Working Together is not 'radical enough'
- 25 Mar
The government publishes the revised draft of the safeguarding guidance Working Together, and now includes checks on local safeguarding boards.
The guidance has been revised following a report highlighting errors with safeguarding, but directors warn that the revisions are not radical enough to remove the problems.
The revised guidance is due to come in to effect on 15th April, with the intention of changing the focus of the confusing culture of safeguarding, so that those who work with children, young people and families are able to focus on helping them.A Child-Centred System, a report released last year, highlighted the problems caused by too much red tape for social workers
Followin the recommendations from the report by Professor Eileen Munro, the draft now clarifies core legal requirements on individuals and organisations to keep children safe.
As well as strongly enforcing that safeguarding is every professionals responsibility, it sets out legal requirements that health services, social workers, police, schools and other organisations that work with children, young people and families must follow. Prof. Munro now says the review is a fair compromise as it takes the decision of rules guidance from politicians and gives it to the professionals.
However, directors of children's services warn that the revisions are not radical enough and will not be enabling the cuts to red tape that were originally promised by the changes.
Changes include removing the requirement to have a separate initial and core assessment of children in need. The 10-day target to complete initial assessments is also removed; however the 45 working days target for an assessment to conclude has been retained. The government has said this target will be monitored and could be removed at a later date.
See the full Working Together draft here.
But the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS) is concerned the new document will not be effective in removing the bureaucracy from the process.ADCS president Debbie Jones has expressed concern about the unneccessary bureaucracy, but has overall backed the document as it gives social workers a greater role in daily decision making.
Nushra Mansuri, professional officer at the British Association of Social Workers, says it will lead to prevention of future tragedies with agencies working together better and evaluation of why mistakes happen will hopefully lead to learning from the mistakes made.
Children’s minister Edward Timpson said the guidance makes clear the legal requirements of safeguarding on all organisations and individuals working with children, and will support professionals to take the “right decisions and the right action to promote the welfare of children and keep them safe”.
Image source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1215912
Related articles
- 25 May
CARE HAS IMPROVED CONSIDERABLY IN ENGLAND
Almost three fourth of 372 care homes rated inadequate in 2014 and still operating have improved.205 care homes have improved from a low rating to requiring improvement, 68 are now rated good and 99...
- 24 May
NHS ADJUSTMENTS TO BUDGET CUTS
NHS trusts which have been previously rated good or outstanding will not be inspected as frequently as before, but those rated as inadequate will be regularly visited by the CQC.The Guardian reports...
- 19 Mar
Government to inspect if housing can reduce NHS costs
In the Budget document the government have said it's looking at the ‘cost-effectiveness of options to integrate spending around some of the most vulnerable groups of people.' This includes...
- 15 Oct
End of life patients are lacking support
The charity has found that almost 92% of NHS clinical commissioning groups do not provide round the clock telephone helplines, reports the BBC.Guidelines say there should be 24-hour telephone...
- 15 Sep
Social care is being limited due to council cuts
ADASS are warning that cuts are making the care system "unsustainable" with charities saying hundreds of thousands of people are struggling without help, even though the government says councils have...
- 17 Jul
Young people should not be placed in B&Bs says MPs
The Commons Education Select Committee has said that B&B accommodation is "threatening and frightening" and should only be used in emergency situations reports the BBC.MPs say that young people...
- 16 Jul
Special measures system designed to improve failing care homes
A scheme similar to special measures of hospitals will be introduced for care homes and home care agencies next year, ministers will say, reports the BBC.This will cover 25,000 services and could...
- 14 Jul
Research says that one in three Alzheimer's cases can be prevented
The research says that the main risk factors of Alzheimer's is lack of exercise, smoking, depression and poor education, reports the BBC. Alzheimer's Research UK said age was still the biggest risk...
- 10 Jul
NHS boss says those with vulnerabilities need joint health and care budget
Simon Stevens wants to see older people, those with disabilities and people with serious mental health problems given joint pots from the NHS and council-run social care services, reports the...
- 17 Jun
Council falters in reviewing autistic man’s care plan
According to Community Care:"The ruling was made by the Local Government Ombudsman after the man's mother complained that his physical and mental health deteriorated in the two-year period after...
Revenue Optimisation "We really appreciate the work that Support Solutions did for Home Group in securing significant additional revenue for our supported housing schemes. This really will make a positive difference to the way in which we support our vulnerable tenants". Dave Coope - Home Group
