by outsiders as they are rated by those that require it to do their job effectively and safely.
Karen Lynch March 27, 2015 at 12:47 am #

I fully support your letter and find it unbelievable that the ‘government’ believe that this is the answer. It speaks volumes in the lack of understanding they clearly have. Would the police be imprisoned for not stopping a crime, would Drs and nurses be imprisoned for the community becoming unhealthy??? As a school nurse I work with social workers who are proffessional, hard working conscientious people. Cameron listen to the people of years of experience and knowledge. … And learn…. You cannot crimanise people for doing their job….
Rob Lynch March 27, 2015 at 1:16 am #

This is a ridiculous, ill thought out proposal. Support social workers by increasing available resources and reducing case loads, not by introducing more punitive measures that can only result in fear and fewer people wishing to join the profession.
Trevor Rimmer March 27, 2015 at 1:41 am #

I support this letter. Finger pointing and the blame game is a shallow reaction, where so often problems are due to overworked staff with unrealistic work loads. Shame on you, Mr Cameron, shame on you.
Diane Hannaway March 27, 2015 at 4:14 am #

I sign this open letter to support Social Workers who are being required to do more and more with less and less. This will merely deter people from joining the already low paid overworked profession, so then who will be doing the child protection i ask??
Diane Hannaway March 27, 2015 at 4:15 am #

I sign this open letter to support Social Workers. This will merely deter people from joining the already low paid overworked profession, so then who will be doing the child protection i ask??
Jayne Gerrard March 27, 2015 at 6:46 am #

Yet again in this round of political battles we hear the speeches praising the,nurses and doctors but never the social workers
Alan Wilkinson March 27, 2015 at 8:38 am #

i support everything in this letter. The typical shallow political knee jerk reaction brings further scorn on our parliamentary system
Sam O'Connor March 27, 2015 at 8:54 am #

I sign this open letter.
Tracey Arnold March 27, 2015 at 9:20 am #

Standing up proudly for Social Work.
T J Arnold
Anna Robinson March 27, 2015 at 10:30 am #

Signing this letter in support of its content.
The current government first reduces funding for children’s services, then threatens punishment to children’s social care staff and somehow expects social workers to be able to do more to protect children in this context?
Anna Robinson
John Tomlinson March 27, 2015 at 10:34 am #

I sign this open letter
Heather Goulbourne March 27, 2015 at 10:54 am #

I sign this open letter
Sharon Murphy March 27, 2015 at 11:15 am #

I sign this open letter wholeheartedly
Gordana Polyichanin March 27, 2015 at 11:46 am #

I sign this open letter!!
Alison Foreman March 27, 2015 at 12:14 pm #

I fully endorse and sign this letter.
Shelby Nicholson March 27, 2015 at 12:18 pm #

i sign and support this open letter
Hazel Price March 27, 2015 at 12:37 pm #

I wholeheartedly agree with this letter to Mr Cameron and sign
Pappy Kaur March 27, 2015 at 1:43 pm #

I sign and support this letter.
Karen Whitmore March 27, 2015 at 2:15 pm #

‘I sign the open letter to #StandUp4SW’.
Adam Brain March 27, 2015 at 2:44 pm #

I sign this letter and fully support the stand up for social work campaign.
Victoria Oxland March 27, 2015 at 2:50 pm #

I show my support and sign this open letter to Mr Cameron in the hope he will understand it, listen and act in favour of its request.

Victoria Oxland
Sue Willing March 27, 2015 at 2:52 pm #

I sign the letter
Amy Harle March 27, 2015 at 2:56 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Damien Fitzpatrick March 27, 2015 at 2:59 pm #

I sign the open letter to #StandUp4SW’
Ruth Dye March 27, 2015 at 3:02 pm #

I sign and support this open letter. I would also suggest that David Cameron spent a week with us social workers so he could see exactly what stresses and strains we are under as a profession. 🙂
Elaine Watson March 27, 2015 at 3:23 pm #

I support this letter & sign to agree that we should give more resources to help social workers and stop scapegoating them.
Kath Leigh March 27, 2015 at 3:48 pm #

