Laura Sharman 19 March 2015

Social workers say threat of prison will make children less safe

Government plans to take criminal action against council staff that fail protect children will ‘scapegoat’ workers, according to the British Association of Social Workers (BASW).

Earlier this month, prime minister David Cameron announced ‘wilful neglect’ criminal charges would be extended to cover children’s social care, meaning those that fail to act on suspicions of child abuse could face up to five years in prison.

In an open letter to Government, BASW warns that the new measures could create a culture of ‘blame and threat’ and accused Cameron of ‘opportunistic playing to the gallery’.

The letter stated: ‘Individual social workers must not continue to be scapegoated and blamed for the far more serious systemic statutory failings that have been revealed in a number of inquiries and reviews.

‘Social workers go out to work every day, motivated to do only their best for the children and families they work for. The last thing the profession or vulnerable children and families need is a culture of blame and threat.

‘Extending the definition of wilful neglect as proposed will not achieve the desired outcome of making children safer, but will make things worse.’

BASW warned that the new measures could make it harder to recruit and retain social workers. Instead it calls for investment in training and in services that support children and their families.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Registered Building Inspector (Band 2/Grade 7)

Health and Safety Executive
£60,760 - £65,776
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is transforming building safety regulation across England. United Kingdom / various Locations
Recuriter: Health and Safety Executive

Revenues and Recovery Team Leader

Ashfield District Council
£37,938 - £40,476 per annum (pay award pending)
We have an exciting opportunity for a Revenues and Recovery Team Leader Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Housing Options Officer

Ashfield District Council
£31,067 - £33,366 per annum (pay award pending)
Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of residents in housing need? Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Building Services Operative

Ashfield District Council
£25,584 - £27,269 per annum (pay award pending)
The Facilities team are looking to recruit an enthusiastic individual Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Street Cleansing Technician (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 5, £24,397 per annum (pay award pending)
Do you enjoy working outside, as part of a team that make a direct difference to the communities of Doncaster? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner