http://www.communitycare.co.uken-gbTue, 15 May 2012 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/15/118212/social-worker-who-put-foster-family-at-risk-loses-appeal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/15/118212/social-worker-who-put-foster-family-at-risk-loses-appeal.htmlJulian Swan placed a teenage boy who had a history of inappropriate sexual behaviour with a foster family without warning the carers of the risk to other children in the household.Tue, 15 May 2012 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/15/118214/parents-to-control-special-educational-needs-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/15/118214/parents-to-control-special-educational-needs-budgets.htmlSome experts have raised concerns over government plans to reform the disability and SEN system for childrenTue, 15 May 2012 11:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118207/reviewing-officers-face-fear-and-intimidation-at-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118207/reviewing-officers-face-fear-and-intimidation-at-work.htmlIndependent reviewing officers have written to the children’s minister saying they face ‘fear’ and ‘intimidation’ at workhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118204/councils-attack-governments-misleading-adoption-scorecards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118204/councils-attack-governments-misleading-adoption-scorecards.htmlControversial adoption scorecards, published for the first time today, find nearly half of councils have failed to meet national targets.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/10/118201/rochdale-case-speeds-up-review-of-protection-for-children-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/10/118201/rochdale-case-speeds-up-review-of-protection-for-children-in-care.htmlOffice of the children's commissioner is asked to accelerate inquiry into safeguards for children at risk of sexual grooming. Thu, 10 May 2012 00:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118196/government-enforces-strict-time-limit-on-care-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118196/government-enforces-strict-time-limit-on-care-cases.htmlAdditional resources will be needed to reduce delays in the already-overstretched adoption system, the British Association of Social Workers warns.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/03/118185/social-worker-of-the-year-awards-open-for-entries.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/03/118185/social-worker-of-the-year-awards-open-for-entries.htmlSocial work practitioners throughout England are being encouraged to gain recognition for their hard work by entering the Social Worker of the Year Awards 2012, which are now open for applications. Thu, 03 May 2012 10:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/02/118179/councils-rapped-over-service-failures-for-disabled-girl.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/02/118179/councils-rapped-over-service-failures-for-disabled-girl.htmlTwo local authorities have been criticised by a local government ombudsman after failing to provide adequate services to a 12-year-old girl with multiple disabilities and complex needs.Wed, 02 May 2012 10:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/30/118177/70-of-looked-after-children-who-return-home-arent-ready.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/30/118177/70-of-looked-after-children-who-return-home-arent-ready.htmlMore than 70% of children who leave local authority care to live with their families do not feel they are ready to go home, according to research by the NSPCC.Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118174/pilot-to-speed-up-care-proceedings-launched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118174/pilot-to-speed-up-care-proceedings-launched.htmlA pilot trialling new ways of speeding up care proceedings, in line with recommendations made by the family justice review, has been launched in London.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/25/118167/nhs-reforms-risk-child-protection-failures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/25/118167/nhs-reforms-risk-child-protection-failures.htmlThe government’s NHS reforms risk creating a confusing, fragmented and less effective system for protecting vulnerable children, according to the NHS confederation.Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118160/social-workers-reluctant-to-refer-clients-to-user-organisations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118160/social-workers-reluctant-to-refer-clients-to-user-organisations.htmlSocial workers fear referring clients to user-led organisations for support in using direct payments because of concerns ULOs will challenge practitioners’ decisions. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118161/social-worker-struck-off-over-repeated-child-protection-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118161/social-worker-struck-off-over-repeated-child-protection-failings.htmlA social worker who ignored his managers’ instructions to carry out and record assessments of children at risk of abuse has been struck off.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118156/social-care-staff-gain-professional-body-to-represent-them.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118156/social-care-staff-gain-professional-body-to-represent-them.htmlSocial care workers in Wales will have a professional body to represent them with the announcement today of the launch of the Academy of Care Practitioners.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/19/118152/independent-social-workers-dont-delay-cases-study-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/19/118152/independent-social-workers-dont-delay-cases-study-finds.htmlIndependent social work reports add considerable value in complex family cases and lead to better decision-making for children, research by Oxford university has found.Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118122/how-social-workers-can-prepare-for-ofsteds-child-protection-inspections.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118122/how-social-workers-can-prepare-for-ofsteds-child-protection-inspections.htmlBig changes are afoot for child protection inspections in England. From 1 May Ofsted will conduct unannounced inspections of local authority child protection arrangements and focus more on examining the work of frontline social workers. So how should social workers prepare for the new inspection regime?http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/16/118142/research-reveals-60-rise-in-child-protection-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/16/118142/research-reveals-60-rise-in-child-protection-plans.htmlThe number of children subject to child protection plans in England rose by 60% between 2006 and 2011, according to research by Queen’s university in Belfast.Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118141/controversial-adoption-score-cards-delayed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118141/controversial-adoption-score-cards-delayed.htmlThe government’s controversial adoption score cards have been delayed by local government elections, the Department for Education has revealed. (Pic: Shorts and Longs on Flickr)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/11/118138/care-applications-to-cafcass-hit-all-time-high.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/11/118138/care-applications-to-cafcass-hit-all-time-high.htmlThe annual number of local authority care applications has hit an all-time high, breaking the 10,000 mark, according to latest Cafcass figures.Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/10/118133/child-sexual-exploitation-report-delayed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/10/118133/child-sexual-exploitation-report-delayed.htmlA major two-year inquiry into the sexual exploitation of children in gangs and groups will publish its interim report this autumn, it was announced today.Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118135/child-safeguarding-an-afterthought-in-nhs-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118135/child-safeguarding-an-afterthought-in-nhs-reforms.htmlChild safeguarding is an ‘afterthought’ in the government’s NHS reforms, according to paediatricians who have warned the safety of children is under threat.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/05/118131/adoption-tsar-martin-narey-i-do-listen-to-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/05/118131/adoption-tsar-martin-narey-i-do-listen-to-social-workers.htmlMartin Narey has faced criticism since his appointment as the government's first adoption tsar from those who believe he has not listened to frontline social workers. But in an exclusive piece for Community Care, he explains how the views of social workers have been central to his recommendationsThu, 05 Apr 2012 11:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/03/118123/ofsted-to-review-restraint-in-secure-training-centres.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/03/118123/ofsted-to-review-restraint-in-secure-training-centres.htmlOfsted is to review the use of restraint against young people in secure training centres as part of a wider consultation on the institutions.Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/02/118120/family-courts-causing-most-adoption-delays.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/02/118120/family-courts-causing-most-adoption-delays.htmlFamily court proceedings are the most significant cause of adoption delay, rather than a lack of adopters, weak planning or searches for 'perfect' ethnic matches, research by Ofsted has found.Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/01/118117/scorsese-and-fox-head-up-us-protecting-our-children-remake.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/01/118117/scorsese-and-fox-head-up-us-protecting-our-children-remake.htmlThe BBC’s Protecting our Children social work documentary is to get a star-studded American makeover, after Hollywood executives struck a six-figure deal for the movie rights to the popular series, Community Care can reveal.Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/30/118118/adoption-reforms-make-job-harder-say-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/30/118118/adoption-reforms-make-job-harder-say-social-workers.htmlSocial workers say their jobs have become more difficult in the weeks since the government published its controversial adoption action plan.Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/29/118113/gove-slams-scr-into-torture-case-for-failure-of-analysis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/29/118113/gove-slams-scr-into-torture-case-for-failure-of-analysis.htmlMichael Gove has slammed the serious case review into the 'torture' of two boys by two looked-after children for failing to adequately analyse what went wrong, after a redacted version of the overview report was published today. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118112/fear-over-plans-to-slaughter-child-protection-guidance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118112/fear-over-plans-to-slaughter-child-protection-guidance.htmlMinisters are planning to "slaughter" key child safeguarding guidance as part of measures to tackle bureaucracy in children's services, Community Care understands. (Image: Rex features)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118106/case-review-model-aims-to-end-social-work-blame-culture.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118106/case-review-model-aims-to-end-social-work-blame-culture.htmlThe traditional approach to serious case reviews (SCRs), carried out by local safeguarding children boards (LSCBs) after the death or serious injury of a child, has been widely criticised for inhibiting learning by focusing on mistakes and blame.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/27/118103/social-worker-deprivation-of-liberty-assessments-unmonitored.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/27/118103/social-worker-deprivation-of-liberty-assessments-unmonitored.htmlThe Care Quality Commission has raised concerns over the protection of vulnerable adults because of its inability to monitor deprivation of liberty assessments by social workers and other professionals. (Image: Milton Montenegro/Photodisc/Getty Images) Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/27/118105/kinship-carers-let-down-by-councils-study-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/27/118105/kinship-carers-let-down-by-councils-study-finds.htmlKinship carers across the country are being failed by local authorities, according to "shocking" research by the Family Rights Group and Oxford University.Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118104/fury-over-plans-to-cut-beds-in-secure-childrens-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118104/fury-over-plans-to-cut-beds-in-secure-childrens-homes.htmlThe Youth Justice Board is to press ahead with plans to decommission beds in secure children’s homes and secure training centres.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118102/social-workers-frustrated-at-slow-progress-on-munro-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118102/social-workers-frustrated-at-slow-progress-on-munro-reform.htmlFrustration is growing among social workers at the government’s failure to move quickly on plans to scrap statutory assessments and timescales for councils.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118094/five-health-trusts-say-no-disabled-children-in-their-area.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118094/five-health-trusts-say-no-disabled-children-in-their-area.htmlFive primary care trusts claim there are no disabled children living in their area, despite an estimated one in 20 under-16s having a disability.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/22/118089/fear-over-richard-bransons-bid-to-run-mental-health-service.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/22/118089/fear-over-richard-bransons-bid-to-run-mental-health-service.htmlRichard Branson's Virgin Care group is among the bidders to run one English county's child mental health services, sparking concern that vital social care expertise could be lost.Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/22/118093/my-job-is-about-giving-confidence-back-to-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/22/118093/my-job-is-about-giving-confidence-back-to-social-workers.htmlWhen Eileen Munro recommended that every local authority should have a principal social worker, the government was quick to accept the proposal. Almost a year on, how is the role working in practice? Tristan Donovan speaks to Medway council’s first ever principal social worker.Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/22/118092/more-men-needed-in-social-work-says-role-model.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/22/118092/more-men-needed-in-social-work-says-role-model.html“Men have a lot more to offer to this profession than they think they have," says social worker Ciaran Traynor.Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/21/118088/tax-credit-u-turn-for-families-with-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/21/118088/tax-credit-u-turn-for-families-with-disabled-children.htmlFamilies with disabled children will be exempt from changes to working tax credits after a government u-turn on the issue ahead of today's budget.Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/21/118087/social-workers-sanctioned-for-child-protection-mistakes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/21/118087/social-workers-sanctioned-for-child-protection-mistakes.htmlTwo social workers have been sanctioned by the General Social Care Council (GSCC) for mistakes they made in a child protection case that saw a baby left with permanent brain damage.Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118086/childrens-minister-gets-adoption-lesson-from-top-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118086/childrens-minister-gets-adoption-lesson-from-top-social-worker.htmlThe children’s minister’s office wall is decorated with handwritten, brown paper flow charts depicting the adoption journey, reveals social worker Celia Parker. She’s just met Tim Loughton after winning the Social Worker of the Year award at the end of last year. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118082/wales-faces-radical-shake-up-of-social-work-regulation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118082/wales-faces-radical-shake-up-of-social-work-regulation.htmlThe proposed Social Services (Wales) Bill promises a radical shake up of social services in Wales, particularly in extending the regulation of social work.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118081/one-third-of-social-workers-will-never-join-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118081/one-third-of-social-workers-will-never-join-college.htmlThirty percent of social workers say they will never join The College of Social Work, according to a survey by recruitment agency Liquid Personnel. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118079/county-to-privatise-child-mental-health-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118079/county-to-privatise-child-mental-health-services.htmlChild and adolescent mental health services and short breaks for disabled children are among the children's services a local NHS authority is due to privatise.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/16/118077/inquiry-to-investigate-support-for-missing-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/16/118077/inquiry-to-investigate-support-for-missing-children.htmlAn inquiry has been launched into the support available to children who run away or go missing from care in the UK.Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/16/118076/care-leavers-education-abandoned-to-whims-of-localism.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/16/118076/care-leavers-education-abandoned-to-whims-of-localism.htmlPolicies to support looked-after children into further education are failing because they are too fragmented and localised, a damning report has warned.Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/16/118073/scottish-foster-carers-paid-worst-rates-in-uk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/16/118073/scottish-foster-carers-paid-worst-rates-in-uk.htmlChildren living with foster families in Scotland are among the worst off in the UK, according to research published today by the Fostering Network.Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/15/118072/mental-health-problems-rise-among-teenagers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/15/118072/mental-health-problems-rise-among-teenagers.htmlThe increase in the number of young people staying in education after school may explain why mental health problems among teenagers have risen over the past 30 years.Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/14/118069/social-justice-strategy-could-leave-families-worse-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/14/118069/social-justice-strategy-could-leave-families-worse-off.htmlSocial work organisations have warned that the government's new social justice strategy could leave vulnerable families and children worse off. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/14/118065/ministers-to-launch-controversial-adoption-score-cards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/14/118065/ministers-to-launch-controversial-adoption-score-cards.htmlThe government plans to introduce a controversial system of score cards to measure local authority performance as part of its radical adoption reforms, published today. (Image: Shorts and Longs on flickr)Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118071/concern-raised-after-use-of-segregation-doubles-at-yoi.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118071/concern-raised-after-use-of-segregation-doubles-at-yoi.htmlCampaigners have raised concerns about standards at a privately-run young offender institution after it emerged the use of segregation has doubled in the past three years.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118064/tasks-to-be-reserved-for-social-workers-in-legal-shake-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118064/tasks-to-be-reserved-for-social-workers-in-legal-shake-up.htmlKey social services tasks will be reserved for social workers under plans to overhaul the law in Wales, announced today. (Image: Rex) http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/12/118062/half-of-care-leavers-say-they-have-to-leave-care-too-early.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/12/118062/half-of-care-leavers-say-they-have-to-leave-care-too-early.htmlHalf of care leavers say they have to leave care too early, a survey of their views has found. Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118060/social-workers-want-compulsory-registration-of-students.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118060/social-workers-want-compulsory-registration-of-students.htmlSocial workers have given strong backing to the compulsory registration of students with the regulator, a survey has found. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/09/118058/social-workers-to-face-three-month-adoption-target.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/09/118058/social-workers-to-face-three-month-adoption-target.htmlSocial workers will soon be expected to find prospective adopters within three months of a child being recommended for adoption, prime minister David Cameron will announce today. Fri, 09 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/08/118057/council-set-to-scrap-childrens-director-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/08/118057/council-set-to-scrap-childrens-director-role.htmlStoke-on-Trent council has sparked concern that it is scrapping its children’s services director role and combining adults and children’s services in a bid to save money.Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118055/social-workers-must-think-differently-to-improve-mental-health-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118055/social-workers-must-think-differently-to-improve-mental-health-services.htmlSocial workers need to change their mindset if services for families with mental health problems are to be improved, says a report by the Social Care Institute for Excellence.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118052/too-many-girls-held-in-inappropriate-police-custody.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118052/too-many-girls-held-in-inappropriate-police-custody.htmlToo many girls are being held in “inappropriate” police custody after committing minor crimes, rather then being looked after by their council, an inquiry has found.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118043/ofsted-inspectors-to-look-at-adoption-breakdowns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118043/ofsted-inspectors-to-look-at-adoption-breakdowns.htmlSocial work teams will be inspected on how many adoptions break down in their authority under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, Community Care has learnt.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118035/social-pedagogy-in-the-uk-time-to-reflect.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118035/social-pedagogy-in-the-uk-time-to-reflect.htmlThe government’s evaluation of settings that use social pedagogy for children in care has shown the benefits of the approach. Claire Cameron, professor of social work at Anglia Ruskin University and a member of the Centre for Understanding Social Pedagogy, outlines some of the work that has been taking place.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/02/118033/action-on-witchcraft-based-child-abuse-expected-this-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/02/118033/action-on-witchcraft-based-child-abuse-expected-this-year.htmlSocial workers will be expected to be more aware of the signs of witchcraft-related child abuse when the government publishes new research on the issue later this year. (Picture of Kristy Bamu by Gavin Rodgers/Rex Features)Fri, 02 Mar 2012 11:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118029/councils-not-recruiting-enough-qualified-child-lawyers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118029/councils-not-recruiting-enough-qualified-child-lawyers.htmlCash-strapped councils are failing to recruit experienced lawyers who can deal with complex family cases, the chair of the Law Society's children committee has warned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118020/college-of-social-work-condemns-12-month-adoption-target.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118020/college-of-social-work-condemns-12-month-adoption-target.htmlThe College of Social Work has become the latest professional body to condemn Ofsted's 12-month adoption target and advise the watchdog to scrap the proposal.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/29/118023/extra-22m-investment-in-child-mental-health-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/29/118023/extra-22m-investment-in-child-mental-health-services.htmlChildren’s mental health services are to be boosted by a further £22m investment which will help improve access to talking therapies, Nick Clegg announced today.Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118019/ofsted-whistleblowing-hotline-branded-toothless.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118019/ofsted-whistleblowing-hotline-branded-toothless.htmlSocial workers have no faith in Ofsted’s whistleblowing hotline and say they do not feel safe using it to report concerns about poor practice, Community Care has learnt.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118015/adcs-condemns-12-month-adoption-target.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118015/adcs-condemns-12-month-adoption-target.htmlOfsted’s proposal to award oustanding ratings only to councils that place children for adoption within 12 months has been condemned by directors of children’s services who warn it could reduce adoption numbers.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/27/118013/adoption-inspections-to-get-tougher-ofsted-warns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/27/118013/adoption-inspections-to-get-tougher-ofsted-warns.htmlLocal authority adoption services will need to place children for adoption within 12 months in order to be rated outstanding by Ofsted, the watchdog announced today. (Pic: RunPhoto/Getty Images)Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/24/118012/young-migrants-face-destitution-and-exploitation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/24/118012/young-migrants-face-destitution-and-exploitation.htmlYoung refugees are being sucked into a hidden world of destitution and exploitation due to a lack of support, according to research published today by The Children’s Society.Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/24/118007/quarter-of-children-given-no-notice-before-placement-move.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/24/118007/quarter-of-children-given-no-notice-before-placement-move.htmlNearly a quarter of children in care only find out their placement is changing on the day the move takes place, according to this year’s Children’s Care Monitor survey.Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/23/118003/government-to-dismantle-bloated-adoption-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/23/118003/government-to-dismantle-bloated-adoption-system.htmlThe government is poised to launch a national adoption action plan which will replace the current “bloated” system, education secretary Michael Gove will announce today.Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118004/baby-p-social-workers-made-serious-error-of-judgment-tribunal-hears.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/118004/baby-p-social-workers-made-serious-error-of-judgment-tribunal-hears.htmlThe two social workers fired after the death of Peter Connelly made a “serious error of judgement” when they lost track of the boy for 12 days after his mother claimed they were away visiting a sick uncle, the Employment Appeal Tribunal heard today. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117998/dismissal-of-baby-p-social-work-manager-was-flawed-tribunal-hears.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117998/dismissal-of-baby-p-social-work-manager-was-flawed-tribunal-hears.htmlThe employment tribunal’s decision to support Haringey’s dismissal of the social work manager involved in the Baby Peter case was flawed, the employment tribunal appeal heard today. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/21/117996/safeguarding-improves-at-troubled-council-finds-ofsted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/21/117996/safeguarding-improves-at-troubled-council-finds-ofsted.htmlDoncaster’s child safeguarding services are making significant progress, Ofsted has found following an unannounced inspection.Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/21/117995/baby-p-social-workers-to-appeal-against-sackings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/21/117995/baby-p-social-workers-to-appeal-against-sackings.htmlTwo social workers who were dismissed by Haringey council following the death of Peter Connelly will appeal against their sacking today. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117994/legal-cuts-threaten-family-court-cases-warn-guardians.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117994/legal-cuts-threaten-family-court-cases-warn-guardians.htmlChildren involved in family court cases are in danger of receiving an inadequate service as guardians and lawyers are hit with funding cuts and record care applications. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/17/117990/will-protecting-our-children-have-any-impact-on-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/17/117990/will-protecting-our-children-have-any-impact-on-social-work.htmlWill the high profile BBC series Protecting Our Children have any lasting impact on social work? Community Care asked the profession. Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/17/117988/restraint-and-routine-strip-searching-rises-at-yoi.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/17/117988/restraint-and-routine-strip-searching-rises-at-yoi.htmlCampaigners are urging the government to put an end to the routine strip searching of boys in custody, following an inspectorate report into a young offender institution. Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/16/117987/70-of-families-living-on-the-edge-finds-survey.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/16/117987/70-of-families-living-on-the-edge-finds-survey.htmlNearly three quarters of UK families say they are ‘on the edge’ of surviving, with one in five mothers missing meals so their children can eat, according to a survey by Mumsnet.Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117982/councils-fined-for-failing-to-keep-sensitive-childrens-data-safe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117982/councils-fined-for-failing-to-keep-sensitive-childrens-data-safe.htmlTwo councils in England have been fined a total of £180,000 by the Information Commissioner's Office for failing to keep highly sensitive information about the welfare of children secure.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117975/social-worker-suspended-for-not-reporting-underage-sex-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117975/social-worker-suspended-for-not-reporting-underage-sex-case.htmlA social worker has been suspended for not reporting a case of sexual activity between two children aged under 13, in breach of national child protection guidance. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/09/117973/family-courts-plans-risk-miscarriages-of-justice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/09/117973/family-courts-plans-risk-miscarriages-of-justice.htmlSocial workers and children's guardians have condemned "nonsensical" government plans for a six-month limit on care cases, warning the deadline could lead to miscarriages of justice.Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/09/117972/record-child-referrals-push-social-workers-to-breaking-point.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/09/117972/record-child-referrals-push-social-workers-to-breaking-point.htmlSocial workers are struggling to deal with record numbers of children entering care and some have become so stressed they are leaving the profession, it has been claimed. (Pic model released: Voisin/Phanie/Rex Features) Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/09/117970/cafcass-reveals-record-care-applications-for-january.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/09/117970/cafcass-reveals-record-care-applications-for-january.htmlCare applications to family courts body Cafcass are continuing to soar, according to the latest statistics, with record numbers of referrals made last month. (Pic: Voisin/Phanie/Rex Features) Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117968/essex-council-unveils-plans-for-social-impact-bonds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117968/essex-council-unveils-plans-for-social-impact-bonds.htmlEssex council has confirmed plans to use social impact bonds to fund intensive and community-based work with families and children on the edge of care or custody. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/07/117966/eileen-munro-takes-new-role-at-the-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/07/117966/eileen-munro-takes-new-role-at-the-college-of-social-work.htmlProfessor Eileen Munro has been appointed transitional chair of The College of Social Work’s children’s faculty, it was announced today. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/01/117957/ofsted-well-supported-social-workers-improve-child-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/01/117957/ofsted-well-supported-social-workers-improve-child-outcomes.htmlSocial workers who are supported by “accessible” and “visible” senior managers do improve outcomes for children, according to Ofsted.Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/01/117954/lords-vote-to-reject-50-cuts-to-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/01/117954/lords-vote-to-reject-50-cuts-to-disabled-children.htmlDisability campaigners are celebrating today after peers from across the House of Lords voted yesterday to reject a 50% cut to disabled children’s benefits. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/31/117951/ofsted-to-give-no-notice-on-child-protection-inspections.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/31/117951/ofsted-to-give-no-notice-on-child-protection-inspections.htmlLocal authorities will be given no notice before their child protection services are inspected when Ofsted’s new inspection framework comes into force in May. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/30/117949/council-fined-for-sending-childrens-reports-to-wrong-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/30/117949/council-fined-for-sending-childrens-reports-to-wrong-people.htmlMidlothian council has been fined £140,000 for sending children’s social services reports to the wrong recipients on five occasions.Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117946/birmingham-appoints-new-director-of-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117946/birmingham-appoints-new-director-of-childrens-services.htmlBirmingham council has appointed the head of an ‘outstanding’ social services department in Lincolnshire to help transform its troubled children’s services.Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117945/call-for-national-inquiry-following-second-child-custody-death.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117945/call-for-national-inquiry-following-second-child-custody-death.htmlTwo teenagers who were serving time at young offender institutions in England have died in the space of a week. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/23/117939/half-of-social-workers-feel-powerless-to-stop-neglect.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/23/117939/half-of-social-workers-feel-powerless-to-stop-neglect.htmlHalf of social workers feel powerless to stop children being neglected because of high thresholds and inadequate resources. (Image: Rex Features)Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/19/117938/independent-negotiators-to-restart-baswcollege-talks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/19/117938/independent-negotiators-to-restart-baswcollege-talks.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers (BASW) and the College of Social Work are to reopen talks on a possible merger. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117934/council-pays-1m-damages-for-shocking-child-abuse-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117934/council-pays-1m-damages-for-shocking-child-abuse-failings.htmlEssex council has paid damages of almost £1m to four siblings it failed to protect from years of parental abuse, Community Care has learned. (Pic: posed by model, Nigel R. Barklie/Rex Features)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117935/councils-face-hidden-army-of-child-abuse-damage-claimants.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117935/councils-face-hidden-army-of-child-abuse-damage-claimants.htmlLocal authorities could be hit by a “hidden army” of people seeking damages for historic child abuse cases, lawyers have warned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117932/basw-workloads-undermining-ethical-social-work-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117932/basw-workloads-undermining-ethical-social-work-practice.htmlUnmanageable caseloads are making it impossible for social workers to practice ethically, the British Association of Social Workers warned today as it issued a revised version of its code of ethics. (Image: Rex Features). Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/17/117930/budget-cuts-lead-to-child-sexual-exploitation-fears.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/17/117930/budget-cuts-lead-to-child-sexual-exploitation-fears.htmlTackling child sexual exploitation is already slipping off the agenda in some local areas due to funding pressures and budget cuts, research by Barnardo’s has revealed.Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/16/117927/going-into-care-early-reduces-risk-of-offending-study-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/16/117927/going-into-care-early-reduces-risk-of-offending-study-finds.htmlEarly entry into care, stable placements and purposeful activity can significantly reduce a child’s risk of turning to crime, research published today has found. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/13/117925/thousands-of-restraint-victims-could-seek-compensation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/13/117925/thousands-of-restraint-victims-could-seek-compensation.htmlChildren who were unlawfully restrained in privately-run secure training centres over a ten-year period could pursue compensation claims, according to a high court judge.Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117922/should-you-join-the-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117922/should-you-join-the-college-of-social-work.htmlLast week’s launch of The College of Social Work has posed each of England’s approximately 85,000 social workers with a simple question: to join or not to join? http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/12/117921/half-a-million-uk-children-are-unhappy-study-reveals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/12/117921/half-a-million-uk-children-are-unhappy-study-reveals.htmlHalf a million children across the UK are unhappy with their lives, according to research published today by The Children’s Society. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117918/cafcass-how-we-screen-200-private-law-cases-a-day.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117918/cafcass-how-we-screen-200-private-law-cases-a-day.htmlOn a typical day, at least 200 private law applications will arrive at Cafcass’ national business centre (NBC) in Coventry. Every application - from a parent or guardian - will be different, but each will represent a child who has experienced family breakdown. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117920/debt-ridden-social-workers-turning-to-payday-loans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117920/debt-ridden-social-workers-turning-to-payday-loans.htmlGrowing numbers of social workers are falling financial difficulties, with some resorting to high-interest payday loans, according to a support charity. (Pic: Image Source/Rex Features)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/10/117916/ten-days-notice-on-adoption-inspections-mooted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/10/117916/ten-days-notice-on-adoption-inspections-mooted.htmlAdoption support agencies could be given just 10 days’ notice before an Ofsted inspection, rather than the current eight-week period, under proposals outlined today.Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/09/117912/dont-forget-needs-of-older-children-in-care-urges-charity.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/09/117912/dont-forget-needs-of-older-children-in-care-urges-charity.htmlUrgent attention must be given to older children who become looked-after, Barnardo’s has warned, as new data reveals high numbers of older children entered care for the first time last year. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117910/ministers-order-first-official-study-into-adoption-breakdown.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117910/ministers-order-first-official-study-into-adoption-breakdown.htmlThe first study looking at why, and how often, adoptions break down has been commissioned by the Department for Education. (Pic: Janie Airey/Mood Board/Rex Features)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117907/social-workers-must-join-renewed-effort-to-integrate-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117907/social-workers-must-join-renewed-effort-to-integrate-care.htmlSocial care professionals should be at the heart of multi-disciplinary teams in every area to manage the care of people with long-term conditions and make a reality of integrated care, the government has been told. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/04/117903/carers-disproportionately-hit-by-government-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/04/117903/carers-disproportionately-hit-by-government-cuts.htmlCarers will be disproportionately hit by government benefit cuts over the coming years, research published today shows. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117900/munro-leads-new-year-roll-of-honour-in-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117900/munro-leads-new-year-roll-of-honour-in-social-care.htmlProfessor Eileen Munro has been awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours List following her review into child protection, which last year called for sweeping reforms to assessments and performance management. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117899/how-to.-carry-out-a-fear-audit-in-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117899/how-to.-carry-out-a-fear-audit-in-social-work.htmlClaudia Megele explores the impact of distress and fear in social work practice and explains how "fear audits" could help.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/22/117897/painfully-slow-adoption-system-to-be-overhauled.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/22/117897/painfully-slow-adoption-system-to-be-overhauled.htmlThe assessment process for prospective adopters will be stripped of some of its red tape in a bid to reduce waiting times for children in care, children's minister Tim Loughton (pictured) has revealed.Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/21/117891/community-cares-predictions-for-social-care-in-2012.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/21/117891/community-cares-predictions-for-social-care-in-2012.htmlCare funding deadlock, industrial strife and a change of leadership at a key agency. We gaze into our crystal ball to predict what 2012 might hold for social care (Pic: Everett Collection/Rex Features )Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/21/117890/top-five-victories-against-social-care-cuts-of-2011.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/21/117890/top-five-victories-against-social-care-cuts-of-2011.htmlWhile cuts have dominated social care in 2011 some proposed funding reductions and organisational closures have been successfully reversed. Here are our top five victories against the cuts. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117889/carers-uk-names-age-uk-director-as-new-chief.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117889/carers-uk-names-age-uk-director-as-new-chief.htmlCarers UK has named Heléna Herklots as its new chief executive. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117888/government-rejects-munro-early-intervention-duty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117888/government-rejects-munro-early-intervention-duty.htmlThe government has refused to implement a key recommendation in the Munro Review of child protection to create an early intervention duty on councils.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117881/domestic-violence-definition-to-include-victims-aged-under-18.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117881/domestic-violence-definition-to-include-victims-aged-under-18.htmlCampaigners have hailed government proposals to widen the definition of domestic violence to include victims aged under 18 and those who have experienced ongoing controlling behaviour from partners. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117870/1.5bn-cut-for-councils-with-social-care-responsibilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117870/1.5bn-cut-for-councils-with-social-care-responsibilities.htmlCouncils responsible for social care in England will have £1.5bn taken out of their budgets next year, the government has said. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/08/117868/councils-fail-to-divert-children-in-care-from-custody.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/08/117868/councils-fail-to-divert-children-in-care-from-custody.htmlLocal authorities across the country are failing to divert looked-after children from "the dreary, damaging route from care to custody", according to research published today. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117867/survey-reveals-plight-of-families-with-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117867/survey-reveals-plight-of-families-with-disabled-children.htmlNearly three-quarters of families with disabled children have experienced anxiety, depression or family breakdown, according to the latest research by Contact a Family. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117864/council-job-cuts-near-150000-for-the-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117864/council-job-cuts-near-150000-for-the-year.htmlCouncils across England have shed 145,000 jobs over the past year and the number is set to rise, according to a report published today by the Audit Commission. Unison head of local government Heather Wakefield (pictured), said: "Councils have already made far more job cuts than they said would be necessary. This report shows that the worst is yet to come.” http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/06/117861/council-failed-teenager-with-severe-autism.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/06/117861/council-failed-teenager-with-severe-autism.htmlA teenager with severe autism missed out on educational and social care support due to failings by Staffordshire Council, a review by the local government ombudsman has found. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117855/government-launches-missing-children-strategy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117855/government-launches-missing-children-strategy.htmlA national strategy to reduce the number of children and vulnerable adults who go missing from home or care has today been published by the Home Office. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117853/second-council-ordered-to-review-care-fees-for-providers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117853/second-council-ordered-to-review-care-fees-for-providers.htmlCouncils have been warned that they face having care cuts reversed in the courts after a second authority was ordered to review a decision to freeze fees.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117846/disabled-people-in-care-homes-to-retain-dla-benefit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117846/disabled-people-in-care-homes-to-retain-dla-benefit.htmlDisabled people living in residential care will continue to receive the mobility component of the disability living allowance and personal independence payment, minister for disabled people Maria Miller announced today. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117843/ask-the-expert-becoming-a-family-support-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117843/ask-the-expert-becoming-a-family-support-worker.htmlI have recently completed a degree in criminology and law, and I want to pursue a career as a family support worker - but lack experience. What's the best way to go about getting to this field? Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117844/research-findings-on-social-pedagogy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117844/research-findings-on-social-pedagogy.htmlSocial work academic Joe Smeeton examines research findings contained in Raising the bar? Evaluation of the Social Pedagogy Pilot in residential children's homesThu, 01 Dec 2011 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117836/social-care-faces-deeper-cuts-on-back-of-osborne-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117836/social-care-faces-deeper-cuts-on-back-of-osborne-plan.htmlSocial care will face deeper cuts lasting until 2017 on the back of chancellor George Osborne's Autumn Statement issued yesterday. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117838/catholic-church-details-extent-of-child-abuse-by-priests.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117838/catholic-church-details-extent-of-child-abuse-by-priests.htmlThe Catholic Church has published a review of its handling of more than 52 allegations of sexual abuse by priests in the Diocese of Raphoe in Northern Ireland. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117831/ministers-defend-college-of-social-works-tie-up-with-unison.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117831/ministers-defend-college-of-social-works-tie-up-with-unison.htmlGovernment ministers have defended the College of Social Work’s tie-up with Unison following criticism from the education select committee earlier this month. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117834/use-of-child-protection-volunteers-sees-risk-levels-fall.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117834/use-of-child-protection-volunteers-sees-risk-levels-fall.htmlA pilot using volunteers in child protection cases has seen risk levels for children decrease in more than three quarters of cases new research has shown. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117832/osborne-extends-public-sector-pay-squeeze-until-2015.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117832/osborne-extends-public-sector-pay-squeeze-until-2015.htmlPublic sector pay will be squeezed until 2015 and cuts to services will continue until 2017, chancellor George Osborne announced today in his Autumn Statement (Image: Steve Back). http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117833/temporary-reprieve-for-essex-childrens-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117833/temporary-reprieve-for-essex-childrens-homes.htmlEssex Council has temporarily reversed its controversial decision to close all of its children's homes following a legal challenge by a teenager living in one of the affected homes. (Picture posed by model) http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117825/external-court-assessments-costing-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117825/external-court-assessments-costing-councils.htmlThe increasing number of court orders demanding independent expert reports in family court proceedings is starting to take a financial toll on local authorities.Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117823/government-u-turn-on-scrapping-of-youth-justice-board.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117823/government-u-turn-on-scrapping-of-youth-justice-board.htmlThe Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has announced the Youth Justice Board will no longer be included in the Public Bodies Bill, currently going through parliament, which is often referred to as the government's "bonfire of the quangos". Thu, 24 Nov 2011 11:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117799/council-fined-for-child-protection-botch.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117799/council-fined-for-child-protection-botch.htmlA council has been fined more than £12,000 for a flawed child protection investigation, including an attempt to take a girl into care without considering other options and only seeking her mother's agreement after the decision had been taken.Thu, 24 Nov 2011 01:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117810/sexual-exploitation-action-plan-includes-extra-training-for-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117810/sexual-exploitation-action-plan-includes-extra-training-for-workers.htmlThe government will issue a step-by-step guide for workers on what to do if they are worried a child is being sexually exploited as part of an action plan on the issue, it was announced today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117816/ukbas-family-returns-panel-makes-the-process-more-humane.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117816/ukbas-family-returns-panel-makes-the-process-more-humane.htmlThe days when children could be detained with their families at Yarl's Wood immigration removal centre, sometimes for more than two months, are still current in most people's memories. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117815/mps-undecided-over-abolition-of-yjb.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117815/mps-undecided-over-abolition-of-yjb.htmlThe House of Commons' justice select committee has made a number of proposals on the scrapping of the Youth Justice Board, although it has expressed no united opinion on the YJB's future. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117814/care-worker-who-gave-child-alcohol-struck-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117814/care-worker-who-gave-child-alcohol-struck-off.htmlA residential child care worker who poured alcohol into a 15-year-old service user's soft drink and applied fake tan to another child's torso has been struck off for breaching professional boundaries. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117807/ofsted-praises-adoption-panels-despite-abolition-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117807/ofsted-praises-adoption-panels-despite-abolition-plans.html Ofsted has praised the work of adoption panels after the Family Justice Review recommended they should be scrapped. The watchdog's annual report, published...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/22/117789/childrens-homes-struggle-to-provide-care-and-education-on-the-premises.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/22/117789/childrens-homes-struggle-to-provide-care-and-education-on-the-premises.htmlDespite Ofsted's feared new inspection regime and a tough economic climate, children's homes are mostly improving. Judy Cooper reports on the effect of inspections on outcomes Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/22/117803/children-forced-into-contact-with-violent-parents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/22/117803/children-forced-into-contact-with-violent-parents.htmlChildren removed from homes where domestic violence was present are being forced to stay in contact with violent parents against their will, according to a report published by Refuge and the NSPCC. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117779/are-riot-related-social-housing-evictions-just-empty-threats.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117779/are-riot-related-social-housing-evictions-just-empty-threats.htmlSocial housing providers talked tough after the summer street disturbances. Samantha Thorp asks whether they were empty threats http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117795/uk-childrens-commissioners-want-review-of-effect-of-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117795/uk-childrens-commissioners-want-review-of-effect-of-cuts.htmlThe four UK Children's Commissioners have called for an urgent reassessment of the impact of government spending cuts on the needs of vulnerable children. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117791/government-orders-rapid-review-of-adoption.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117791/government-orders-rapid-review-of-adoption.htmlThe government has ordered the Treasury to conduct a "rapid review" of adoption focused on speeding up the process and increasing the number of adoptions from care, Community Care has learned. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117784/health-and-munro-reforms-to-be-integrated.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117784/health-and-munro-reforms-to-be-integrated.htmlThe Department of Health is working with the Department for Education to integrate health reforms with proposals from Eileen Munro's review of child protection. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117781/can-councils-still-afford-to-house-care-leavers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117781/can-councils-still-afford-to-house-care-leavers.htmlLegislation to improve the lot of children leaving care needs to be backed by money, finds Joe LepperThu, 17 Nov 2011 00:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117774/social-workers-find-new-child-protection-assessments-scary.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117774/social-workers-find-new-child-protection-assessments-scary.htmlMany social workers find moving away from a tick box approach to child protection assessments “scary”, according to one of the first councils to answer the Munro Review's call for less bureaucracy and centralisation. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117770/social-workers-urged-to-forge-closer-links-with-sure-start.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117770/social-workers-urged-to-forge-closer-links-with-sure-start.htmlChildren’s social workers need to work closer with Sure Start children's centres for parenting support to have a significant impact on child protection, according to a sector expert. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117763/most-social-workers-threatened-in-past-six-months.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117763/most-social-workers-threatened-in-past-six-months.htmlNearly two-thirds of children's social workers have been threatened by hostile or intimidating parents in the past six months, a survey by Community Care and children's services consultancy Reconstruct of more than 600 workers has found. Many had received multiple threats. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117759/the-impact-of-hostile-parents-on-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117759/the-impact-of-hostile-parents-on-social-workers.htmlCommunity Care and Reconstruct's survey of social workers has revealed the full extent of the damage to morale caused by interaction with aggressive service users, writes Judy Cooper Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117761/social-workers-want-guidelines-to-help-with-hostile-parents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117761/social-workers-want-guidelines-to-help-with-hostile-parents.htmlChildren's social workers want national guidelines to help them cope with hostile and intimidating parents, according to a survey ­carried out by Community Care and Reconstruct. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117762/councils-accused-duty-of-care-breach-over-hostile-parents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117762/councils-accused-duty-of-care-breach-over-hostile-parents.htmlCouncils have been accused of breaching their duty of care to social workers following the results of a Community Care and children's services consultancy Reconstruct survey of more than 600 frontline workers about dealing with hostile and intimidating parents. ...Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/15/117765/independent-social-workers-being-forced-out-of-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/15/117765/independent-social-workers-being-forced-out-of-system.htmlIndependent social workers are seeking a meeting with children's minister Tim Loughton after claiming they are being systematically forced out of the child protection systemTue, 15 Nov 2011 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/15/117760/most-young-runaways-invisible-to-professionals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/15/117760/most-young-runaways-invisible-to-professionals.htmlTwo-thirds of children who run away from home or care are "invisible" to professionals, according to the latest research by The Children's Society.Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/15/117756/councils-fail-to-keep-figures-on-missing-children-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/15/117756/councils-fail-to-keep-figures-on-missing-children-in-care.htmlCouncils across the country are flouting their legal duties by ­failing to keep accurate records of children missing from care, a Community Care investigation has revealed. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117750/book-review-how-to-think-about-caring-for-a-child-with-difficult-behaviour.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117750/book-review-how-to-think-about-caring-for-a-child-with-difficult-behaviour.htmlI wish I had written this book, writes Lynn Baxter! It is an excellent handbook for foster carers and adoptive parents in particular, but all child care workers and parents would benefit from it. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117749/book-reviews-understanding-and-working-with-parents-of-children-in-long-term-foster-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117749/book-reviews-understanding-and-working-with-parents-of-children-in-long-term-foster-care.htmlMore relevant for less experienced workers or students, there is nothing in this book that empathetic and experienced social workers would not know already.Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117751/welfare-rights-disabled-children-face-slide-into-poverty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117751/welfare-rights-disabled-children-face-slide-into-poverty.html The proposed introduction of universal credit, replacing income support, tax credits and housing benefit, from 2013 could massively affect social work practice, writes Gary Vaux One particular change will cost some families with a disabled child up to £1,400 a year - and these families are already more likely to be in poverty and using social services support. The Welfare Reform Bill is now going through parliament so these proposals could change but this seems unlikely, despite furious lobbying from disabled children's charities and parents. At present, children who receive any rate of disability living allowance (DLA) are also entitled to up to two additional sums of money from child tax credits (CTC). Under universal credit, however, families will be entitled to only one additional sum of money. For the most severely disabled children this will still equate to a similar amount. Those with severe visual impairments may even gain significantly. But those who do not...Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117745/using-music-to-tackle-gang-culture-and-mental-ill-health-in-london.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117745/using-music-to-tackle-gang-culture-and-mental-ill-health-in-london.htmlA scheme looking to integrate gang members into society after tackling their mental health problems is having some impressive results, reports Jackie Cosh Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117747/social-works-most-influential-thinkers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117747/social-works-most-influential-thinkers.htmlWho are the people whose ideas have done the most to shape the nature of social work? Community Care profiles some of the profession's most influential brain boxes http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117740/campaign-to-boost-recruitment-in-childrens-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117740/campaign-to-boost-recruitment-in-childrens-social-work.htmlA campaign across 15 councils in northern England is looking to boost recruitment for children's social work roles. Kirsty McGregor reports Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117738/quarter-of-babies-at-risk-of-maltreatment-from-parents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117738/quarter-of-babies-at-risk-of-maltreatment-from-parents.htmlOne in four babies in Britain is at risk of abuse because their home life is violent or their parents have mental health or drug problems, according to research by the NSPCC. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117735/mps-hear-scie-chief-call-basw-unethical-in-college-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117735/mps-hear-scie-chief-call-basw-unethical-in-college-row.htmlThe row over the creation of the College of Social Work deepened today as the British Association of Social Workers was accused of "unethical" and "unprincipled" behaviour by Allan Bowman (pictured), the chair of the Social Care Institute for Excellence. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/08/117734/council-improves-its-failing-child-safeguarding-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/08/117734/council-improves-its-failing-child-safeguarding-services.htmlEssex Council has turned around its failing child safeguarding services and is now rated adequate by Ofsted, according to the watchdog's annual children's services assessments. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117733/social-worker-struck-off-after-falsifying-record.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117733/social-worker-struck-off-after-falsifying-record.htmlA social worker who misled his employer about a 2010 conduct hearing and obtained work using a false reference has been struck off the social care register. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/07/117729/council-to-ease-staff-pressure-as-protection-fears-surface.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/07/117729/council-to-ease-staff-pressure-as-protection-fears-surface.htmlCardiff Council has said it is easing the pressure on its children's social workers after a leaked document highlighted concerns among staff that high workloads. (Picture: Rex, stressed social worker, model released).Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117711/practice-panel-are-the-children-at-risk-of-neglect-and-emotional-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117711/practice-panel-are-the-children-at-risk-of-neglect-and-emotional-abuse.htmlExperts offer advice on how to help young children suffering the fall-out from their parents' violent rows and neglect http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117710/researchsafeguarding-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117710/researchsafeguarding-disabled-children.htmlChildren with disabilities are still thought to suffer more abuse than their non-disabled peers, writes Chris Osborne who highlights the indicators practitioners ought to be aware of http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117714/community-care-moves-to-an-online-future.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117714/community-care-moves-to-an-online-future.htmlCommunity Care takes the difficult decision to close the print magazine and focus all its energy and resources on supporting social care professionals online. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117715/social-workers-confused-over-college-and-gscc-roles.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117715/social-workers-confused-over-college-and-gscc-roles.htmlDespite the imminent formation of the College of Social Work many social workers and social work students do not know the difference between a regulator and a professional body. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/03/117704/family-justice-review-wants-to-eliminate-shocking-delays.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/03/117704/family-justice-review-wants-to-eliminate-shocking-delays.htmlSocial workers and courts will be expected to complete care cases in no longer than six months, if recommendations made by the Family Justice Review, led by David Norgrove (pictured) are accepted by government. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117700/high-social-work-caseloads-blamed-for-council-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117700/high-social-work-caseloads-blamed-for-council-failings.htmlThe man brought in to turn around children's social care in Kent has said that high caseloads were a significant reason why the council's services were deemed inadequate by Ofsted last December.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117696/children-in-care-to-gain-savings-head-start.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117696/children-in-care-to-gain-savings-head-start.htmlChildren who have been looked-after for more than one year are to be given individual savings accounts, each with an initial payment of £200, the Department for Education announced today. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117693/social-workers-criticise-quality-of-work-by-guardians.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117693/social-workers-criticise-quality-of-work-by-guardians.htmlSocial workers say their relationship with court guardians is close to breaking point and having a direct impact on their ability to support and protect children. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117690/government-publishes-crude-adoption-league-tables.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117690/government-publishes-crude-adoption-league-tables.htmlThe government has published league tables which, for the first time, rank local authorities on how quickly they are placing children for adoption. (picture Rex, posed by models) Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117682/empathy-and-neuroscience-powerful-tools-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117682/empathy-and-neuroscience-powerful-tools-for-social-workers.htmlNeuroscience has revealed that social work skills can help rectify developmental damage to children's brains. Professor David Shemmings explains Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117680/protecting-looked-after-children-from-cyber-bullying.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117680/protecting-looked-after-children-from-cyber-bullying.htmlProfessionals need to be proactive if they are to prevent children's misuse of social media websites, writes Professor Helen Cowie http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117678/preventing-placement-breakdown-among-looked-after-children-with-complex-mental-health-needs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117678/preventing-placement-breakdown-among-looked-after-children-with-complex-mental-health-needs.htmlA team-around-the-child solution is preventing placement breakdown among looked-after children with complex mental health needs, reports Louise Hunt Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117676/social-workers-key-to-keeping-children-out-of-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117676/social-workers-key-to-keeping-children-out-of-care.htmlOfsted has backed the importance of the social worker relationship with families, finding it is the most effective way to prevent children from entering care. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117668/social-workers-underestimate-the-fragility-of-babies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117668/social-workers-underestimate-the-fragility-of-babies.htmlSocial workers and other professionals are not always quick enough in their response to concerns about children under a year old because they underestimate the fragility of babies, according to an evaluation of serious case reviews. (Picture: Rex Features) Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117666/council-must-pay-320000-for-child-abuse-in-1990s.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117666/council-must-pay-320000-for-child-abuse-in-1990s.htmlA council has been found liable for the sexual abuse of four children by their father spanning 15 years because of poor social work. The High Court in London (pictured) ordered the authority to pay £320,000 damages.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/25/117664/talking-therapies-for-children-receive-32m-boost.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/25/117664/talking-therapies-for-children-receive-32m-boost.htmlThe government has announced a £32 million investment in psychological therapies, including talking therapies, for children and young people with mental health problems.Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117657/how-well-should-social-workers-know-their-holy-books.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117657/how-well-should-social-workers-know-their-holy-books.htmlSocial workers need to know how the use of key religious texts can influence how parents bring up their children if they wish to devise effective protection strategies, says Natalie Valios http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117656/tips-on-writing-welfare-reports-in-private-law-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117656/tips-on-writing-welfare-reports-in-private-law-cases.htmlA rise in care applications and private law cases means more social workers are being asked to provide courts with welfare reports.Matthew Burman gives some guidance on what is expected http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117661/ofsted-could-accompany-social-workers-on-child-visits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117661/ofsted-could-accompany-social-workers-on-child-visits.htmlSocial workers could soon be accompanied by Ofsted inspectors when carrying out visits to children, Ofsted has revealed. John Goldup (pictured), Ofsted's director of social care, said the practice would help inspectors gauge the standard of services provided to children and families. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117655/dealing-with-sexually-harmful-behaviour-in-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117655/dealing-with-sexually-harmful-behaviour-in-children.htmlUnderstanding the child perpetrator's and victim's notion of sex is key if harmful behaviour is to be averted, reports Samantha Thorphttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117642/gove-urges-social-workers-to-act-earlier-to-protect-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117642/gove-urges-social-workers-to-act-earlier-to-protect-children.htmlSocial workers are failing to intervene in the lives of troubled children because they fear intense criticism from the public and the media, education secretary Michael Gove (left) has claimed. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/21/117643/dramatic-rise-in-child-protection-vacancies-in-nhs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/21/117643/dramatic-rise-in-child-protection-vacancies-in-nhs.htmlVacancy rates in NHS child protection posts are rising dramatically a survey of local safeguarding children boards has found. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117637/a-third-of-disabled-children-missing-out-on-holiday-childcare.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117637/a-third-of-disabled-children-missing-out-on-holiday-childcare.htmlOne in three parents of disabled children received no holiday childcare during summer 2011, according to a survey conducted by KIDS in partnership with Mencap. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117639/social-workers-are-central-to-childrens-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117639/social-workers-are-central-to-childrens-personalisation.htmlSocial workers should have a key role in the personalisation agenda for disabled children to ensure the needs of families do not eclipse the needs of children, according to the Council for Disabled Children. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/20/117634/adoption-template-will-highlight-best-practice-locally.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/20/117634/adoption-template-will-highlight-best-practice-locally.html The government is about to publish an "adoption template" highlighting good practice around the country, the children's minister has revealed. Speaking at the National Children and Adult Services conference, Tim Loughton said he had become frustrated by varying practice around the country and wanted to encourage authorities to "learn from each other". "Everything we need for a perfect adoption system is happening already, but in different parts of the country," Loughton said. "It's not rocket science. I want everyone to take the initiative and learn from each other to deliver better services." He said he was concerned about the "lack of sharing" among authorities. "Often I'll find an excellent initiative happening in one local authority and discover the neighbouring authority has no idea about it. Why is that happening?" he asked. The document, which Loughton said he would publish shortly, will highlight best practice, based on information gathered by the minister and civil...Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/20/117631/lscbs-to-be-reminded-of-duty-to-publish-scrs-in-full.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/20/117631/lscbs-to-be-reminded-of-duty-to-publish-scrs-in-full.htmlChildren's minister Tim Loughton is to write to local safeguarding children boards (LSCBs) reminding them of their duty to publish serious case reviews in full in the near future. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/20/117632/government-still-undecided-on-early-intervention-duty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/20/117632/government-still-undecided-on-early-intervention-duty.htmlThe government is still undecided on whether to create a legal duty on councils to provide earlier intervention to families in need, as recommended by Professor Eileen Munro in her review of the child protection system in England. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117629/make-clients-apple-of-your-eye-public-services-urged.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117629/make-clients-apple-of-your-eye-public-services-urged.htmlPublic services should think more like technology giant Apple and make client needs the top priority, Sir Michael Bichard, told the National Children and Adult Services Conference in London.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117627/call-to-curb-scrutiny-powers-of-family-court-judges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117627/call-to-curb-scrutiny-powers-of-family-court-judges.htmlFamily court judges should have their powers of scrutiny limited to core decisions, such as whether to take a child into care, kinship arrangements and permanency planning, according to a major report on the family justice system due out soon.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117612/bringing-adopted-children-together.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117612/bringing-adopted-children-together.htmlA project that brings together young adopted people to share their experiences is finding that anxiety and feelings of isolation are reduced while participants' self-esteem grows. Jackie Cosh reports http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117609/councils-pressurise-foster-carers-to-become-special-guardians.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117609/councils-pressurise-foster-carers-to-become-special-guardians.htmlFoster carers are facing increasing pressure to become special guardians as local authorities try to balance their budgets, Community Care has learned. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117602/social-workers-misread-ghanaian-culture-in-baby-death-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117602/social-workers-misread-ghanaian-culture-in-baby-death-case.htmlSocial workers failed to understand the Ghanaian cultural values attached to weight and size in the case of a 10-month-old baby who died after her mother force fed her, a serious case review has concluded. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117606/action-for-children-sounds-alarm-over-rise-in-demand.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117606/action-for-children-sounds-alarm-over-rise-in-demand.htmlAlmost half (48%) of all Action for Children services have reported rises in the number of children and families needing support over the past three months according to its latest report. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117604/will-living-in-isolation-help-boy-of-14-with-sexually-harmful-behaviour.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117604/will-living-in-isolation-help-boy-of-14-with-sexually-harmful-behaviour.htmlA boy of 14 with a history of sexual abuse is to be housed in isolation. But will this affect his social and emotional development? Mark Drinkwater reportshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117603/how-do-you-measure-the-relationship-between-a-social-worker-and-a-child.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117603/how-do-you-measure-the-relationship-between-a-social-worker-and-a-child.htmlChildren's services are being urged to focus on outcomes, but Judy Cooper asks how can success be gauged Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117601/research-working-with-fathers-with-a-history-of-domestic-violence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117601/research-working-with-fathers-with-a-history-of-domestic-violence.htmlSocial work academic Dr Kieron Hatton examines research on social work with fathers who have carried out domestic violence Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/12/117594/foster-children-locked-out-of-home-until-carer-returns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/12/117594/foster-children-locked-out-of-home-until-carer-returns.htmlFoster children are being locked out of their homes after school until their carer returns from work, the Department for Education has revealed. (Picture: Rex Features, posed by model)Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117592/better-information-sharing-could-have-saved-girl-finds-scr.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117592/better-information-sharing-could-have-saved-girl-finds-scr.htmlThe death of a five-year-old girl might have been prevented if there had been better information-sharing between agencies, a serious case review has found. Gabrielle Grady, aged five, died after her father, Chris Grady, deliberately drove a car in which she and her younger brother, Ryan, two, were passengers into a river in Worcestershire in February 2010.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117587/local-safeguarding-boards-in-wales-fail-to-evidence-their-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117587/local-safeguarding-boards-in-wales-fail-to-evidence-their-work.html Local safeguarding children boards in Wales are failing to evidence their child protection work and need stronger leadership and accountability. This...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117562/the-family-dimension-to-adhd-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117562/the-family-dimension-to-adhd-cases.htmlAwareness of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder varies but, if the condition is suspected, social workers would do well to look at the whole family context, writes Gordon Carson http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117579/mp-criticises-government-obsession-with-adoptions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117579/mp-criticises-government-obsession-with-adoptions.htmlJohn Hemmings MP (left) has accused the government of being "obsessed" with adoption while ignoring other permanency orders for children, despite not knowing how many adoptions end up breaking down. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117581/larger-childrens-homes-would-help-keep-siblings-together.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117581/larger-childrens-homes-would-help-keep-siblings-together.htmlLarger children's homes had several benefits. Among them was the ability to accommodate siblings. A German model could provide the template for their revival, writes former Care Leavers' Association president Phil Frampton http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117568/30k-more-disabled-children-in-poverty-than-previously-thought.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117568/30k-more-disabled-children-in-poverty-than-previously-thought.htmlThere are more than 30,000 more disabled children living in poverty in the UK than had been previously estimated by the government, according to The Children's Society. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117574/book-review-using-the-law-in-social-work-5th-edition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117574/book-review-using-the-law-in-social-work-5th-edition.htmlFor new social work students, the fifth edition of Using the Law in Social Work gives a good basic introductory overview of the main legal issues. It is not designed or suitable for detailed legal reference, but has good suggestions for further reading, writes Linda Naylor http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117572/social-worker-suspended-after-child-protection-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117572/social-worker-suspended-after-child-protection-failings.htmlA social worker who allowed a man under investigation for sexual abuse to stay at a house where children were living has been suspended for nine months.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117563/technology-to-keep-looked-after-children-safe-online.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117563/technology-to-keep-looked-after-children-safe-online.htmlOnline exploitation of children in care has become a major issue, reports Camilla Pemberton. But technology itself can provide part of the answerThu, 06 Oct 2011 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/05/117555/children-miss-out-on-short-breaks-due-to-funding-confusion.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/05/117555/children-miss-out-on-short-breaks-due-to-funding-confusion.htmlChildren with epilepsy, or other conditions causing fits, are missing out on short breaks due to confusion over whether funding should be provided by local authorities or primary care trusts, according to Every Disabled Child Matters.Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117548/council-wants-to-charge-parents-who-put-children-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117548/council-wants-to-charge-parents-who-put-children-in-care.htmlParents who put their children into care could soon be forced to foot the bill, under plans being considered by a council in England. (Picture posed by model, credit Rex Features). http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117540/social-services-failing-to-support-older-teenagers-who-may-be-homeless.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117540/social-services-failing-to-support-older-teenagers-who-may-be-homeless.htmlChild S lived in Manchester for 10 months when he was found hanged in bed and breakfast accommodation. Born in Eastern Europe he came to England at the age of 16 with his father to find work. But by the time he arrived in Manchester he had been abandoned, was unable to speak English and had no money. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117536/social-workers-struggle-with-hostile-and-intimidating-parents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117536/social-workers-struggle-with-hostile-and-intimidating-parents.htmlRecent serious case reviews have concluded that social workers struggle to deal with hostile and intimidating parents. Jim Wild explains why a national response is needed. Plus, take our survey on the issue to help map the extent of the problem. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117545/prison-bullying-linked-to-suicides-in-custody.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117545/prison-bullying-linked-to-suicides-in-custody.htmlMore effective reporting and recording of bullying among prisoners must be implemented to reduce the number of suicides within custody, according to a report issued today. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117535/research-assessing-risk-in-domestic-violence-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117535/research-assessing-risk-in-domestic-violence-cases.htmlCommunity Care Inform looks at the implications of research into specialist domestic violence risk assessment for safeguarding and family court work. By Thangam Debbonairehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117538/is-it-unethical-to-publish-adoption-photos-on-the-web.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117538/is-it-unethical-to-publish-adoption-photos-on-the-web.htmlIs it unethical to publish the photos of children waiting for adoption on the internet? Claudia Megele argues it is http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117534/serious-case-reviews-adding-to-paperwork-overload.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117534/serious-case-reviews-adding-to-paperwork-overload.htmlSerious case reviews (SCRs) are adding to the overload of paperwork and bureaucracy surrounding social workers and other professionals involved in child protection, according to a study published today.Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117533/ofsted-a-quarter-of-councils-not-protecting-children-adequately.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117533/ofsted-a-quarter-of-councils-not-protecting-children-adequately.htmlAlmost a quarter of local authorities are not adequately protecting children in their area according to latest Ofsted figures.Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117507/childrens-spending-on-guardianship-orders-rises-sharply.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117507/childrens-spending-on-guardianship-orders-rises-sharply.htmlCouncil spending on special guardianship orders is set to increase massively this year, sparking concerns it is at the expense of adoption support. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117516/more-children-on-protection-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117516/more-children-on-protection-plans.htmlThe number of children on child protecton plans in England has risen by 8% since last year, while the number of children in care has gone up by 2%. The rises confirm fears that councils are facing a perfect storm of rising costs for children at risk and slashed budgets.Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117515/adoptions-continue-to-fall-as-children-in-care-rise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117515/adoptions-continue-to-fall-as-children-in-care-rise.htmlThe number of adoptions has again plummeted in England, according to figures from the Department for Education.Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117506/asylum-seeking-children-and-family-support-suffer-most-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117506/asylum-seeking-children-and-family-support-suffer-most-cuts.htmlAsylum-seeking children and children in need will suffer the biggest cuts in spending over the next year, according to statistics that reveal for the first time how much councils plan to spend on children's social care in England during 2011-12. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117508/spending-on-disabled-childrens-services-rises-sharply.