I endorse this open letter and call upon the government to listen to practitioners in the field rather than academics and civil servants. We desperately need a change in attitude towards social work in this country which must begin with respect and support of politicians.
R Lowe March 27, 2015 at 4:11 pm #

Its ironic, that in the midst of the commons child abuse scandal, Mr Cameron wishes to jail Social workers without mention of ministers. If austerity measures could be addressed, public cuts rectified and close examination of the social work workforce numbers considered; then I would maybe consider questioning the integrity of social workers, but until then, how about he considers reasons for child abuse and the failings, and maybe apply the same punishment to those at the very top making decisions that ensures more and more people are forced into poverty; whereby, within 6 years, it is predicted a further 1 million children will be in poverty. Is that not neglect!? Can he honestly not see this or is it easier to blame others whereby it appears he is `proactive`.
Pamela Jameson March 27, 2015 at 6:50 pm #

I sign this open letter
Alison Wilkinson March 27, 2015 at 7:06 pm #

I sign this letter.
Yoni ejo March 27, 2015 at 8:21 pm #

I sign this letter. The fact that the chief social worker’s former organisation has been asked to implement this makes me concerned that she can not advocate against it on my behalf.
Kate Rennie March 27, 2015 at 8:21 pm #

I give my full support to this campaign
kulvinder chahal March 27, 2015 at 9:48 pm #

I sign this open letter. Stop vilifying social workers who try their earnest to make a difference only to be scapegoated when things go wrong. Two words..Greater Resources
Sam Blackburn March 27, 2015 at 10:21 pm #

Wholeheartedly endorse the campaign to stand up for social work and agree to sign this open letter.
Sandra Williams March 28, 2015 at 2:07 am #

As my father always said, ” those who do nothing don’t make mistakes”. The many Social Workers that I have the pleasure to work alongside, in my role as a School Nurse, are trying so hard to improve the well-being of the children they work with. Hind-sight is a wonderful thing but does little to predict outcomes. How can it be right and just to punish when they’re not able to work under fair terms.
Barbara March 28, 2015 at 8:29 am #

I sign the open letter in support
Donna Marie Crichton March 28, 2015 at 8:57 am #

I sign the petition/support the open letter.

Doctors, Police Officers, Nurses do not face prosecution, why should Social Workers?
Investment in resources is needed to help safeguard children.
Paula Rogers March 28, 2015 at 9:24 am #

SIgned and supported
Sharon Donnelly March 28, 2015 at 9:51 am #

I sign and support this letter.
Laura Quinn March 28, 2015 at 12:34 pm #

I support this open letter.
Carrie Zeiler March 28, 2015 at 12:42 pm #

I co-sign the open letter.
Richard Redway March 28, 2015 at 1:03 pm #

supported to the fullest
Cath Nicol March 28, 2015 at 4:17 pm #

I sign this open letter with my full support and hope for future change.
stacey weekes March 28, 2015 at 7:15 pm #

I sign the open letter
Suzanne White March 28, 2015 at 9:24 pm #

I endorse this open letter and seek for the government to consider why they think this response is justified when it removes all responsibility from the perpatrators of child abuse?
We work long hours, have limited resources to respond to and support the families on our case load – the answer surely is to provide practitioners with the resources that they need, increase numbers in the frontline work force, deliver more training and respect and support the profession instead of seeking to blame and vilify the people that you demand protect those vulnerable in society when a serious incident occurs?

There is little acknowledgment for the hard work that has been achieved in successfully rehabilitating families and/or the protection of children that occurs every day.
Alison James March 28, 2015 at 10:24 pm #

I sign and support this open letter
Sally Miles March 28, 2015 at 11:21 pm #

I sign this open letter.
kirsty robertson March 29, 2015 at 12:01 am #

Signed in support of this letter.
Ronara Butler March 29, 2015 at 12:36 pm #

I sign this letter to David Cameron. Do not impose criminal prison sentences on social workers. You would be all be hypocrites in your government if you were to do so.
Ann Lowe March 29, 2015 at 3:08 pm #

I sign the open letter. I have been qualified for 22 years and have always worked with children. Social workers are criticised for doing a job no one else wants to do. Things will get even worse after the election when even more cuts to Public Services are planned – making it even harder to protect children. What do the public want? If they want children to be safe – invest in social work for the future!
Caroline Higgs March 29, 2015 at 4:03 pm #

I sign this letter
Sonya March 29, 2015 at 4:53 pm #

I fully endorse this open letter.
Cathy Harris March 29, 2015 at 5:51 pm #

I fully endorse and sign this letter
Cathy Harris March 29, 2015 at 5:53 pm #

I fully endorse and sign this open letter
catherine carey March 29, 2015 at 7:37 pm #

As a social worker and a citizen I back this open letter and ask that the government improve the funding and provision of services to protect vulnerable children and stop scapegoating the professionals who dedicate their lives to supporting the most vulnerable in society.
Alan chapman March 29, 2015 at 9:26 pm #

i sign the open letter to David Cameron
Sally Perryman March 29, 2015 at 10:27 pm #

I support this letter and the views it expresses, we need the government to support and listen to the people who are committed to safeguarding children..
Julie Stoten March 29, 2015 at 10:42 pm #

what childrens social care need is adequate funding and an increase in social workers so that our caseloads are manageable
Stuart Brodie March 29, 2015 at 10:55 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Theresa meade March 29, 2015 at 11:10 pm #

I sign this letter
Rebekah Speirs March 29, 2015 at 11:49 pm #

I sign this open letter
Tim Fisher March 30, 2015 at 10:16 am #

i sign
Dominic Wain March 30, 2015 at 11:11 am #

The plans are just another attempt to deflect from government and ministerial responcibility to welfare state and in driving a wedge that; impacts on keeping children safe.

Another tool to enble accountability in the absence of appropriate resources to support professionals to effectively assess and safeguard children.
Angeline Attenborough March 30, 2015 at 11:42 am #

I sign this open letter
Lynne Roberts March 30, 2015 at 12:31 pm #

I sign this petition
Lisa-Marie Lane March 30, 2015 at 3:30 pm #

I sign this open letter
Nathan May March 30, 2015 at 3:37 pm #

I sign this open letter
Liam Muldoon March 30, 2015 at 4:55 pm #

I sign this open letter
Kerri Meleady March 31, 2015 at 2:12 pm #

I fully endorse and I sign this petition!!
Jenna Gardner March 31, 2015 at 3:24 pm #

I fully endorse and sign this open letter. I think the letter was very honest and courageous to have written. I think the contents of the letter are particularly important for young people, such as myself, who will soon be finishing the MA Social Work course, and are not only anxious about finding a job, but are also anxious about the right support networks being in place. Focussing upon imprisoning social workers will not instil any confidence or enthusiasm within us that we have entered into a life long career which will be rewarding.
Helen Bousfield March 31, 2015 at 4:17 pm #

I sign this open letter
Georgie Platt March 31, 2015 at 8:59 pm #

signed
Naomi Styles April 1, 2015 at 1:09 am #

I sign
Fiona Brown April 1, 2015 at 4:50 am #

I sign and support this letter.
diane Sheppard April 1, 2015 at 9:34 am #

its wrong to vilify hard working individuals trying to make a difference! Therefor I sign this open letter to show my support
Sabine Gnauck April 1, 2015 at 1:59 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Louise stainwright April 1, 2015 at 7:17 pm #

I sign this letter
Molly Randell April 1, 2015 at 8:44 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Jason Vogelsang April 1, 2015 at 9:07 pm #

well said but who’s listening. I sign this open letter
Henrique Figueiredo April 1, 2015 at 9:50 pm #

I sign this letter too.
Ade Sulu April 2, 2015 at 1:57 pm #

I sign this open letter
Francoise Guillemain April 2, 2015 at 2:18 pm #

I sign this open letter and hope Mr Cameron will listen.
Bob Cook April 2, 2015 at 3:05 pm #

Retired social work manager and serious case review author. Tories are shameful ( hardly surprising ) but let’s also not forget Ed Balls disgraceful media pandering post Baby P. This demonisation is media driven and our craven political class are only too happy to go along with it
Anna Rahimian April 2, 2015 at 5:58 pm #