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117508/spending-on-disabled-childrens-services-rises-sharply.htmlCouncil spending is set to increase on services for disabled children despite initial fears they could be vulnerable after the ending of ring-fenced budgets. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117510/spending-on-child-death-reviews-set-to-double.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117510/spending-on-child-death-reviews-set-to-double.htmlSpending on serious case reviews and child death overviews will more than double over the next year, according to council budget data. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117496/how-easy-will-it-be-to-scrap-child-protection-assessment-deadlines.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117496/how-easy-will-it-be-to-scrap-child-protection-assessment-deadlines.htmlThe mandatory timescales on child protection assessments are to end but some managers are worried about how to implement the new procedures. Daniel Lombard reports on the way forward Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/117499/how-do-i-explain-my-child-protection-role-to-a-child.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/117499/how-do-i-explain-my-child-protection-role-to-a-child.htmlSocial workers often struggle to explain to children their safeguarding role. Consultant social worker Joanna Nicolas provides some tips Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117503/suspended-social-worker-was-too-close-to-child-and-mother.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117503/suspended-social-worker-was-too-close-to-child-and-mother.htmlA social worker who became too involved with a child in her care and treated the child's mother "as she would a family member" has been suspended for a yearhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117498/supporting-learning-disabled-parents-to-keep-their-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117498/supporting-learning-disabled-parents-to-keep-their-children.htmlOften the most controversial child protection cases appearing in the media are those concerning learning disabled parents whose children have been taken into care. These stories are often sensationalist and rarely convey the full facts of a case.Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117490/recruitment-problems-hamper-bid-to-remodel-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117490/recruitment-problems-hamper-bid-to-remodel-social-work.htmlAttempts to remodel social work in several English councils were hampered by limited resources and difficulties in recruiting and retaining social workers, but have been successful in embedding better practice. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117491/camhs-cuts-see-younger-children-miss-out-on-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117491/camhs-cuts-see-younger-children-miss-out-on-support.htmlPrimary school-age children with mental health problems will bare the brunt of cuts to child and adolescent mental health services, experts are warning. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117486/31-councils-to-trial-sen-and-disabilities-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117486/31-councils-to-trial-sen-and-disabilities-reforms.htmlThe proposed single assessment and care plan for children with special educational needs and disabilities will be among proposals piloted by 20 pathfinders, the government announced today. Thirty-one local authorities and primary care trust partners will be involved.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117483/conduct-and-retention-concerns-over-childrens-homes-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117483/conduct-and-retention-concerns-over-childrens-homes-staff.htmlResidential child care in Wales has experienced "significant turnover" and a disproportionate number of conduct referrals since the introduction of mandatory registration, the Care Council for Wales reveals in its annual review.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117481/college-of-social-work-to-launch-without-basw.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117481/college-of-social-work-to-launch-without-basw.htmlThe College of Social Work will formally launch on 3 January next year, without the support of the British Association of Social Workers. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117480/protocol-on-managing-children-who-sexually-harm.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117480/protocol-on-managing-children-who-sexually-harm.htmlA protocol on managing children who display sexually harmful behaviour is being developed in Wales after the Cardiff government identified the need for a nationwide response.Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117471/call-for-private-investors-to-fund-early-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117471/call-for-private-investors-to-fund-early-intervention.htmlPrivate investment in early intervention could save £40,000 a year on supporting each "chaotic" family, according to a report by wealth manager Barclays Wealth and New Philanthropy Capital.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117452/effect-of-early-trauma-on-parenting-skills.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117452/effect-of-early-trauma-on-parenting-skills.htmlEarly-life traumatic experiences can affect a parent's ability to cope if proper closure is not reached. Gordon Carson explores this often overlooked issue Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117449/why-do-young-carers-fail-to-use-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117449/why-do-young-carers-fail-to-use-services.htmlMany young carers are not using the services available to them. Independent researcher Berni Graham looks at one council's investigation of why this is the case.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117469/tory-mp-plans-network-to-help-parents-bond-with-babies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117469/tory-mp-plans-network-to-help-parents-bond-with-babies.htmlConservative MP Andrea Leadsom has announced plans to create a national network of charitable parenting projects to offer intensive support to parents unable to bond with their babies. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117458/childrens-unit-uses-video-to-encourage-reflective-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117458/childrens-unit-uses-video-to-encourage-reflective-practice.htmlA children's home in Scotland has become the first to use video to encourage reflective practice. Jackie Cosh reports http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117460/books-to-help-children-deal-with-loss-and-bereavement.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117460/books-to-help-children-deal-with-loss-and-bereavement.htmlCommunity Care has compiled a collection of books written to help children deal with loss and bereavement. Some were recommended by experts, others were chosen by our followers on Twitter Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117462/number-of-adoptions-increases-in-wales.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117462/number-of-adoptions-increases-in-wales.htmlA decline in the adoption rate in Wales has been halted, according to latest figures. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117454/violent-relationships-common-among-disadvantaged-teenagers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117454/violent-relationships-common-among-disadvantaged-teenagers.htmlHalf of disadvantaged teenage girls have been attacked while in a violent relationship, according to latest research. ...Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117447/family-intervention-projects-report-success-despite-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117447/family-intervention-projects-report-success-despite-cuts.htmlThe number of vulnerable families being offered support through a family intervention project (FIP) almost doubled in the past year, according to latest figures. (Picture posed by models, Alamy)Thu, 15 Sep 2011 09:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117429/lscb-good-practice-not-dependent-on-resources-says-ofsted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117429/lscb-good-practice-not-dependent-on-resources-says-ofsted.htmlGood practice at local safeguarding children boards (LSCBs) is not dependent on having plentiful resources, according to a report published by Ofsted today (15 September). Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117445/social-worker-denies-rape-and-sexual-assault.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117445/social-worker-denies-rape-and-sexual-assault.htmlA social worker has vehemently denied allegations that he repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted a child in his care in the 1990s.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117438/third-of-councils-no-longer-run-or-own-childrens-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117438/third-of-councils-no-longer-run-or-own-childrens-homes.htmlMore than one-third of English councils no longer own or run any mainstream children's homes, a Community Care investigation has found, raising doubts about the future of local authority provision. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117440/70000-more-families-with-disabled-children-hit-by-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117440/70000-more-families-with-disabled-children-hit-by-cuts.htmlSeventy thousand more families with disabled children than first thought will see their benefits slashed under Welfare Reform Bill plans, government figures have revealed. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117433/invest-in-support-for-child-sex-victims-and-save-money.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117433/invest-in-support-for-child-sex-victims-and-save-money.htmlEvery pound invested in specialist support for child victims of sexual exploitation saves taxpayers £12, according to a latest Barnardo's report. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117436/scie-launches-mental-health-tool-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117436/scie-launches-mental-health-tool-for-social-workers.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence (Scie) has released a training package to help social workers better understand the needs of parents with mental health problems. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117437/register-of-restorative-justice-experts-is-launched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117437/register-of-restorative-justice-experts-is-launched.htmlThe Restorative Justice Council (RJC) has launched the UK's first register of restorative justice experts. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117428/councils-cant-blame-cuts-for-decline-in-disability-provision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117428/councils-cant-blame-cuts-for-decline-in-disability-provision.htmlCouncils cannot blame government cuts for their failure to protect social care services, according to research that found some authorities were maintaining provision despite deep cuts. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117426/benefits-cap-will-plunge-200000-children-deeper-into-poverty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117426/benefits-cap-will-plunge-200000-children-deeper-into-poverty.htmlAbout 200,000 children will be plunged deeper into poverty under the government's proposed benefits cap, according to latest analysis by The Children's Society.Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/11/117409/how-restorative-justice-can-improve-relationships-in-childrens-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/11/117409/how-restorative-justice-can-improve-relationships-in-childrens-homes.htmlRestorative justice can be effective in developing empathy in troubled young people. Camilla Pemberton looks at one model being used in children's homes Sun, 11 Sep 2011 00:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117413/how-social-workers-can-overcome-cultural-barriers-to-client-dialogue.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117413/how-social-workers-can-overcome-cultural-barriers-to-client-dialogue.htmlGordon Carson looks at the ways social workers can overcome language, cultural and religious barriers to dialogue http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117408/social-work-must-embrace-theory-if-munro-ideas-are-to-succeed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117408/social-work-must-embrace-theory-if-munro-ideas-are-to-succeed.htmlA tendency to disregard theory could damage implementation of Professor Munro's report, argues Claudia Megele http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117415/interim-childrens-chief-for-failing-council-balances-two-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117415/interim-childrens-chief-for-failing-council-balances-two-jobs.htmlThe interim director of children's services appointed to failing city council Peterborough will be juggling two jobs while trying to turn safeguarding services around. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117411/8.5m-to-implement-munro-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117411/8.5m-to-implement-munro-review.htmlThe Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC) has allocated £8.5m to implementing the findings of Eileen Munro's (pictured) review of child protection.Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117412/child-care-worker-struck-off-after-sex-and-alcohol-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117412/child-care-worker-struck-off-after-sex-and-alcohol-case.htmlA residential child care worker who allowed a girl with known "sexualised behaviour" to spend a night alone with a man in a caravan has been struck off.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117401/legal-aid-bill-could-leave-thousands-of-children-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117401/legal-aid-bill-could-leave-thousands-of-children-at-risk.htmlThe Legal Aid Bill, if approved, would exclude at least 6,000 children from receiving legal support, according to The Children's Society. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/05/117395/confidential-child-protection-files-ended-up-in-shop.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/05/117395/confidential-child-protection-files-ended-up-in-shop.htmlThe Information Commissioner has criticised Scotland's child protection and youth justice body after nine confidential case files were found in a cabinet bought from a shop. Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117386/can-boarding-schools-help-prevent-children-being-taken-into-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117386/can-boarding-schools-help-prevent-children-being-taken-into-care.htmlProfessionals are being urged to consider boarding schools as an early intervention method for children on the edge of care, with Kent Council leading the way. Daniel Lombard reports http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/04/117389/interviewing-children-good-practice-in-sweden.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/04/117389/interviewing-children-good-practice-in-sweden.htmlSome social care experts say the UK is failing children interviewed as part of criminal investigations. Liz Davies, reader in child protection at London Metropolitan University, thinks we have a lot to learn from the Swedish system Sun, 04 Sep 2011 00:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117385/i-changed-my-mind-social-workers-are-not-the-enemy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117385/i-changed-my-mind-social-workers-are-not-the-enemy.htmlParents can feel threatened by social workers knocking on their door, leading to communication breakdown and obstructive behaviour. Camilla Pemberton asks one such parent why she changed her mind about social workers http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117374/research-on-the-effectiveness-of-the-common-assessment-framework.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117374/research-on-the-effectiveness-of-the-common-assessment-framework.htmlCharlotte McEvoy and Susannah Bowyer explore the arguments for using the Common Assessment Framework http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117391/benefits-upheaval-will-damage-foster-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117391/benefits-upheaval-will-damage-foster-care.htmlThousands of foster carers could be forced to give up fostering if government plans to shake up the benefits system go ahead, the Fostering Network has warned. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117378/e-petition-signals-call-to-reinstate-childrens-homes-body.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117378/e-petition-signals-call-to-reinstate-childrens-homes-body.htmlPressure is mounting on the government to reinstate the National Centre for Excellence in Residential Child Care, or a body with a similar remit, as an e-petition is launched on the No 10 website.Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117372/adults-staff-should-use-caf-in-family-mental-health-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117372/adults-staff-should-use-caf-in-family-mental-health-cases.htmlAdults' social workers should be encouraged to use the common assessment framework (CAF) to improve support for families with adults who have mental health problems, the Social Care Institute for Excellence (Scie) has said.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117368/legal-claims-on-council-social-care-policies-up-by-45.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117368/legal-claims-on-council-social-care-policies-up-by-45.htmlThe number of legal challenges to council social care policies rose by 45% last year and more are being successful, an investigation by Community Care has revealed. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117360/welfare-changes-could-cost-young-carers-3500-a-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117360/welfare-changes-could-cost-young-carers-3500-a-year.htmlThousands of young carers and their families could lose more than £3,500 a year under proposed welfare reforms, according to The Children's Society.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/30/117361/6m-funding-boost-for-new-family-intervention-projects.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/30/117361/6m-funding-boost-for-new-family-intervention-projects.htmlThe government has announced an extra £6m per year to fund the development of intensive family intervention programmes across 37 local authorities. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/30/117358/social-impact-bonds-for-troubled-families-launched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/30/117358/social-impact-bonds-for-troubled-families-launched.htmlThe government has introduced social impact bonds to help turn around troubled families. The bonds were championed earlier this year by the MP Graham Allen (pictured) in his report on early intervention. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117356/number-of-short-breaks-more-than-doubles-in-three-years.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117356/number-of-short-breaks-more-than-doubles-in-three-years.html The number of disabled children receiving short breaks more than doubled between April 2008 and March 2011, with rises in every area of the country, In...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/26/117355/pressure-mounts-on-ministers-to-save-youth-justice-board.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/26/117355/pressure-mounts-on-ministers-to-save-youth-justice-board.htmlSpeculation about the future of the Youth Justice Board is growing as ministers face mounting pressure to halt plans for its abolition next year. Picture: Rex FeaturesFri, 26 Aug 2011 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117345/successful-fostering-of-black-and-ethnic-minority-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117345/successful-fostering-of-black-and-ethnic-minority-children.htmlCommunity Care Inform and the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) examine the arguments for placing children according to their cultural backgrounds. By Savita De Sousa, Roana Roach and Jacqui Lawrencehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117340/one-third-of-sexual-exploitation-victims-are-looked-after.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117340/one-third-of-sexual-exploitation-victims-are-looked-after.htmlNearly one-third of children who are sexually exploited in England are looked-after, according to Barnardo's.Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/19/117335/scr-professionals-could-not-have-predicted-child-stabbing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/19/117335/scr-professionals-could-not-have-predicted-child-stabbing.htmlChild protection professionals acted correctly in the case of an 11-month girl stabbed to death by her mother last year, a serious case review concludes today. Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117330/how-social-workers-can-spot-sex-abusers-attempts-to-manipulate.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117330/how-social-workers-can-spot-sex-abusers-attempts-to-manipulate.htmlSex abusers often use the same manipulation techniques on pracititioners as on their victims. Molly Garboden reports Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117327/campaigners-warn-over-naming-and-shaming-of-young-rioters.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117327/campaigners-warn-over-naming-and-shaming-of-young-rioters.htmlNaming and shaming young people involved in the riots across England will hamper their chances of rehabilitation and will fuel vigilante action, campaigners have warned. Thu, 18 Aug 2011 09:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117326/council-strips-social-workers-union-of-recognition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117326/council-strips-social-workers-union-of-recognition.htmlPlymouth Council has stripped local Unison officials of their negotiating powers after the two organisations failed to reach a collective agreement on new terms and conditions, which will affect social workers. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117325/should-childrens-homes-offer-good-behaviour-rewards-to-looked-after-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117325/should-childrens-homes-offer-good-behaviour-rewards-to-looked-after-children.htmlSome children's homes use rewards to encourage good behaviour, but the idea is controversial, finds Daniel Lombard http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117287/will-childrens-centres-reduce-the-number-of-children-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117287/will-childrens-centres-reduce-the-number-of-children-in-care.htmlWill the launch of payment-by-results pilots at some children's centres, better protect and help at-risk children? Can it reduce pressure on children's services? Molly Garboden reports http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117283/risk-factor-is-therapy-needed-for-a-boy-to-live-in-foster-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117283/risk-factor-is-therapy-needed-for-a-boy-to-live-in-foster-care.htmlTherapy is being considered for a boy of 12 who has been neglected and abused in foster care but still wants to live with his foster mother. Mark Drinkwater reportsWed, 17 Aug 2011 00:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117312/lack-of-parenting-support-funds-fuels-riots-debate.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117312/lack-of-parenting-support-funds-fuels-riots-debate.htmlLocal authorities are spending on average just 6% of their early intervention grant on parenting support this year, according to responses to a Community Care freedom of information request. This has added fuel to the debate over the riots. (Picture: Alamy, posed by models.) http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117311/riot-youth-remanded-in-custody-denied-yot-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117311/riot-youth-remanded-in-custody-denied-yot-support.htmlYoung people charged with rioting and looting are being remanded in custody without the support from youth offending teams that they are entitled to.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117308/uphill-battle-for-councils-that-want-to-evict-rioters.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117308/uphill-battle-for-councils-that-want-to-evict-rioters.htmlLocal authorities attempting to evict social housing tenants involved in the rioting in England will face an uphill battle, according to lawyers.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117301/council-put-reputation-before-child-protection-inspectors-say.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117301/council-put-reputation-before-child-protection-inspectors-say.htmlPembrokeshire Council has been heavily criticised by Welsh inspectors for failing to respond to abuse allegations involving staff including headteachers, teachers, learning support assistants, youth workers and administrative support staff. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117299/disability-benefits-that-can-be-life-changing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117299/disability-benefits-that-can-be-life-changing.htmlThe value to recipients of disability living allowance and attendance allowance is assessed in a new study, reviewed by Jo Rees Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117294/the-best-performing-family-court-in-the-country.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117294/the-best-performing-family-court-in-the-country.htmlDerby's designated family judge James Orrell presides over the best performing family court in the country. Patrick Weir reports Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117292/house-of-lords-to-be-social-worker-awards-venue.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117292/house-of-lords-to-be-social-worker-awards-venue.htmlSocial workers will be honoured at the Houses of Parliament on 16 December when the House of Lords hosts the Social Worker of the Year Awards.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/09/117273/council-failed-to-respond-to-child-protection-referrals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/09/117273/council-failed-to-respond-to-child-protection-referrals.htmlA council has been slammed for failing to respond appropriately to child protection referrals or support a kinship carer involved in a case, after an investigation by the Local Government Ombudsman.Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117272/10-point-guide-to-housing-benefit-changes-and-what-they-mean-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117272/10-point-guide-to-housing-benefit-changes-and-what-they-mean-for-social-care.htmlThere are few issues that unite the Archbishop of Canterbury, Boris Johnson, the Council of Mortgage Lenders and the National Housing Federation. But the impact of housing benefit changes on tenants and landlords has managed to unify this disparate bunch, with dramatic warnings of "social cleansing" coming from the Mayor of London and the CML pondering whether providing funding for housing associations is a good idea in future. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117271/measures-to-tackle-cafcass-family-courts-backlog-ditched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117271/measures-to-tackle-cafcass-family-courts-backlog-ditched.htmlControversial measures introduced to help Cafcass tackle the backlog of family court cases that built up after the Baby P case are to be discontinued. It follows an agreement between the president of the family division of the High Court and Cafcass chief Anthony Douglas (pictured).http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/08/117269/council-left-children-at-risk-inspectors-find.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/08/117269/council-left-children-at-risk-inspectors-find.htmlInspectors have condemned Anglesey children's services for leaving children at potential risk, poor assessments and long delays in children in need cases. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/08/117268/childrens-early-intervention-benefits-from-safguarding-hubs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/08/117268/childrens-early-intervention-benefits-from-safguarding-hubs.htmlScreening all child protection referrals through a multi-agency team improves the quality of early intervention in families, an evaluation of a Devon model has found.Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117265/childrens-services-deputy-quits-after-ofsted-criticism.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117265/childrens-services-deputy-quits-after-ofsted-criticism.htmlThe deputy director of children and young people's services at Waltham Forest has left the council after an Ofsted report exposed safeguarding failings.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117221/working-with-families-affected-by-imprisonment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117221/working-with-families-affected-by-imprisonment.htmlWhen a parent is sent to prison one of the first casualties is their relationship with their family, says the project manager of Circle Scotland's Families Affected By Imprisonment (Fabi) programme, Marina Shaw. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117259/council-set-to-close-childrens-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117259/council-set-to-close-childrens-homes.htmlLancashire Council will close two of its children's homes this year, and three more by 2013, under plans to cut costs and reduce the number of teenagers in residential care. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117258/gove-and-haringey-refused-appeal-over-shoesmith-sacking.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117258/gove-and-haringey-refused-appeal-over-shoesmith-sacking.htmlThe Supreme Court has refused secretary of state Michael Gove and Haringey Council permission to appeal against the ruling that Sharon Shoesmith was unfairly sacked as director of children's services at Haringey following the Baby P court case. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/01/117251/social-worker-struck-off-after-exposing-child-to-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/01/117251/social-worker-struck-off-after-exposing-child-to-risk.htmlA social worker who failed to act on concerns raised by a child's teacher has been struck off the register in Wales. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117247/ofsted-failed-to-see-sexual-abuse-at-birmingham-nursery.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117247/ofsted-failed-to-see-sexual-abuse-at-birmingham-nursery.htmlOfsted has apologised for failing to notice sexual abuse going on at a nursery in Birmingham during an inspection visit.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117246/social-pedagogues-fail-to-improve-outcomes-in-childrens-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117246/social-pedagogues-fail-to-improve-outcomes-in-childrens-homes.htmlEuropean social pedagogues employed in English children's homes as part of a government-funded pilot have failed to achieve better outcomes, an evaluation has found.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117242/the-rise-of-the-social-worker-in-young-offender-institutions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117242/the-rise-of-the-social-worker-in-young-offender-institutions.htmlAfter widespread criticism, the decline in the number of social workers attached to young offender institutions is now being reversed. Camilla Pemberton looks at this vital connection between young people and the outside world Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117236/childrens-workers-to-strike-for-a-week-at-pay-cut-council.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117236/childrens-workers-to-strike-for-a-week-at-pay-cut-council.htmlFifty children's social workers in Southampton are to extend their planned strike by six days in protest at the council's proposed pay cuts.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117231/childrens-commissioner-critical-of-family-justice-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117231/childrens-commissioner-critical-of-family-justice-review.htmlLocal authorities would not be able to employ independent reviewing officers (IROs) if judges were to stop scrutinising care plans for children and young people, according to the children's commissioner. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/27/117228/ofsted-proposes-two-week-long-unannounced-inspections.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/27/117228/ofsted-proposes-two-week-long-unannounced-inspections.htmlOfsted inspections of local authority children's services could in future consist of a two-week, on-site, unannounced visit that will include direct observation of interactions with children and families. The new regime will focus more on listening to children. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117225/new-bill-could-see-looked-after-child-caseloads-rise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117225/new-bill-could-see-looked-after-child-caseloads-rise.htmlThe Legal Aid and Sentencing Bill has had its first reading in the House of Commons. Here Ed Mitchell and Dean Woodward look at theimplications for councils http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117222/research-how-widespread-is-abuse-in-foster-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117222/research-how-widespread-is-abuse-in-foster-care.htmlMichelle Drumm reviews evidence of maltreatment of children in foster care and local authority responses to allegations http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117220/mother-who-killed-son-with-bleach-intimidated-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117220/mother-who-killed-son-with-bleach-intimidated-social-workers.htmlSocial workers were repeatedly intimidated by a mother who killed her 12-year-old learning-disabled son by forcing him to drink bleach. However, they could not have predicted his death a serious case review (SCR) has concluded. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/25/117219/first-tri-borough-childrens-services-director-appointed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/25/117219/first-tri-borough-childrens-services-director-appointed.htmlAndrew Christie has been appointed Britain's first tri-borough director of children's services, with responsibility for a budget of more than £500m. Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117218/scr-social-workers-ignored-adopted-childrens-pleas.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117218/scr-social-workers-ignored-adopted-childrens-pleas.htmlSocial workers and other practitioners were intimidated by a couple who adopted three children and then abused them both physically, emotionally and verbally over 10 years according to the serious case review. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117212/cuts-will-damage-social-care-service-levels-finance-expert.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117212/cuts-will-damage-social-care-service-levels-finance-expert.htmlSocial care departments will struggle to maintain "decent levels of services" without extra government funding, a finance expert has warned. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/21/117207/removing-assessment-targets-may-hit-child-protection-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/21/117207/removing-assessment-targets-may-hit-child-protection-funding.htmlRemoving assessment deadlines will make it more difficult for children's services to secure funding from councils, a former director has warned. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/21/117209/more-personal-budgets-needed-for-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/21/117209/more-personal-budgets-needed-for-disabled-children.htmlFamilies with disabled children should be offered more personal budgets to ease the transition between children's and adults services, a sector expert told delegates at the CIPFA conference on social care finance today. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/20/117205/social-worker-reinstated-after-child-shut-in-cupboard-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/20/117205/social-worker-reinstated-after-child-shut-in-cupboard-case.htmlA social worker has been cleared of failing to inform police and child protection colleagues that two-year-old Sanam Navsarka had been locked in a cupboard a week before she was murdered. Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/20/117206/one-in-five-children-say-review-meetings-are-pointless.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/20/117206/one-in-five-children-say-review-meetings-are-pointless.htmlMore than one in five children in care say that none or few of the big decisions in their lives are made in review meetings, according to a report from Children's Rights Director Roger Morgan.Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/20/117199/half-of-all-children-in-homes-placed-out-of-area.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/20/117199/half-of-all-children-in-homes-placed-out-of-area.htmlMore than half (55%) of all children placed in residential care are in out-of-area placements, according to new data from the Department for Education. Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117192/ics-freedoms-undermined-by-data-collection-rules.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117192/ics-freedoms-undermined-by-data-collection-rules.htmlThe freedom to tailor integrated children's systems (ICS) to local needs could be under threat from government proposals on national performance data collection, a leading provider has claimed.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117193/no-money-for-mps-early-intervention-foundation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117193/no-money-for-mps-early-intervention-foundation.htmlThe government has agreed to launch an early intervention foundation, but says there is no money to do so at the moment.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117187/second-council-signs-adoption-partnership-deal-with-coram.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117187/second-council-signs-adoption-partnership-deal-with-coram.htmlA second council has followed Harrow's lead in partnering with the charity Coram to improve adoption rates and reduce delays. ...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117167/why-do-we-not-learn-from-serious-case-reviews.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117167/why-do-we-not-learn-from-serious-case-reviews.htmlChildren's services need to ask the question "why" more in serious case reviews and learn from the good as well as the bad, say Barry Raynes and Phil Green http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117180/care-applications-continue-to-rise-as-court-delays-continue.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117180/care-applications-continue-to-rise-as-court-delays-continue.htmlBetter identification and assessment of the impact of neglect on children are behind the sustained rise in care applications this year with Cafcass reporting a further 9% increase in cases between April and June compared with the same time last year.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117179/adoption-tsar-martin-narey-answers-his-critics.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117179/adoption-tsar-martin-narey-answers-his-critics.htmlSince Community Care first broke the news that Martin Narey was tipped to become the government's first adoption tsar, our messages boards and emails have barely stopped buzzing.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117175/mps-call-on-cafcass-to-use-more-self-employed-guardians.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117175/mps-call-on-cafcass-to-use-more-self-employed-guardians.htmlMPs have called on Cafcass to use more self-employed guardians and to respect the professionalism of its staff by taking a lighter-touch management style.Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117160/childrens-minister-rejects-key-ideas-from-his-adoption-tsar.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117160/childrens-minister-rejects-key-ideas-from-his-adoption-tsar.htmlChildren’s minister Tim Loughton (pictured) has rejected key recommendations made by his new adoption tsar Martin Narey, saying he disagrees that social workers should spend less time assessing “unsuitable” family and friends carers Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117174/munro-whats-going-to-happen-to-you-and-when.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117174/munro-whats-going-to-happen-to-you-and-when.htmlThe Munro review into child protection in England has been accepted by the government. But what does it mean for social workers and when will the recommendations be implemented?Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117168/is-reunification-of-childrens-and-adults-social-services-departments-right-for-families.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117168/is-reunification-of-childrens-and-adults-social-services-departments-right-for-families.htmlSome local authorities are bringing adults' and children's social care back under the watch of a single director. It is not what Eileen Munro envisaged, reports Molly Garboden http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117166/directors-anger-at-government-delay-on-munro-scr-proposal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117166/directors-anger-at-government-delay-on-munro-scr-proposal.htmlDirectors of children's services are angry that the government intends to delay the move to a systems-based approach for serious case reviews (SCRs) recommended by Professor Eileen Munro in her review of child protection in England. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117162/social-workers-unfairly-targeted-by-family-justice-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117162/social-workers-unfairly-targeted-by-family-justice-review.htmlSocial workers were unfairly singled out by the Family Justice Review in its bid to reduce the number of experts called by courts, a member of the review panel has admitted. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117159/child-protection-assessment-deadlines-to-go-by-end-of-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117159/child-protection-assessment-deadlines-to-go-by-end-of-year.htmlChildren's social workers will no longer be held to prescribed timescales for assessments and the distinction between initial and core assessments will be removed by the end of this year, the government has said in its official response to Eileen Munro's review of child protection. Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117157/narey-kinship-care-proposal-could-be-illegal-say-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117157/narey-kinship-care-proposal-could-be-illegal-say-experts.htmlMartin Narey's proposal that social workers should spend less time assessing kinship carers before considering adoption could be illegal, the government has been warned. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117156/early-intervention-impossible-without-national-measures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117156/early-intervention-impossible-without-national-measures.htmlMore nationally consistent measures of local authority children's services provision must be put in place before departments can implement the payment-by-results (PBR) system recommended by Graham Allen, according to sector experts.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/12/117154/students-pursue-childrens-services-placements-at-a-price.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/12/117154/students-pursue-childrens-services-placements-at-a-price.htmlAs social work students reach the end of one placement and start to find out where they will be next year, I have been thinking about the widely reported shortage of statutory placements. Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/12/117153/is-motivational-interviewing-a-sound-technique-in-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/12/117153/is-motivational-interviewing-a-sound-technique-in-child-protection.htmlMotivational interviewing should and could have a bigger role to play in child protection work argues social worker Mel Ashton, a substance misuse specialist Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/12/117151/ministers-plan-more-competition-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/12/117151/ministers-plan-more-competition-for-social-care.htmlThe government plans to open up children's services to competition as part of its Open Public Services White Paper launched today. Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/11/117147/age-of-runaway-children-is-falling.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/11/117147/age-of-runaway-children-is-falling.htmlChildren as young as eight are running away from home or care, putting themselves at greater risk of sexual exploitation, a report by The Children's Society has revealed. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117146/leeds-criticised-for-failing-children-with-special-needs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117146/leeds-criticised-for-failing-children-with-special-needs.htmlLeeds Council has been criticised for failing in its care of three children with disabilities and special educational needs.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117143/narey-misleading-public-and-alienating-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117143/narey-misleading-public-and-alienating-social-workers.htmlMartin Narey's plans for adoption reform have come under fire from critics who claim the former Barnardo's chief is misleading the public and alienating social workers.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117141/childrens-commissioner-to-investigate-sexual-exploitation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117141/childrens-commissioner-to-investigate-sexual-exploitation.htmlEngland's children's commissioner, Maggie Atkinson, is to launch an investigation in the autumn into child sexual exploitation.Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117140/ofsted-munros-vision-for-inspection-unrealistic.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117140/ofsted-munros-vision-for-inspection-unrealistic.htmlEileen Munro's vision for local authority inspection is unrealistic, according to John Goldup, Ofsted's director of social care (pictured).Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117138/ofsted-to-launch-review-of-local-authority-inspection-process.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117138/ofsted-to-launch-review-of-local-authority-inspection-process.htmlOfsted is to launch a consultation on local authority inspection reform by the end of this month, John Goldup told delegates at the annual Association of Directors of Children's Services conference. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/07/117137/experts-tell-narey-to-order-study-into-adoption-breakdowns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/07/117137/experts-tell-narey-to-order-study-into-adoption-breakdowns.htmlIncoming adoption tsar Martin Narey should ensure the government commissions research into adoption breakdowns before expecting local authorities to increase placements, warn experts, including Family Rights Group chief executive Cathy Ashley (pictured).Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117135/3m-for-childrens-centres-to-trial-payment-by-results.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117135/3m-for-childrens-centres-to-trial-payment-by-results.htmlThe government has made £3m available for up to 30 areas to trial payment by results in children's centres this year. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117133/high-court-rap-for-cafcass-over-bid-to-remove-guardian.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117133/high-court-rap-for-cafcass-over-bid-to-remove-guardian.htmlFamily courts body Cafcass has been reprimanded in the High Court for trying to remove a guardian from a contested care case. Picture: Rex FeaturesWed, 06 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117128/adoption-tsar-narey-wants-social-workers-to-speed-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117128/adoption-tsar-narey-wants-social-workers-to-speed-up.htmlSocial workers must make earlier and quicker decisions to "dramatically increase" adoption numbers and ensure fewer break down, the government's first adoption tsar, Martin Narey (pictured), has recommended. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117125/narey-confirmed-as-governments-new-adoption-tsar.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117125/narey-confirmed-as-governments-new-adoption-tsar.htmlFormer Barnardo's chief Martin Narey will be tasked with encouraging "sceptical" social workers to see adoption as an option for more children in care.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117117/allen-1m-for-each-early-intervention-council-needed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117117/allen-1m-for-each-early-intervention-council-needed.htmlEach of the 27 councils that have shown willing to invest more in early intervention services should get £1m initially to help them pilot different ways of contracting for outcomes, Graham Allen's second report on early intervention, published today, has recommended.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117118/parents-of-disabled-children-cannot-afford-to-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117118/parents-of-disabled-children-cannot-afford-to-work.htmlParents of disabled children cannot afford to work because their childcare costs are so high, according to a survey by the the Every Disabled Child Matters (EDCM) campaign.Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117114/narey-among-runners-to-be-governments-adoption-tsar.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117114/narey-among-runners-to-be-governments-adoption-tsar.htmlThe government is to appoint an adoption tsar, Community Care has learned. Sources say former Barnardo's chief Martin Narey (pictured) is a likely candidate. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117112/local-authorities-cut-childrens-social-care-spend-by-1.8.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117112/local-authorities-cut-childrens-social-care-spend-by-1.8.htmlLocal authorities are cutting spending on children and families social care by 1.8%, according to figures published by the Department for Communities and Local Government. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117110/common-assessment-framework-should-be-scrapped.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117110/common-assessment-framework-should-be-scrapped.htmlThe Common Assessment Framework (CAF) needs to be scrapped according to a director of children's services. ...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117109/how-evidence-policy-and-practice-interact.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117109/how-evidence-policy-and-practice-interact.htmlPolicy-makers and researchers must understand each other better if practice is to be truly influenced by evidence. By Jon Glasby http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/116937/how-the-munro-review-of-child-protection-is-supported-by-research-findings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/116937/how-the-munro-review-of-child-protection-is-supported-by-research-findings.htmlRecent research adds impetus to the reforms proposed by the Munro report, say Dr Nathan Hughes and Dr Nicki Ward Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117106/schizophrenia-linked-with-sexual-abuse-in-childhood.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117106/schizophrenia-linked-with-sexual-abuse-in-childhood.htmlChildren who are sexually abused before they are 16 are 10 times more likely to develop schizophrenia in later life, according to research published today.Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117107/government-lagging-behind-councils-on-ics-improvements.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117107/government-lagging-behind-councils-on-ics-improvements.htmlLocal authorities are already asking integrated children's system (ICS) providers to implement computer systems in line with Professor Eileen Munro's recommendations for child protection departments. Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117099/the-use-of-a-questionnaire-style-tool-in-assessing-parenting.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117099/the-use-of-a-questionnaire-style-tool-in-assessing-parenting.htmlQuestionnaire-style tools, although under-used by professionals, remain effective in assessments, reports Judy Cooper http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117097/baby-p-social-workers-given-leave-to-appeal-against-sackings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117097/baby-p-social-workers-given-leave-to-appeal-against-sackings.htmlHaringey Council is "disappointed" that two social workers have been granted leave to appeal against an employment tribunal ruling that upheld their sacking following the death of Baby P, Peter Connelly.Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117089/munro-fears-government-lacks-courage-to-make-changes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117089/munro-fears-government-lacks-courage-to-make-changes.htmlProfessor Eileen Munro fears the government will not have the courage to give local authorities more freedom from government-imposed bureaucracy, as recommended in her review of child protection. Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117095/councils-relieve-pressure-on-childrens-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117095/councils-relieve-pressure-on-childrens-social-workers.htmlCouncils in England are beginning to relieve the pressure on frontline children's social workers despite ongoing high vacancy rates and heavy caseloads, a study has shown.Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117088/warning-over-ethnicity-assumptions-in-child-exploitation-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117088/warning-over-ethnicity-assumptions-in-child-exploitation-cases.htmlA warning against drawing conclusions about the ethnicity of people who sexually exploit children has been sounded by the chief executive of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection centre (Ceop).Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117087/child-protection-staff-miss-sexual-exploitation-signs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117087/child-protection-staff-miss-sexual-exploitation-signs.htmlChild protection professionals are failing to recognise key warning signs of sexual exploitation despite a number of recent high-profile abuse cases, such as the one pictured in Derbyshire, according to a major report out today. The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) study found practitioners are unaware of the risks posed to children and do not have clear strategies in place.Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/28/117083/government-rejects-proposal-to-split-ofsted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/28/117083/government-rejects-proposal-to-split-ofsted.htmlThe government has vetoed recommendations that Ofsted be split into two separate inspectorates for education and social care. Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/28/117080/charities-early-intervention-grant-must-be-ring-fenced.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/28/117080/charities-early-intervention-grant-must-be-ring-fenced.htmlThe government must ring-fence the Early Intervention Grant or leave some of England's most vulnerable...Tue, 28 Jun 2011 10:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117076/childrens-social-care-workers-to-strike.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117076/childrens-social-care-workers-to-strike.htmlA group of children's social care workers are to go on strike in Southampton this week against council proposals to slash pay for all but the lowest earners. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117070/all-young-offenders-should-be-given-looked-after-status.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117070/all-young-offenders-should-be-given-looked-after-status.htmlAll young offenders serving a custodial sentence should be given looked-after status, according to the Association of Directors of Children's Services. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117069/what-does-it-take-to-be-an-effective-lscb-chair.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117069/what-does-it-take-to-be-an-effective-lscb-chair.htmlLiverpool's safeguarding children board has shown it is possible to both challenge and scrutinise local agencies effectively. The key might be having an independent chair who is a local, writes Molly Garboden Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117063/childrens-services-partly-to-blame-over-toddlers-death.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117063/childrens-services-partly-to-blame-over-toddlers-death.htmlWolverhampton children's services failed to intervene in the case of Ryan Lovell-Hancox, who was killed by two carers on Christmas Eve 2008, according to the serious case review (SCR) published today. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/23/117065/clarke-dashes-hopes-of-youth-justice-board-rescue.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/23/117065/clarke-dashes-hopes-of-youth-justice-board-rescue.htmlThe Youth Justice Board is to be abolished and its responsibilities transferred to the Ministry of Justice, it was confirmed today, ending widespread speculation about its future.Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/23/117061/councils-criticised-for-failing-to-support-foster-carer.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/23/117061/councils-criticised-for-failing-to-support-foster-carer.htmlTwo local authorities have been slammed by the local government ombudsman for failures in their handling of allegations made against a foster carer. Thu, 23 Jun 2011 10:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117059/young-offenders-on-remand-to-be-given-looked-after-status.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117059/young-offenders-on-remand-to-be-given-looked-after-status.htmlAll young offenders who are in prison awaiting trial will be given looked-after status under "radical" sentencing reforms outlined by the government. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117057/child-protection-reform-likely-to-be-slowed-by-cost-concerns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117057/child-protection-reform-likely-to-be-slowed-by-cost-concerns.htmlEileen Munro's recommendations for child protection are likely to be phased in gradually due to financial constraints, comments from children's minister Tim Loughton have indicated. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117053/big-society-could-tackle-abuse-and-neglect-claims-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117053/big-society-could-tackle-abuse-and-neglect-claims-report.htmlDavid Cameron should focus his Big Society agenda on how it can be used to reduce the incidence of abuse and neglect, according to research commissioned by Action for Children. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117052/council-to-shut-its-childrens-homes-by-end-of-the-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117052/council-to-shut-its-childrens-homes-by-end-of-the-year.htmlA council has confirmed it will close all of its children's homes by the end of the year. The formal decision to close the council's six remaining children's homes - one eight-bed home closed several months ago - was taken by the council's cabinet this morning. (picture: Rex) http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/21/117036/floating-care-treehouses-farms-and-other-innovative-projects-for-vulnerable-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/21/117036/floating-care-treehouses-farms-and-other-innovative-projects-for-vulnerable-children.htmlThere are plenty of examples of successful innovation in children's social care despite the cuts. Here, Molly Garboden and Camilla Pemberton investigate off-the-beaten-track projects helping vulnerable young people Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117047/sex-offender-misunderstanding-puts-children-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117047/sex-offender-misunderstanding-puts-children-at-risk.htmlChildren are being put at risk because professionals such as the police and social workers assume all child sex offenders are automatically banned from working with children, according to a leading child protection expert. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117045/big-society-bill-raises-budget-concerns-for-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117045/big-society-bill-raises-budget-concerns-for-disabled-children.htmlDisabled children's charities are concerned the government's public services reform white paper might increase pressure to push personal budgets onto families. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117044/courts-let-hundreds-of-sex-offenders-work-with-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117044/courts-let-hundreds-of-sex-offenders-work-with-children.htmlHundreds of convicted child sex offenders were allowed to work with children in Northern Ireland after courts failed to disqualify them, new figures have shown.Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117041/how-funding-cuts-are-a-false-economy-for-services-to-vulnerable-teenagers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117041/how-funding-cuts-are-a-false-economy-for-services-to-vulnerable-teenagers.htmlAdolescents at risk of offending are being abandoned, according to the head of one charity being hit by budget cuts. Patrick Weir reports Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117028/targeting-vulnerable-children-for-sexual-health-advice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117028/targeting-vulnerable-children-for-sexual-health-advice.htmlDiscussing sex with young offenders and children in care has helped tackle high teenage pregnancy rates in Reading, reports Louise Hunt Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117026/social-workers-could-have-prevented-rape-of-child-says-scr.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117026/social-workers-could-have-prevented-rape-of-child-says-scr.htmlSocial workers could have prevented the rape of a nine-year-old disabled child by another child, according to a serious case review (SCR) published by the Sunderland local safeguarding children board. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117023/40-of-sexually-exploited-children-are-young-offenders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117023/40-of-sexually-exploited-children-are-young-offenders.htmlForty per cent of sexually exploited children are also involved in youth offending, a new study has found. The study examined 10 years of data using a sample of 552 sexually exploited children in Derby. (Pictured: cctv footage of children being exploited in Derby in 2009)Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117018/90-of-kinship-care-arrangements-are-informal-finds-study.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117018/90-of-kinship-care-arrangements-are-informal-finds-study.htmlOne in 77 children in the UK are being raised by family members because their parents are unable to care for them, according to children's charity Buttle UK. Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117019/safeguarding-boards-must-do-more-to-combat-sex-exploitation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117019/safeguarding-boards-must-do-more-to-combat-sex-exploitation.htmlThe failure of local safeguarding children boards to secure prosecutions of those engaged in sexually exploiting children and young people is to be researched by the children's charity Barnardo's. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117013/child-protection-to-be-examined-in-revised-health-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117013/child-protection-to-be-examined-in-revised-health-reforms.htmlThe government has promised it will examine how child protection experts in the NHS can be protected from proposed reforms. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117017/social-pedagogy-faces-uphill-battle-in-england-finds-study.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117017/social-pedagogy-faces-uphill-battle-in-england-finds-study.htmlEstablishing social pedagogy in the UK could be an uphill battle according to the final results from one of the first pilots of the European system. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117011/social-work-expert-witnesses-seek-council-top-up-fee.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117011/social-work-expert-witnesses-seek-council-top-up-fee.htmlLocal authorities should split the cost of employing independent social workers with the Legal Services Commission (LSC), according to the Confederation of Independent Social Work Agencies (Ciswa). http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117004/social-workers-should-be-involved-in-health-commissioning.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117004/social-workers-should-be-involved-in-health-commissioning.htmlDavid Cameron has been urged to give social workers a role in health commissioning decisions by experts tasked with revamping the government's NHS bill. He will give his response today. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117005/welfare-reform-could-cost-foster-carers-700-per-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/117005/welfare-reform-could-cost-foster-carers-700-per-year.htmlPlans to shake up housing benefits will see foster carers taking a hit of almost £700 a year, according to campaigners, who have warned the move will damage plans to increase the number of foster carers. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116968/budget-must-provide-money-for-early-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116968/budget-must-provide-money-for-early-intervention.htmlNext year's National Budget must include money designated to early intervention in children's services, according to the second instalment of Graham Allen's report on early intervention, due to be published later this month. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/117003/social-worker-guilty-of-misconduct-in-case-beset-by-delay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/117003/social-worker-guilty-of-misconduct-in-case-beset-by-delay.htmlA social worker who was under investigation for two years following alleged child protection failings has been found guilty of misconduct and received a warning. Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/117002/munro-debate-a-critical-take-on-the-review-and-professor-munros-reply.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/117002/munro-debate-a-critical-take-on-the-review-and-professor-munros-reply.htmlMunro's final report is certainly a long, prestigious looking document; but is it really going to herald a new radical approach to child protection? Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/116988/cuts-in-disabilities-support-services-threaten-to-place-more-children-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/116988/cuts-in-disabilities-support-services-threaten-to-place-more-children-in-care.htmlAre the cuts in local support services leading to more disabled children going into care? Ben Cook looks at the evidence Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116997/multi-agency-working-needs-advanced-agreement-to-split-costs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116997/multi-agency-working-needs-advanced-agreement-to-split-costs.htmlSocial workers may have to sign contracts with other agencies when agreeing to payment by results-based early intervention serviceshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116976/baby-p-social-worker-to-receive-damages-from-the-sun.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116976/baby-p-social-worker-to-receive-damages-from-the-sun.htmlA social worker targeted by The Sun newspaper over her involvement in the Baby P case in Haringey is to be awarded damages by the newspaper, the High Court ruled this morning. Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116979/second-graham-allen-mp-early-intervention-review-revealed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116979/second-graham-allen-mp-early-intervention-review-revealed.htmlGraham Allen's second instalment of his government-commissioned early intervention report has been revealed today. It investigates how early intervention can be funded. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116977/baby-p-verdict-a-victory-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116977/baby-p-verdict-a-victory-for-social-workers.htmlThe High Court's decision to order The Sun newspaper to award damages to one of the social workers involved in the Baby P case has been hailed a "victory" for social workers. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116973/charity-highlights-gaps-in-ofsted-adoption-inspections.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116973/charity-highlights-gaps-in-ofsted-adoption-inspections.htmlOfsted should be inspecting the quality of social care support provided to families who have adopted a child, according to an adoption expert. Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116963/rethink-on-childrens-home-contract-after-sector-anger.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116963/rethink-on-childrens-home-contract-after-sector-anger.htmlChildren may soon be no longer at risk of removal from children's homes with just one day's notice after Community Care highlighted problems with the new children's homes contract. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116958/cameron-unveils-nhs-bill-overhaul-to-allay-criticisms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116958/cameron-unveils-nhs-bill-overhaul-to-allay-criticisms.htmlDavid Cameron has announced an overhaul of the NHS reforms designed to address criticisms that the government's original plans would fragment care, to the detriment of vulnerable groups. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/07/116956/childrens-homes-urged-to-prove-their-benefits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/07/116956/childrens-homes-urged-to-prove-their-benefits.htmlChildren's homes need to work with commissioners to produce evidence of their cost-effectiveness and the outcomes they achieve for children, according to a child care expert. Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/07/116936/multi-agency-safeguarding-centre-for-childrens-referrals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/07/116936/multi-agency-safeguarding-centre-for-childrens-referrals.htmlThe final Munro Report recommended councils look at new "gatekeeping" methods in children's social care. Judy Cooper investigates a multi-agency hub Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116945/good-practice-restorative-justice-for-children-who-sexually-harm.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116945/good-practice-restorative-justice-for-children-who-sexually-harm.htmlChloe Stothart reports on a scheme that brings victims of sexual violence face to face with their assailant. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116939/the-voluntary-sector-has-a-role-in-sen-assessments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116939/the-voluntary-sector-has-a-role-in-sen-assessments.htmlThe green paper on special educational needs and disability moots greater use of the voluntary sector. Una Summerson looks at how the sector sees its role changing in the future.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116932/agency-social-workers-to-earn-230-a-day-at-pay-cut-council.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116932/agency-social-workers-to-earn-230-a-day-at-pay-cut-council.htmlSouthampton Council is offering £230 a day to agency social workers while slashing pay for permanent staff by up to 5.5%.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116928/ncb-appoints-chief-executive-to-succeed-ennals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116928/ncb-appoints-chief-executive-to-succeed-ennals.htmlDr Hilary Emery has been appointed as the new chief executive of the National Children's Bureau (NCB).Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116929/too-few-social-workers-see-children-in-care-alone.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116929/too-few-social-workers-see-children-in-care-alone.htmlMore than one in 10 children in care have never spoken to a social worker or caseworker on their own, according to research published by the children's rights director today.Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116920/plan-to-shut-childrens-homes-prompts-warning-of-crisis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116920/plan-to-shut-childrens-homes-prompts-warning-of-crisis.htmlEssex Council's plans to close its mainstream children's homes have left many nervous about the wider implications for residential child care. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116914/childrens-worker-suspended-after-staring-at-girls-breasts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116914/childrens-worker-suspended-after-staring-at-girls-breasts.htmlA social worker has been suspended for 12 months for inappropriate behaviour, including staring at a 16-year-old girl's breasts and asking her if she had whips and chains hidden in her wardrobe.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116902/gove-to-appeal-against-shoesmith-decision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116902/gove-to-appeal-against-shoesmith-decision.htmlEducation secretary Michael Gove is to appeal against today's Court of Appeal ruling that Sharon Shoesmith was unfairly sacked as director of children's services at Haringey following the Baby P court case.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116900/shoesmith-relieved-after-judge-rules-she-was-scapegoated.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116900/shoesmith-relieved-after-judge-rules-she-was-scapegoated.htmlSharon Shoesmith was "summarily scapegoated" during the media frenzy following the Baby P case judges have ruled.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116895/social-workers-should-not-let-risk-divert-them-from-good-corporate-parenting.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116895/social-workers-should-not-let-risk-divert-them-from-good-corporate-parenting.htmlGiven the time and training required to be a creative corporate parent, Camilla Pemberton asks whether acquiring the skills has become a luxury for contemporary social workers http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116899/shoesmith-likely-to-get-1m-compensation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116899/shoesmith-likely-to-get-1m-compensation.htmlSacked children's services director Sharon Shoesmith is likely to receive compensation of about £1m, according to employment law experts.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/27/116898/shoesmith-wins-appeal-and-likely-to-get-1m-compensation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/27/116898/shoesmith-wins-appeal-and-likely-to-get-1m-compensation.htmlSharon Shoesmith, the director of Haringey's children's services at the time of the Baby P case, was sacked unfairly by education secretary Ed Balls and the council, the Court of Appeal has ruled.Fri, 27 May 2011 11:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116896/failure-to-hold-scr-over-boys-death-undermines-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116896/failure-to-hold-scr-over-boys-death-undermines-child-protection.htmlNewham's local safeguarding children board is seriously undermining the social work profession by failing to conduct a serious case review about the suspicious death of a child, according to the Victoria Climbié Foundation (VCF). http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116893/further-health-bill-delay-risks-confusion-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116893/further-health-bill-delay-risks-confusion-for-social-workers.htmlThe government's health legislation faces being further delayed until the autumn risking confusion for social workers re-registering next year if it puts back the abolition of the General Social Care Council. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116894/unison-warning-over-funding-cuts-for-child-asylum-seekers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116894/unison-warning-over-funding-cuts-for-child-asylum-seekers.htmlThe UK Border Agency has been urged not to cut the money it gives to councils for supporting child asylum seekers, amid fears that a two-tier system of care will develop. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116891/research-how-scotland-is-failing-young-people-in-residential-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116891/research-how-scotland-is-failing-young-people-in-residential-care.htmlSocial worker Maggie Mellon reviews findings that show worrying knowledge gaps on the effectiveness of services Thu, 26 May 2011 00:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116889/one-third-of-councils-have-no-childrens-director.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116889/one-third-of-councils-have-no-childrens-director.htmlOne-third of local authorities have no director of children's services (DCS) or are planning to change the role, according to research published today.Thu, 26 May 2011 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116880/child-sex-crime-reported-every-20-minutes-says-nspcc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116880/child-sex-crime-reported-every-20-minutes-says-nspcc.htmlPolice in England and Wales recorded a child sex crime every 20 minutes last year, according to NSPCC research published today. Thu, 26 May 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116888/social-workers-cut-links-with-jailed-looked-after-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116888/social-workers-cut-links-with-jailed-looked-after-children.htmlSocial workers try to sever contact with looked-after children in custody, according to many prison safeguarding teams.Thu, 26 May 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116886/benefit-cap-on-families-could-backfire-on-government.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116886/benefit-cap-on-families-could-backfire-on-government.htmlOne of the most populist proposals in the welfare reform programme is the introduction of a "benefit cap" of £25,000 per year from April 2013, writes Gary Vaux. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116881/can-former-drug-users-cope-with-a-new-born-baby.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116881/can-former-drug-users-cope-with-a-new-born-baby.htmlCan former drug misusing parents, who already have four children, cope with a fifth, or should the newborn daughter be removed from the family?http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116879/council-seeks-to-close-down-its-children-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116879/council-seeks-to-close-down-its-children-homes.htmlEXCLUSIVE: A council that recently won praise for piloting social pedagogy is set to close all its children's homes under a controversial proposal to be considered at a cabinet meeting next month, Community Care has learned. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116876/ceop-takes-lead-on-missing-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116876/ceop-takes-lead-on-missing-children.htmlThe Child Exploitation and Online Protection centre (CEOP) has today clarified its role in leading and co-ordinating efforts to find missing children. Wed, 25 May 2011 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116866/two-week-notice-on-adoption-inspections-mooted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116866/two-week-notice-on-adoption-inspections-mooted.htmlNotice periods for adoption and fostering inspections could be cut from two months to two weeks under changes being considered by Ofsted.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116863/adcs-private-law-safeguarding-changes-will-increase-workload.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116863/adcs-private-law-safeguarding-changes-will-increase-workload.htmlReferrals to children's services could soar if private law changes being considered by the Family Justice Review are implemented, the Association of Directors of Children's Services president, Matt Dunkley (pictured), has warned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/23/116859/should-foster-carers-be-shunned-because-of-their-beliefs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/23/116859/should-foster-carers-be-shunned-because-of-their-beliefs.htmlWill it harm a child to be fostered by a God-fearing, smoking vegetarian? Gordon Carson looks at the hard choices social workers have to make when demand for care exceeds supply Mon, 23 May 2011 00:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116858/adcs-all-expert-witnesses-should-be-accredited.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116858/adcs-all-expert-witnesses-should-be-accredited.htmlExperts giving evidence in family court cases should be accredited and registered on a central database, according to the Association of Directors of Children's Services.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116857/battling-elective-mutism-in-autistic-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116857/battling-elective-mutism-in-autistic-children.htmlWhat do you do when your autistic child simply stops speaking to you at home? Richard Shrubb investigates the experience of the Dyer family on the Isle of Wight http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116856/munro-proposals-adcs-urged-to-get-on-with-it.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116856/munro-proposals-adcs-urged-to-get-on-with-it.htmlThe Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS) needs to move forward quickly with Eileen Munro's child protection recommendations regardless of government approval, according to a senior figure at BASW - The College of Social Work.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116854/simpler-integrated-childrens-system-being-developed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116854/simpler-integrated-childrens-system-being-developed.htmlA simple integrated children's system (ICS) is being developed that eliminates the need for "cutting and pasting", Community Care has learned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116839/historic-agreement-for-single-uk-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116839/historic-agreement-for-single-uk-college-of-social-work.htmlThe College of Social Work and their counterparts at BASW - the College of Social Work have agreed to work together to merge into a single, UK-wide organisation. Fran Fuller, chair of BASW, (pictured) said the agreement was in the "best interests of the profession". Fri, 20 May 2011 00:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116850/scots-social-workers-failing-to-focus-on-long-term-stability.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116850/scots-social-workers-failing-to-focus-on-long-term-stability.htmlScotland's social workers are failing to ensure the swift transfer of children in care to long-term placements, according to the Holyrood government's chief social work adviser, writes Jackie Cosh.Fri, 20 May 2011 00:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116849/is-emma-at-risk-in-her-private-fostering-arrangement.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116849/is-emma-at-risk-in-her-private-fostering-arrangement.html Professionals offer advice on a case involving a child separated from her parents across borders and privately fostered SITUATION Rosario, 28, has approached a school and asked them to enrol Emma, five. However, the school has found it difficult to establish the exact relationship between her and the child as Rosario initially claimed to be Emma's aunt. After some probing it transpired that she was not a blood relative but, in fact, was just a friend of the family. Rosario says the parents have sent Emma to the UK for a better life and education and they have entrusted her with looking after their child. On further questioning it is still unclear whether either Rosario or Emma are legally able to stay in the UK. Rosario refuses to produce any documentation supporting her claims. PROBLEM Rosario has given her home address but will not give the names of Emma's parents or how they can be contacted. Rosario says she sees the questions as interfering and it is nobody...Fri, 20 May 2011 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116842/council-chief-moots-national-parenting-support-scheme.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116842/council-chief-moots-national-parenting-support-scheme.htmlChildren’s social services should develop a national policy framework for parent support, according to the chief executive of Newham Council. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116843/privately-fostered-children-face-increased-risk-of-sexual-exploitation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116843/privately-fostered-children-face-increased-risk-of-sexual-exploitation.htmlChildren in care or who are being privately fostered face an increased risk of being sexually exploited, according to child protection experts. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/19/116840/fees-cap-deters-independent-social-workers-as-expert-witnesses.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/19/116840/fees-cap-deters-independent-social-workers-as-expert-witnesses.htmlIndependent social workers have been refusing to appear as expert witnesses in family court cases since the Legal Services Commission capped their fees, Community Care has learned. Alison Paddle (pictured), an independent social worker and former chair of Nagalro which represents guardians and ISWs, said the new fees made it "scarcely affordable" for them to provide the advice. Thu, 19 May 2011 11:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/19/116834/drugs-court-approach-sees-fewer-children-taken-into-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/19/116834/drugs-court-approach-sees-fewer-children-taken-into-care.htmlParents with substance misuse problems are less likely to have their children taken into care if they have been through the Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC), an independent evaluation has found.Thu, 19 May 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116824/social-worker-of-the-year-2011-launched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116824/social-worker-of-the-year-2011-launched.htmlPractitioners throughout the UK will be able to celebrate their achievements by entering the revamped Social Worker of the Year Awards, to be launched at Community Care Live today. Wed, 18 May 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116823/analysis-are-munros-social-work-reforms-affordable.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116823/analysis-are-munros-social-work-reforms-affordable.htmlCherry-picking parts of her final review of child protection would not produce the changes needed, Professor Eileen Munro has warned. The question now is how realistic it is to implement those recommendations in full at a time of massive public sector cuts. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116830/teather-downbeat-over-green-paper-plan-for-joint-working.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116830/teather-downbeat-over-green-paper-plan-for-joint-working.htmlChildren's and families minister Sarah Teather has admitted that it will be difficult to achieve the joint working needed to make the government's Green Paper proposals on children with disabilities a reality.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/17/116826/integrated-childrens-systems-can-be-overhauled-cheaply.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/17/116826/integrated-childrens-systems-can-be-overhauled-cheaply.htmlAn expert says Professor Eileen Munro's call for local authorities to overhaul their integrated children's systems can be achieved cheaply.Tue, 17 May 2011 11:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/16/116821/engage-local-churches-to-combat-witchcraft-abuse-says-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/16/116821/engage-local-churches-to-combat-witchcraft-abuse-says-report.htmlLocal safeguarding boards should map all churches which operate in their area as a means of combating the child abuse associated with some witchcraft and spirit possession beliefs according to a new report. Mon, 16 May 2011 11:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/16/116818/munros-pick-of-child-protection-good-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/16/116818/munros-pick-of-child-protection-good-practice.htmlIn her final two reports Professor Eileen Munro highlights best practice in England and further afield. Here, Community Care profiles initiatives that she considers are leading the way Mon, 16 May 2011 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/16/116817/lack-of-foster-carers-leaves-teenagers-at-back-of-queue.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/16/116817/lack-of-foster-carers-leaves-teenagers-at-back-of-queue.htmlVulnerable teenagers are suffering because of a national shortage of suitable foster families, according to a survey by the Fostering Network. Mon, 16 May 2011 09:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116814/local-work-on-child-protection-must-be-checked-against-evidence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116814/local-work-on-child-protection-must-be-checked-against-evidence.htmlAs the Munro report proposes freeing up councils to try new approaches to child protection, Donald Forrester warns that evaluation is the key to ensuring these would not waste money http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/13/116812/former-barnardos-chief-to-review-kents-adoption-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/13/116812/former-barnardos-chief-to-review-kents-adoption-services.htmlFormer Barnardo's chief Martin Narey is to review Kent Council's adoption services, it was announced today.Fri, 13 May 2011 00:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/13/116810/murdered-girl-failed-by-social-services-due-to-high-thresholds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/13/116810/murdered-girl-failed-by-social-services-due-to-high-thresholds.html Tia Rigg, a 12-year-old murdered in Manchester, was failed by Salford social services in part because child protection thresholds in the council were too high, according to a serious case review. Tia was 12 when John Madon, 38, brought her to his home on the pretence of wanting her to babysit his daughter. Madon killed Tia and then phoned police to tell them he had done so. Tia had been the subject of a child protection plan in a number of local authorities and had suffered abuse and neglect. "There were indications throughout this SCR that thresholds for robust child protection interventions were too high and that decision-making about levels of risk was poor," the report said. The case exhibited a number of similar issues that have also emerged from Community Care's survey of frontline workers about child protection thresholds. In the survey social workers warned they are being forced by managers to take high risk decisions about children at significant risk of harm because...Fri, 13 May 2011 11:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116807/homelessness-in-schools-is-a-sizeable-problem.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116807/homelessness-in-schools-is-a-sizeable-problem.htmlSocial work practice educator Helen Bonnick congratulates Quintin Kynaston School in London as it addresses homelessness among its studentshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116808/yjb-chief-to-lead-specialist-youth-justice-unit-in-moj.