I sign this letter
Margrete Doyle April 2, 2015 at 9:49 pm #

I sign this open letter
Mick Toher April 3, 2015 at 8:11 am #

One more for ya to think about Dave!
Sue Jago April 3, 2015 at 11:27 am #

I sign this open letter
Zoe Wall April 3, 2015 at 11:40 am #

I sign this letter to David Cameron.
Susan MacGregor April 3, 2015 at 12:00 pm #

I sign this letter
vicky Mulholland April 3, 2015 at 12:45 pm #

I sign this letter
Jo Thulborn April 3, 2015 at 5:38 pm #

I sign
jane Evans April 3, 2015 at 5:45 pm #

I wholeheartedly sign!
Maribeth Walsh April 3, 2015 at 9:27 pm #

I sign this open letter. This is the last thing the profession needs. Mr Cameron we are tired of being scapegoats!
Geraldine mcallister April 4, 2015 at 8:32 am #

I sign this open letter
Caroline Tracey April 4, 2015 at 8:41 am #

signed
Julie mercer April 4, 2015 at 8:45 am #

I am not a social worker but this is a disgrace. Social workers on the whole want to make a difference to vulnerable children’s lives. I would have to argue that I believe that politicians who take hefty salaries especially in this current climate are more at risk of harming children than anyone. They are so far removed from the reality of ordinary lives how could they ever understand or make informed decisions. This latest one being an excellent example of this. Politicians should be paid less and more money invested in the health service and services provided to help vulnerable children whether it be child abuse , neglect or lack of resources to help families having to live below the poverty line while the fat cats live in greed.
Kerry Donaghy April 4, 2015 at 10:04 am #

I sign this letter
Helen Bateman April 4, 2015 at 10:32 am #

i sign these petition , Social Workers are always blamed and it needs to stop , more investment in our profession is what is needed, not threats from Government and even from within our own organisations.
Valerie Brown April 4, 2015 at 11:17 am #

Signed, Valerie Brown
Deborah April 4, 2015 at 7:30 pm #

Am not a social worker but have worked alongside a front line team for over 10 years and have seen the commitment and dedication andany late nights put in – should be praised not convicted
Deborah April 4, 2015 at 7:31 pm #

I sign this open letter
Linda MacLennan April 4, 2015 at 8:20 pm #

He must be trying to place more children at risk as he will totally destroy the social work profession with such ludicrous ideas. We are already dammed if we do and dammed if we don’t. I have seen the profession demolished over the past 25 years and still a hugly dedicated work force work way beyond their contracted hours to try and meet the demands of the job and keep children safe. Mr Cameron they do this because they are dedicated individuals who really care. The people who should be imprisoned are the decision makers who are not investing on the front line of social work. Although annoyed I am really not surprised it came out of his mouth as he is not in touch with any reality in the UK.
Sue M April 4, 2015 at 9:34 pm #

I sign this open letter
Marie Wilkinson April 4, 2015 at 11:35 pm #

This problem is systemic: it can’t be fixed by criminalising front line workers
Jacqui McCourt April 5, 2015 at 12:26 am #

Well said!!
Susanne Machin April 5, 2015 at 12:31 am #

I fully support and sign this open letter!
Tamsin Hunkin April 5, 2015 at 6:16 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Gill Davies April 5, 2015 at 6:48 pm #

I gladly sign my name.
I am a social work practice manager with over 10 years experience of frontline social work.
Being a social worker particularly in child protection is one of the most difficult and challenging jobs in the world.
Mr Cameron is an absolute idiot if he thinks it’s a good idea to threaten these valuable members of society, who do a job many many people would not and could not do.
We work long hours, for poor pay compared to other professionals. Now instead of supporting us to do the best job we can… to try to protect all children and make life better for them, he’d like to punish US when their parents, and anyone else who is supposed to love and care for them, hurts them.
As one of the signatories above said, I will never vote for Cameron or a party who views and treats social workers so atrociously.
Gill Davies April 5, 2015 at 6:57 pm #

I sign
Elaine Mitchell April 5, 2015 at 8:50 pm #

such true words. I fully support this open letter
Kay Rhodes April 5, 2015 at 9:59 pm #

I absolutely sign this open letter
Tracey Greer April 5, 2015 at 11:13 pm #

signed
Linda mccann April 6, 2015 at 8:40 am #

I sign the open letter
Russell April 6, 2015 at 1:09 pm #

I sign the letter, completely agree on all points
Steve April 6, 2015 at 2:47 pm #

Signed
Alison Holden April 6, 2015 at 6:51 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Debbie Parker April 6, 2015 at 7:40 pm #

I whole heartedly signed this open letter and would like to ask David Cameron to spend serious time with front line worker before making any more idiotic policies
Julie Rosling April 6, 2015 at 9:25 pm #

I sign this open letter
Peter Gwatkin April 6, 2015 at 9:35 pm #

As I have a family member involved in social services working with children I know the strain she suffers from her case load. I fully support the content of the open letter.
Zoe April 6, 2015 at 10:42 pm #

I support this letter
cuskellk April 6, 2015 at 11:52 pm #

I sign this this letter
Artwell Moyana April 7, 2015 at 8:26 am #

I sign too.
Nicki April 7, 2015 at 11:25 am #

I sign this open letter to David Cameron
Louise Horsley April 7, 2015 at 1:47 pm #

I sign this letter.

As professionals we need to be supported in our roles and not scapegoated.
paul Sandammeer April 8, 2015 at 10:42 am #

Well would you encourage your children into a career that is so vilified by your sort (rich MPs with no real life experience) and already distrusted by the very people that need them the most? You really have no idea and should be ashamed of yourself.
Julie April 8, 2015 at 4:22 pm #

I signed this open letter.
shanie campbell April 8, 2015 at 8:36 pm #

Shanie i sign this open letter.
Fiona Clements April 9, 2015 at 9:42 am #

I sign this open letter.

Are you visiting any social work office during your election campaign?… Thought not!
Kate Davies April 9, 2015 at 2:20 pm #

I sign and fully support this letter
Marnie Butters April 9, 2015 at 2:29 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Liz Whittaker April 9, 2015 at 2:50 pm #

I sign the open letter.
Diana O April 9, 2015 at 4:33 pm #

Count me in jail term for social workers is one step too far, stop this madness of blaming the social workers for society’s ills and evils. They only try to help and should not be turned into monsters along with thieves, murders, all manner of criminals and the like. How ridiculous can you get? They should be jail only if they commit a crime not when others commit a crime and then they are blamed for it.
Leila Canay April 9, 2015 at 4:51 pm #

I sign this open letter.
Safia Ansari April 9, 2015 at 8:04 pm #

I sign the open letter.
Dee April 10, 2015 at 1:02 am #

It is no coincidence that when just before the election, CSE in David Cameron’s constituancy was made public, he deflected the press by announcing that he would secure the conviction of social workers for mistakes!
Louise Mclachlan April 10, 2015 at 7:48 pm #

Open letter signed. David Cameron you are a disgrace. Someone should put you in prison for all your failings and poor decision making.
Sarah April 12, 2015 at 12:07 pm #

It would appear David Cameron has made this comment without knowledge of exactly what social work entails, probably in hope he will get more votes in the forthcoming election! If he persists with this line of thought, is he going to include the wider multidisciplinary professions that also have responsibilities for safeguarding, (i.e. teachers, police, health workers etc.) or does he plan to just use social workers (again) as scapegoats? Another question is raised regarding if he plans to extend this to social workers involved in safeguarding vulnerable adults? Think again David Camerson, as the likely effect is that experienced workers will leave and the already stretched services will then go into crisis! Who will he blame then?
Charlie Breakell April 13, 2015 at 2:56 pm #

I sign the open letter.
Derya Ibrahim April 13, 2015 at 9:20 pm #

I sign the Open Letter.
Jody Burgess April 13, 2015 at 9:55 pm #

I agree with and sign the open letter.
Paul April 14, 2015 at 2:59 pm #

I agree with the contents of this letter and fully support it.
Charlotte April 14, 2015 at 8:27 pm #

I fully support this letter!
Jean Sykes April 15, 2015 at 1:18 pm #

I am in full support of this letter