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116808/yjb-chief-to-lead-specialist-youth-justice-unit-in-moj.htmlYouth Justice Board chief John Drew is to lead a specialist youth justice unit in the Ministry of Justice, Community Care has learned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116806/school-builds-childrens-home-for-homeless-students.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116806/school-builds-childrens-home-for-homeless-students.htmlJust as they prepare for their exams, 16- and 17-year-olds can find themselves homeless. Camilla Pemberton reports on a school with a bold solution http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116803/youth-justice-board-to-fund-social-worker-posts-at-yois.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116803/youth-justice-board-to-fund-social-worker-posts-at-yois.htmlThe Youth Justice Board is to fund social worker posts in young offender institutions (YOIs), it has been confirmed. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116794/research-why-take-up-of-support-services-for-birth-parents-of-adopted-children-is-low.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116794/research-why-take-up-of-support-services-for-birth-parents-of-adopted-children-is-low.htmlTake-up of support services by the birth parents of adopted children is low. Archie Maclullich reports on research as to the causes of this and how it can improved http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116781/munro-recommends-scrapping-initial-and-core-assessments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116781/munro-recommends-scrapping-initial-and-core-assessments.htmlInitial and core assessments, and their respective legal timescales, should be ditched in favour of a single ongoing assessment that sets out the decisions that need to be made by a social worker, the Munro review has recommended. Thu, 12 May 2011 11:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116790/childrens-services-should-manage-asbos-report-says.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116790/childrens-services-should-manage-asbos-report-says.htmlAnti-social behaviour services for under-18s should be managed by children's services departments, according to a report launched in parliament today by the Prison Reform Trust.Thu, 12 May 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116792/social-care-in-north-hit-hardest-by-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116792/social-care-in-north-hit-hardest-by-cuts.htmlA geographical divide has opened up in English adult social care spending with huge cuts in the north but budgets continuing to expand in the south.Thu, 12 May 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116791/munro-dont-replace-contactpoint.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116791/munro-dont-replace-contactpoint.htmlChild protection departments should provide a 24-hour service for other agencies and professionals needing information about vulnerable children, according to Professor Eileen Munro's final report on child protection.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116771/munro-backs-creation-of-chief-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116771/munro-backs-creation-of-chief-social-worker.htmlEach council will have a chief child protection social worker if a key recommendation from Eileen Munro’s final report is taken up by the government. She has also recommended that a national chief social worker is created. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116789/government-in-no-hurry-to-respond-to-munro.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116789/government-in-no-hurry-to-respond-to-munro.htmlThe government will not respond to Eileen Munro's final report on child protection until "later this year", according to children's minister Tim Loughton.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116785/government-backs-munro-plan-for-chief-social-worker-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116785/government-backs-munro-plan-for-chief-social-worker-role.htmlThe government has backed "in principle" the appointment of a chief social worker to provide leadership across the whole profession.Wed, 11 May 2011 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116784/social-workers-should-speak-directly-to-media-says-munro.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116784/social-workers-should-speak-directly-to-media-says-munro.htmlSocial workers should speak directly to journalists more often to try and improve the media coverage of child protection social work, the Munro Review has recommended.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116783/munro-calls-for-dcs-role-to-be-protected.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116783/munro-calls-for-dcs-role-to-be-protected.htmlThe Munro review has called on the government to protect the role of the director of children’s services and criticised moves by some councils to either split children’s services from education or to combine children and adult’s services.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116776/munro-backs-multi-agency-inspection-teams.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116776/munro-backs-multi-agency-inspection-teams.htmlMulti-agency inspection teams should be used to evaluate child protection services, according to the Munro review. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116775/munro-says-nqsws-unprepared-for-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116775/munro-says-nqsws-unprepared-for-child-protection.htmlNewly qualified social workers are particularly unprepared to deal with the challenges posed by child protection work. Extra training for all children's social workers should be a priority for spending, the Munro Review has recommended.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116774/munro-early-intervention-legal-duty-for-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116774/munro-early-intervention-legal-duty-for-councils.htmlCouncils should legally have to provide early intervention services to families according to Professor Eileen Munro's (pictured) review of child protection in England.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/10/116773/college-chief-social-worker-must-cover-adults-and-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/10/116773/college-chief-social-worker-must-cover-adults-and-children.htmlThe proposed chief social worker post for England should cover adults' as well as children's services, the College of Social Work said in its response to Eileen Munro's report on child protection.Tue, 10 May 2011 00:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/10/116762/majority-of-uk-families-at-risk-of-crisis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/10/116762/majority-of-uk-families-at-risk-of-crisis.htmlMore than 80% of families in the UK are at risk of crisis, according to the charity 4Children. Tue, 10 May 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116770/ceop-merger-to-go-ahead-with-some-concessions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116770/ceop-merger-to-go-ahead-with-some-concessions.htmlPlans to merge the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) into the new National Crime Agency will go ahead, the Home Office has confirmed, but it will now keep its own budget and governance structure.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116769/childrens-early-progress-in-foster-placements-needs-sustaining.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116769/childrens-early-progress-in-foster-placements-needs-sustaining.htmlFostered children make the most significant progress during the first nine months of their placement, according to research published today by The Adolescent and Children's Trust. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116758/asbo-reforms-could-put-children-at-risk-warns-barnardos.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116758/asbo-reforms-could-put-children-at-risk-warns-barnardos.htmlGovernment proposals to give police powers to take children suspected of anti-social behaviour back to their homes could put children at risk, children's charity Barnardo's has warned. Mon, 09 May 2011 09:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116759/elections-set-to-increase-social-care-differences-within-uk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116759/elections-set-to-increase-social-care-differences-within-uk.htmlThe regional election results could exacerbate increasing health and social care policy differences between England, Scotland and Wales, a social care policy expert has warned. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116754/understanding-the-support-needs-of-people-with-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116754/understanding-the-support-needs-of-people-with-disabilities.htmlRobin Miller picks out key research findings to help care planning for disabled people and their families http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116753/suffolk-outsourcing-plans-put-on-hold-due-to-public-outcry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116753/suffolk-outsourcing-plans-put-on-hold-due-to-public-outcry.htmlRadical privatisation plans which would have seen child protection outsourced for the first time have been put on hold due to immense public opposition in Suffolk. (pic Rod Edwards/Alamy) http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116727/time-to-ask-where-the-baseline-is-in-childrens-social-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116727/time-to-ask-where-the-baseline-is-in-childrens-social-services.htmlThe Munro Review and turmoil in children's services, local government and health make this a prime time to draw some lines in the sand, argues Nick Berbiers, interim children's services manager and consultant Thu, 05 May 2011 11:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116726/adoption-and-fostering-service-dilemma-for-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116726/adoption-and-fostering-service-dilemma-for-councils.htmlThe government's Big Society ethos demands greater use of both voluntary and private adoption and foster agencies. But what if budget cuts force them to take the work in-house, asks Natalie Valios Thu, 05 May 2011 11:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116734/should-child-protection-be-exempt-from-outsourcing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116734/should-child-protection-be-exempt-from-outsourcing.htmlOutsourcing to private sector providers has long been a feature of social care in England. But should child protection be exempt from the profit motive, asks Gordon Carson Thu, 05 May 2011 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116747/younger-children-better-protected-than-teens-from-violence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116747/younger-children-better-protected-than-teens-from-violence.htmlAttempts to protect teenagers from violence have been unsuccessful compared to efforts to protect younger children, according to researchers at the University of Warwick. (pic: Rex Features) http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/04/116745/councils-shun-social-work-practice-pilots.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/04/116745/councils-shun-social-work-practice-pilots.htmlGovernment attempts to roll out GP-style social work practices under the Big Society banner have come under fire after four authorities pulled out of a pilot scheme, citing a lack of funding. (pic: Rex Features) Wed, 04 May 2011 10:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/04/116737/sharp-fall-in-number-of-serious-case-reviews-carried-out.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/04/116737/sharp-fall-in-number-of-serious-case-reviews-carried-out.htmlCost, the difficulties around anonymity and the prospect of the Munro Review changing the system have prompted a fall in the number of serious case reviews being carried out, according to sector experts. Professor Ray Jones (pictured), independent chair of Bristol's Safeguarding Children's Board, said he felt the move to publish serious case reviews in full was the single biggest issue causing the fall. Wed, 04 May 2011 09:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116744/ofsted-changes-will-ease-inspection-burden-on-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116744/ofsted-changes-will-ease-inspection-burden-on-councils.html molly.garboden@rbi.co.uk Ofsted's new...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/27/116731/scottish-parties-fight-for-carers-votes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/27/116731/scottish-parties-fight-for-carers-votes.htmlScotland's political parties are vying for the votes of carers by presenting manifestos targeted at them. Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116725/loughton-courts-should-ask-for-more-foster-carer-evidence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116725/loughton-courts-should-ask-for-more-foster-carer-evidence.htmlFoster carers should be called more often as expert witnesses on family court care applications, children's minister Tim Loughton has said.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116724/ministers-likely-to-accept-cafcass-move-to-justice-ministry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116724/ministers-likely-to-accept-cafcass-move-to-justice-ministry.htmlThe government is likely to accept proposals that Cafcass should come under the control of the Ministry of Justice as part of a family justice service.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116718/hospital-admissions-reflect-rise-in-child-protection-thresholds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116718/hospital-admissions-reflect-rise-in-child-protection-thresholds.htmlExperts have warned that markers such as hospital admissions could already be showing the impact of rising child protection thresholds.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116715/cuts-leave-homelessness-schemes-more-reliant-on-volunteers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116715/cuts-leave-homelessness-schemes-more-reliant-on-volunteers.html Funding cuts are forcing homelessness projects to cut bed numbers and rely more on volunteers and part-time staff, research finds today. The annual...Thu, 21 Apr 2011 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116713/nspcc-records-largest-ever-increase-in-referrals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116713/nspcc-records-largest-ever-increase-in-referrals.htmlReports of child abuse to the NSPCC rose by 37% in the 12 months to March, the charity has said. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116714/one-year-suspension-follows-welfare-failures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116714/one-year-suspension-follows-welfare-failures.htmlA social worker who admitted a series of failures relating to the welfare of children has been suspended from the register for a year.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116711/government-study-reveals-age-and-ethnic-divisions-in-adoption.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116711/government-study-reveals-age-and-ethnic-divisions-in-adoption.htmlThe number of looked-after children left in limbo as their adoption plans fall through has been revealed for the first time by the Department for Education.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116712/childrens-mental-health-service-cuts-a-false-economy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116712/childrens-mental-health-service-cuts-a-false-economy.htmlFailure to invest in preventive child mental health services is a false economy, a government-commissioned report has found - at a time the coalition is being blamed for cuts in the sector.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/20/116707/domestic-violence-cuts-put-200000-children-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/20/116707/domestic-violence-cuts-put-200000-children-at-risk.htmlBudget cuts could leave up to 200,000 child victims of domestic violence at risk of long-term mental health problems and some at risk of death, sector leaders have warned.Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/19/116706/social-workers-urged-to-team-up-to-resist-threshold-rises.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/19/116706/social-workers-urged-to-team-up-to-resist-threshold-rises.htmlChildren's social workers have been urged to blow the whistle on rising child protection thresholds in teams rather than individually. Leading the call is BASW – The College of Social Work, whose professional officer, Nushra Mansuri (pictured), raised the prospect of professionals breaching their code of conduct if they caved in to management pressure.Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116704/child-protection-thresholds-could-spark-legal-challenges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116704/child-protection-thresholds-could-spark-legal-challenges.htmlCouncils that knowingly leave children in abusive situations leave themselves open to expensive legal challenges, say lawyers, including Ed Mitchell (pictured)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116703/councils-accused-of-imposing-adoption-age-limit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116703/councils-accused-of-imposing-adoption-age-limit.htmlChildren's minister Tim Loughton has claimed some local authorities are operating an "informal age limit" on adoptions. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/18/116700/teen-domestic-violence-not-child-abuse-say-police-chiefs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/18/116700/teen-domestic-violence-not-child-abuse-say-police-chiefs.htmlTeenage girls suffering domestic violence should receive adult victim support rather than child protection services, according to the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/17/116698/ofsted-should-be-split-in-two-say-mps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/17/116698/ofsted-should-be-split-in-two-say-mps.htmlOfsted should be split into two inspectorates, separately overseeing children's social care and education, to reduce the scope for social care being sidelined, MPs have recommended. Sun, 17 Apr 2011 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116694/research-good-practice-when-working-with-refugee-and-asylum-seeking-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116694/research-good-practice-when-working-with-refugee-and-asylum-seeking-children.htmlCommunity Care and Community Care Inform examine findings that can be used to support good practice in the field. By academic Dr Ala Sirriyehhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116689/lack-of-social-workers-sees-use-of-unqualified-staff-rise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116689/lack-of-social-workers-sees-use-of-unqualified-staff-rise.htmlEmployers are blaming the trend of allocating increasingly complex cases to unqualified staff on the national shortage of social workers. Debbie Jones (pictured), vice president of the Association of Directors of Children's Services, said councils were struggling to balance their responsibilities to service users and staff because of a lack of resources. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116686/its-time-to-set-childrens-homes-free.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116686/its-time-to-set-childrens-homes-free.htmlJust as the Munro Review aims to free up social worker's from red-tape and revalue their professional expertise I would make a plea for children's home staff to be given the same respect. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116687/tackling-social-workers-anti-men-attitudes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116687/tackling-social-workers-anti-men-attitudes.htmlThere is no shortage of research highlighting the importance of fathers in their children's lives. But Gavin Swann admits that, for most of his career as a social worker, he held negative and prejudicial views about the men who featured in his cases. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116684/one-in-nine-teenagers-sexually-groomed-in-northern-ireland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116684/one-in-nine-teenagers-sexually-groomed-in-northern-ireland.htmlOne in nine teenagers in Northern Ireland have been sexually groomed by an adult, according to research published today. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116685/munro-debate-assessment-timescales-must-not-be-abandoned.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116685/munro-debate-assessment-timescales-must-not-be-abandoned.htmlThe Munro Review's interim report proposes freeing some councils from statutory timescales governing initial and core assessments. But this may cause children more harm, says Kirsten Anderson Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116683/domestic-violence-why-does-she-stay-a-question-loaded-with-assumptions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116683/domestic-violence-why-does-she-stay-a-question-loaded-with-assumptions.htmlWhy does she stay? That is the wrong question to ask about domestic violence and is based on several false assumptions. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116681/councils-face-high-court-challenges-over-short-breaks-duty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116681/councils-face-high-court-challenges-over-short-breaks-duty.htmlTwo councils in northern England are facing High Court challenges after withdrawing funding for services that provide short breaks for disabled children.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116646/the-need-for-more-critically-reflective-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116646/the-need-for-more-critically-reflective-social-work.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board and the interim Munro Report have spelt out the need for critically reflective social workers. How easy is it to achieve this, and is it possible to develop your own "internal supervisor"? Judy Cooper investigates http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116661/cuts-causing-child-abuse-to-be-downgraded-say-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116661/cuts-causing-child-abuse-to-be-downgraded-say-social-workers.htmlSocial workers are effectively being pressurised to ignore child abuse as a result of budget cuts, an exclusive Community Care survey has revealed. The poll of 170 frontline workers found that 58% believed pressure had been placed on them to reclassify child protection cases as less serious child-in-need cases. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116678/are-child-victims-of-domestic-violence-being-forgotten.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116678/are-child-victims-of-domestic-violence-being-forgotten.htmlHigher intervention thresholds allied with the government's reductions in public spending are causing alarm among child protection professionals. Natalie Valios reports Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116676/lga-urges-talks-with-lansley-to-ensure-gps-help-vulnerable.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116676/lga-urges-talks-with-lansley-to-ensure-gps-help-vulnerable.htmlCouncil leaders have called for face-to-face talks with health secretary Andrew Lansley to answer local authority concerns about his NHS reforms and ensure they do not fail vulnerable groups. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116673/social-work-assistants-asked-to-take-complex-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116673/social-work-assistants-asked-to-take-complex-cases.htmlSocial work assistants are being asked to take on more complex cases because of the cuts hitting councils, interim findings of a survey have suggested. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116672/teenage-girls-at-highest-risk-of-domestic-violence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116672/teenage-girls-at-highest-risk-of-domestic-violence.htmlTeenage girls are the most at risk of domestic abuse of any age group, according to the British Crime Survey. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116668/government-says-child-social-workers-must-blow-the-whistle.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116668/government-says-child-social-workers-must-blow-the-whistle.htmlThe Department for Education has urged social workers to blow the whistle on local authorities that prevent professionals from protecting children. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 09:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116655/alarm-as-children-are-endangered-by-child-protection-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116655/alarm-as-children-are-endangered-by-child-protection-cuts.htmlBudget cuts are leading to higher thresholds for safeguarding cases, endangering children and putting great stress on social workers. Judy Cooper reports on practitioners' mounting alarm Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116662/social-workers-speak-out-over-child-protection-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116662/social-workers-speak-out-over-child-protection-cuts.html"We were told by a senior manager that our area has too many child protection cases and that it was above national average, so all cases had to be examined and downgraded." Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116643/research-findings-on-emergency-accommodation-for-young-runaways.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116643/research-findings-on-emergency-accommodation-for-young-runaways.htmlYoung runaways are vulnerable to harm and require support to protect them. Researcher Emilie Smeaton highlights evidence from a Scottish government report about commissioning and delivering cost-effective emergency accommodationhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116663/caf-can-save-councils-more-than-150000-per-child.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116663/caf-can-save-councils-more-than-150000-per-child.htmlThe Common Assessment Framework (CAF) can save councils more than £150,000 in some cases, research has found.Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116657/charities-slam-dearth-of-adoption-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116657/charities-slam-dearth-of-adoption-support.htmlAdoption charities have hit out at the government for failing to fund and resource adoption support, which they claim is "conspicuous by its absence" from the political agenda. Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/11/116654/social-work-guru-le-grand-rejects-payment-by-results.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/11/116654/social-work-guru-le-grand-rejects-payment-by-results.htmlPolicy guru Julian Le Grand has said social work is not ready for a bonus culture of payment by outcomes, in an admission that has delighted employee bodies. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116650/childrens-home-contract-could-be-illegal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116650/childrens-home-contract-could-be-illegal.htmlA national contract for children's homes which permits local authorities to terminate placements with just one day's notice could be illegal, Community Care understands.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116647/government-reviews-director-of-childrens-services-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116647/government-reviews-director-of-childrens-services-role.htmlThe government is reviewing the current statutory guidance which makes directors of children's services and lead members accountable for the protection of children in their area. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116644/protests-against-cuts-to-services-for-child-asylum-seekers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116644/protests-against-cuts-to-services-for-child-asylum-seekers.htmlSocial care workers are today protesting against 'racist government cuts' to services supporting child asylum seekers. Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116642/research-lack-of-therapeutic-services-for-young-victims-of-sexual-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116642/research-lack-of-therapeutic-services-for-young-victims-of-sexual-abuse.htmlAlison Domakin explores a study that highlights the gap in therapeutic provision for young people who have been sexually abused Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116637/loughton-social-workers-in-tough-cases-must-be-debriefed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116637/loughton-social-workers-in-tough-cases-must-be-debriefed.htmlEmployers must "debrief" social workers after particularly traumatic child protection cases to avoid burnout, children's minister Tim Loughton has said.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116607/child-protection-versus-parental-mental-health-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116607/child-protection-versus-parental-mental-health-services.htmlIn the absence of a national strategy, Julie Griffiths looks at the problems impacting on the co-operation between children's social workers and adult mental health professionals http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116631/government-launches-listening-panel-to-save-nhs-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116631/government-launches-listening-panel-to-save-nhs-reforms.htmlFormer Royal College of GPs chair Steve Field will head a new panel to consider objections to the NHS reforms as the government tries to win over critics.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116630/anger-over-removal-clause-in-new-childrens-homes-contract.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116630/anger-over-removal-clause-in-new-childrens-homes-contract.htmlCouncils will be able to remove children from residential placements with just one day's notice, under a controversial new clause in the national children's homes contract. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116626/disability-living-allowance-changes-will-not-affect-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116626/disability-living-allowance-changes-will-not-affect-children.htmlThe disability living allowance (DLA) for under-16s will not be replaced by personal independent payments (PIPs), the government has confirmed in its response to the consultation into reform of the benefit.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116625/council-creates-15-frontline-advanced-professional-posts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116625/council-creates-15-frontline-advanced-professional-posts.htmlDevon Council is launching an advanced professional role to keep the most experienced children's social workers on the frontline. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116621/new-adcs-head-wants-a-transparent-debate-over-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116621/new-adcs-head-wants-a-transparent-debate-over-cuts.htmlMatt Dunkley (pictured), the incoming president of the Association of Directors of Children's Services, says his job is not to oppose government cuts but to give a professional view of their consequences.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/05/116619/nhs-reforms-will-harm-joint-working-say-directors.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/05/116619/nhs-reforms-will-harm-joint-working-say-directors.htmlHealth secretary Andrew Lansley's NHS reforms risk damaging joint working between health and social care, failing vulnerable children and an accountability deficit, social services directors have warned.Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/05/116620/new-adcs-president-wants-more-radical-solutions-to-sen.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/05/116620/new-adcs-president-wants-more-radical-solutions-to-sen.htmlThe new president of the Association of Director’s of Children’s Services has set out his ambition to help make the green paper on disabiilty and special educational needs "more radical".Tue, 05 Apr 2011 07:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116615/family-justice-review-urges-abolition-of-court-fees.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116615/family-justice-review-urges-abolition-of-court-fees.htmlCouncils will no longer have to stump up hefty court fees when making care orders if proposals put forward by the family justice review are accepted by government.Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116611/family-justice-review-under-fire-over-plan-to-cut-scrutiny.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116611/family-justice-review-under-fire-over-plan-to-cut-scrutiny.htmlMoves to stop judges scrutinising local authority care plans, outlined by the Family Justice Review, have been described as "dangerous" and "backward" by Family Rights Group head Cathy Ashley (pictured).Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116610/two-thirds-of-childrens-charities-expect-staff-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116610/two-thirds-of-childrens-charities-expect-staff-cuts.htmlTwo-thirds of children's charities are awaiting funding decisions from local authorities for 2011-12, with many staff remaining on notices of redundancy in anticipation of possible service cuts. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116609/miliband-urges-cameron-to-ditch-reckless-nhs-overhaul.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116609/miliband-urges-cameron-to-ditch-reckless-nhs-overhaul.htmlLabour leader Ed Miliband has urged the government to withdraw its "reckless" NHS reforms amid speculation that ministers will offer concessions to allay concerns. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116606/foster-carers-need-reserves-of-tolerance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116606/foster-carers-need-reserves-of-tolerance.htmlFoster carers need reserves of tolerance hen considering the qualities of potential foster carers I would choose those who showed both patience and...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116604/munro-debate-social-workers-need-time-not-new-interventions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116604/munro-debate-social-workers-need-time-not-new-interventions.htmlThe Munro Review has identified that parents make better progress if families are engaged without coercion. Scott Hunter and Helen Wosu argue that this cannot be done without more time and lower caseloads http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116600/college-of-social-work-critical-of-proposed-cafcass-move.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116600/college-of-social-work-critical-of-proposed-cafcass-move.htmlProposals to integrate family courts body Cafcass into a new family justice service have sparked concerns from the College of Social Work, headed up by Maurice Bates and Corinne May-Chahal (pictured)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116599/arsenal-fcs-outreach-scheme-for-children-in-deprived-communities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116599/arsenal-fcs-outreach-scheme-for-children-in-deprived-communities.htmlAnecdotally, sport is known to be an effective way of engaging young people and diverting them from crime, but to date there has been little hard evidence. However, a report from New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) and Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, Teenage Kicks: The Value of Sport in Tackling Youth Crime, analyses three projects and concludes that sport is a cost-effective early intervention with young people at risk. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116598/councils-may-face-court-battles-over-short-breaks-duty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116598/councils-may-face-court-battles-over-short-breaks-duty.htmlBudget cuts of up to 15% to services for disabled children could leave some councils open to legal challenges over the duty to provide short breaks, according to campaign group Every Disabled Child Matters.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116597/care-worker-struck-off-over-relationship-with-15-year-old.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116597/care-worker-struck-off-over-relationship-with-15-year-old.htmlA residential child care worker who formed an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old boy in her care has been struck off the register in Scotland.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116593/council-recruits-uks-first-social-work-dog.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116593/council-recruits-uks-first-social-work-dog.htmlA council has recruited the UK’s first social work dog. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116592/adult-and-children-services-are-most-protected-by-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116592/adult-and-children-services-are-most-protected-by-councils.htmlMost councils say they are protecting children's and adults' services above all other services in the face of the 2011-12 budget cuts, a Local Government Association survey has shown. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116591/cafcass-must-align-more-closely-with-munro-say-guardians.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116591/cafcass-must-align-more-closely-with-munro-say-guardians.htmlThe Family Justice Review must alter the role of Cafcass to get the family courts body in line with Eileen Munro's review of child protection, according to the guardians' professional body Nagalro. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116548/munro-debate-the-tower-hamlets-model-for-assessment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116548/munro-debate-the-tower-hamlets-model-for-assessment.htmlThe interim report from the Munro review highlighted the Tower Hamlets model of assessment as a way forward. Here, Helen Lincoln, the council's head of children's social care, outlines its methodology http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116583/shocking-family-justice-system-needs-radical-revamp.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116583/shocking-family-justice-system-needs-radical-revamp.htmlA national family justice board should be established to spearhead the fight against "shocking" delays and inefficiency in the English and Welsh justice system, an independent review has recommended. Family Justice Review chair David Norgrove (pictured) said the existing system was too complicated, with overlapping structures and a lack of shared goals and objectives.Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116568/cafcass-faces-shake-up-but-review-rules-out-abolition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116568/cafcass-faces-shake-up-but-review-rules-out-abolition.htmlFamily courts body Cafcass will be reformed but not abolished if recommendations made today by the Family Justice Review are accepted by the government, Community Care understands. The news will be welcomed by Cafcass chief executive Anthony Douglas (pictured), who insisted that the body was "fit for purpose". Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116569/munro-urged-to-make-child-development-key-to-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116569/munro-urged-to-make-child-development-key-to-training.htmlChild development should be incorporated as a key element in social worker training to give professionals a fuller understanding of children's emotional needs and family dynamics, England's children's commissioner has recommended.Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116581/children-who-feel-unsafe-shun-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116581/children-who-feel-unsafe-shun-social-workers.htmlLess than half of children receiving social care support in England would go to their social worker for help if they felt unsafe, research has revealed. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116574/budgets-and-staff-slashed-at-ncb-as-ennals-prepares-to-leave.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116574/budgets-and-staff-slashed-at-ncb-as-ennals-prepares-to-leave.htmlThe National Children's Bureau will see its funding nearly halved and staff drop by 40%, outgoing chief executive Paul Ennals (pictured) has revealed.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116577/anger-over-axeing-of-female-genital-mutilation-post.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116577/anger-over-axeing-of-female-genital-mutilation-post.htmlThe government's commitment to tackling female genital mutilation has been questioned after it abolished the role of FGM co-ordinator. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116567/we-must-not-throw-away-the-achievements-of-40-years-of-social-services-departments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116567/we-must-not-throw-away-the-achievements-of-40-years-of-social-services-departments.htmlForty years after its inception we have moved a long way from the original idea of a unified, family-based social services model writes Ronald LiddiardWed, 30 Mar 2011 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116538/risk-factor-a-volunteer-engages-with-a-single-mother.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116538/risk-factor-a-volunteer-engages-with-a-single-mother.htmlA volunteer in Southend achieves a good outcome with a young mother with learning disabilities who rejects involvement with statutory servicesWed, 30 Mar 2011 10:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116557/5m-plan-to-divert-mental-health-clients-from-prison.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116557/5m-plan-to-divert-mental-health-clients-from-prison.htmlHealth secretary Andrew Lansley and justice secretary Ken Clarke (pictured) have launched a pilot £5m programme to help divert offenders with mental health problems away from prison. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116564/44m-boost-for-childrens-social-work-teams-in-england.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116564/44m-boost-for-childrens-social-work-teams-in-england.htmlChildren's social work teams across England will receive £44m in 2011-12 to help reduce pressure on frontline staff, children's secretary Michael Gove has announced. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116561/judges-say-they-are-ill-prepared-for-care-proceedings-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116561/judges-say-they-are-ill-prepared-for-care-proceedings-cases.htmlJudges are not sufficiently prepared to make decisions in care proceedings cases, according to a study from the University of Bristol, published today.Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116558/proposal-to-scrap-youth-justice-board-voted-down-by-peers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116558/proposal-to-scrap-youth-justice-board-voted-down-by-peers.htmlThe House of Lords yesterday rejected the scrapping of the Youth Justice Board after peers backed an amendment to the Public Bodies Bill calling for the body to be removed from the so called 'bonfire of the quangos'. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116559/children-in-care-prioritised-to-receive-education-bursaries.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116559/children-in-care-prioritised-to-receive-education-bursaries.html The government has prioritised children in care, care leavers and vulnerable teenagers in a bursary scheme that will replace the educational maintenance...Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116551/ennals-to-stand-down-as-ncb-chief-executive.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116551/ennals-to-stand-down-as-ncb-chief-executive.html Sir Paul Ennals (pictured), chief executive of the National Children's Bureau, will quit his role in autumn it was announced today. ...Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116545/data-lacking-on-teens-and-toddlers-survey-reveals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116545/data-lacking-on-teens-and-toddlers-survey-reveals.htmlThere are gaps in the data available about children before they start formal education and as they enter their teenage years, a survey of children's services staff has revealed Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116547/will-health-reforms-undermine-munros-vision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116547/will-health-reforms-undermine-munros-vision.htmlFor some, the health and education reforms are casting a shadow over Professor Eileen Munro's intention to improve child protection, but others feel that they will enhance joint working. Molly Garboden reports Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/25/116540/mps-told-cafcass-is-beyond-reform-and-must-be-abolished.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/25/116540/mps-told-cafcass-is-beyond-reform-and-must-be-abolished.htmlFamily courts body Cafcass is now beyond reform and should be abolished, a committee of MPs was told this week by an alliance of family and children's organisations, blaming Cafcass's 'top heavy' management structuresFri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116532/consultation-could-help-bid-to-outsource-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116532/consultation-could-help-bid-to-outsource-child-protection.htmlSuffolk Council has admitted the re-evaluation of local authority statutory duties could help it outsource nearly all its public services, including child protection.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116529/government-toughens-stance-on-child-trafficking.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116529/government-toughens-stance-on-child-trafficking.htmlThe government has strengthened the UK's response to child trafficking by deciding to opt into a European directive on human trafficking, the Home Office announced yesterday. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116524/budget-boosts-big-society-but-no-let-up-in-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116524/budget-boosts-big-society-but-no-let-up-in-cuts.htmlChancellor George Osborne's Budget today boosted the Big Society, but there were no new duties on alcohol and no let up in the government's programme of cuts.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114869/legal-update-adoption-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114869/legal-update-adoption-cases.htmlEd Mitchell examines recent court cases concerning adoption, including an important ruling on the date of placement and the courts' view of publicityhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116520/osborne-to-launch-savings-accounts-for-children-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116520/osborne-to-launch-savings-accounts-for-children-in-care.htmlChildren in care are to gain tax-free savings accounts, chancellor George Osborne announced ahead of today's budget. Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116514/bid-to-make-foster-carers-undergo-drugalcohol-hair-tests.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116514/bid-to-make-foster-carers-undergo-drugalcohol-hair-tests.htmlOne of the UK's leading drug and alcohol hair testing firms is pressing the government to make the tests mandatory for all foster carers, Community Care has learned. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116508/munro-debate-shifting-media-and-public-perception-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116508/munro-debate-shifting-media-and-public-perception-of-social-work.htmlA key task of Professor Eileen Munro's review of child protection is to examine the public perception of social workers and the media coverage of the profession. Interim children's services manager and consultant Nick Berbiers proposes some changes http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/19/116493/hair-strand-testing-to-detect-parental-substance-misuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/19/116493/hair-strand-testing-to-detect-parental-substance-misuse.htmlHair tests have helped social workers with difficult child protection cases involving parental substance misuse, but they have their limits, reports Ben Willis Sat, 19 Mar 2011 00:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/19/116499/social-care-outsourcing-drive-bad-for-users-and-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/19/116499/social-care-outsourcing-drive-bad-for-users-and-staff.htmlThe government's drive to outsource social care and other public services risks damaging service quality, weakening accountability and harming working conditions, a report has said. Sat, 19 Mar 2011 00:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/18/116454/how-the-police-can-help-social-workers-assess-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/18/116454/how-the-police-can-help-social-workers-assess-risk.htmlFormer senior police officer Nigel Boulton looks at how the police approach risk and why the future lies in multi-agency assessment teams, as now being investigated by the Munro Review Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/18/116497/sibling-carers-are-being-failed-by-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/18/116497/sibling-carers-are-being-failed-by-councils.htmlSibling carers are being failed by social services, according to a report by the Family Rights Group. Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/18/116496/foster-carers-to-become-pushy-parents-under-new-charter.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/18/116496/foster-carers-to-become-pushy-parents-under-new-charter.htmlA charter launched today will help foster carers become pushy parents according to children's minister Tim Loughton (pictured). Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116490/research-adolescent-neglect-in-child-protection-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116490/research-adolescent-neglect-in-child-protection-work.htmlThe 'incident focus' of child protection has served teenagers poorly. Susannah Bowyer examines a literature review of adolescent neglect and finds the field sparse Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116489/embedding-language-workers-in-childrens-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116489/embedding-language-workers-in-childrens-social-care.htmlLanguage workers embedded in children's teams have improved engagement with Bangladeshi and Pakistani families in Oldham, reports Louise Hunt Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116488/council-u-turn-saves-volunteers-in-child-protection-scheme.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116488/council-u-turn-saves-volunteers-in-child-protection-scheme.htmlA London council has reversed its decision to scrap its Volunteers in Child Protection scheme after pressure from the public. (Picture: Rex Features, model released) Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116475/a-ray-of-sunshine-for-social-work-oranges-and-sunshine.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116475/a-ray-of-sunshine-for-social-work-oranges-and-sunshine.htmlCurled up, almost hiding, on an enormous sofa in a London hotel, Emily Watson is relaxed and dressed down: no make-up; no jewellery; a navy hoodie zipped up casually over a pink silk blouse. Elegant and softly spoken, she shows no sign of starriness or self-importance. In fact, she is disarmingly self-effacing and likeable.Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116479/social-care-duties-cuts-will-be-fought-tooth-and-nail.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116479/social-care-duties-cuts-will-be-fought-tooth-and-nail.htmlGovernment attempts to curb council duties to support disabled people would be fought "tooth and nail", the architect of many of those duties has warned. Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116478/sector-heads-urge-rethink-on-child-protection-commissioning.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116478/sector-heads-urge-rethink-on-child-protection-commissioning.htmlSocial care sector leaders are lobbying the Department of Health to include specific child protection amendments to health secretary Andrew Lansley's (pictured) White Paper going through parliament, Community Care has learned.Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116476/ignoring-southwark-judgement-led-to-boys-suicide-finds-scr.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116476/ignoring-southwark-judgement-led-to-boys-suicide-finds-scr.htmlA serious case review (SCR) into the suicide of a Polish teenager in Manchester has criticised social workers for failing to respond to his needs, in line with the Southwark judgement on homeless 16- and 17-year-olds.Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116473/reviewing-officers-want-to-move-out-of-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116473/reviewing-officers-want-to-move-out-of-childrens-services.htmlMore than two-thirds of independent reviewing officers do not believe they should be based within children's services departments, a survey has revealed. Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116466/fears-pickles-consultation-might-dilute-social-worker-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116466/fears-pickles-consultation-might-dilute-social-worker-role.htmlCommunities secretary Eric Pickles' (pictured) review of statutory social care duties could dilute the role of the local authority social worker, experts have warned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116462/confusion-over-consultation-on-child-protection-duties.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116462/confusion-over-consultation-on-child-protection-duties.htmlChildren's social care groups are worried and confused by a government consultation ordered by communities secretary Eric Pickles (pictured) on whether to ditch a council's legal duty to investigate child protection concerns. Picture: Rex Featureshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116461/social-work-role-unclear-in-disabilities-green-paper.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116461/social-work-role-unclear-in-disabilities-green-paper.htmlSocial care professionals working with disabled children and those with special educational needs are anxious about their future role after publication of the government's strategy document sparked confusion.Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116457/social-workers-under-fire-in-serious-case-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116457/social-workers-under-fire-in-serious-case-review.htmlSocial workers spent too much time supporting a mother and not enough on child protection leading to a young girl suffering almost two decades of physical and sexual abuse an Essex serious case review has concludedhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116456/minister-unclear-on-social-worker-role-with-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116456/minister-unclear-on-social-worker-role-with-disabled-children.htmlChildren and Families minister Sarah Teather (left) has admitted she does not know where social workers fit into the government's vision for children with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116448/abolition-of-social-care-duties-would-be-illegal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116448/abolition-of-social-care-duties-would-be-illegal.htmlAbolishing councils' legal duties to provide social care would breach human rights law, a lawyer has warned after communities secretary Eric Pickles floated the idea. Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116441/mps-furious-over-pickles-social-care-duties-consultation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116441/mps-furious-over-pickles-social-care-duties-consultation.htmlMPs have condemned the government for consulting on the removal of statutory social care duties, branding the moves "terrifying" and "unthinkable". http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116434/government-could-abolish-all-council-social-care-duties.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116434/government-could-abolish-all-council-social-care-duties.htmlThe government will take social care "back to year zero" if it removes duties on councils to support service users, as part of the war on "barmy" rules declared by communities secretary Eric Pickles (pictured). Picture: Rex FeaturesThu, 10 Mar 2011 00:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116435/barnardos-to-run-services-at-new-immigration-removal-centre.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116435/barnardos-to-run-services-at-new-immigration-removal-centre.htmlBarnardo's is to run welfare services for children and families held in the government's proposed detention centre near Gatwick Airport. Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116430/helping-children-through-sibling-loss.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116430/helping-children-through-sibling-loss.htmlSuccessful support for the siblings of children who have died should be continuous. Julie Griffiths reports on a hospice in Wales that provides long-lasting and honest therapy for bereaved children Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116431/foster-carers-need-welfare-flexibility-under-new-bill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116431/foster-carers-need-welfare-flexibility-under-new-bill.htmlFoster carers, most of whom receive no pay or very low pay for their work, are often dependant on welfare benefits to make ends meet. However the current system is complex and can be incompatible with the day to day reality of fostering, writes Madeleine TearseThu, 10 Mar 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116424/sen-green-paper-plans-would-require-radical-changes-to-law.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116424/sen-green-paper-plans-would-require-radical-changes-to-law.htmlThe government needs to radically change the law if local authorities are to implement the agenda set out in its green paper on children with special education needs and disabilities, according to the Local Government Association. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116423/cuts-threaten-schemes-to-keep-vulnerable-women-out-of-prison.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116423/cuts-threaten-schemes-to-keep-vulnerable-women-out-of-prison.htmlWork to divert women with mental health problems from prison could be at risk if funding is lost from community services to help address their offending, an expert has warned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116421/childrens-social-work-practice-pilots-to-be-expanded.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116421/childrens-social-work-practice-pilots-to-be-expanded.htmlMore GP-style social work practice pilots for children are to be rolled out in the autumn as part of the government's Big Society agenda.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116419/confusion-over-social-work-role-in-disability.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116419/confusion-over-social-work-role-in-disability.htmlA single assessment process for children with disabilities and special educational needs will replace the current statementing system, a government green paper revealed today, children's minister Sarah Teather has announced.Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116420/government-urged-to-invest-in-savings-for-care-leavers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116420/government-urged-to-invest-in-savings-for-care-leavers.htmlThe government is being urged to invest in a scheme to ensure children in care retain savings accounts, following the government's abolition of the child trust fund for children in the UK to save £500m. Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116414/funding-cuts-lead-to-tidal-wave-of-job-and-service-losses.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116414/funding-cuts-lead-to-tidal-wave-of-job-and-service-losses.htmlCouncils throughout England are slashing services as a result of their budgets being cut. Jeremy Dunning, Kirsty McGregor and Molly Garboden examine the impact on four authoritiesWed, 09 Mar 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/08/116411/professional-failed-to-report-foster-carers-sexual-misconduct.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/08/116411/professional-failed-to-report-foster-carers-sexual-misconduct.htmlA children's social worker who failed to report sexually inappropriate behaviour involving a foster carer and a service user has been warned about his conduct. Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116398/what-would-payment-by-results-mean-for-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116398/what-would-payment-by-results-mean-for-childrens-services.htmlHow would payment by results work in children's services? Gordon Carson finds mixed views about what is being seen as the solution to funding early intervention services http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116409/treasury-minister-urges-councils-to-go-easy-on-charities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116409/treasury-minister-urges-councils-to-go-easy-on-charities.htmlCouncils must ensure charities do not bear the brunt of cuts so that the government's Big Society goal of a more active voluntary sector is achieved, a Treasury minister has warned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116408/ofsted-chief-defends-childrens-homes-inspections-framework.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116408/ofsted-chief-defends-childrens-homes-inspections-framework.htmlOfsted has hit back at concerns over its new framework for inspecting children's homes, insisting it is "not vastly different, just clearer". http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116407/charity-mounts-legal-challenge-over-housing-benefit-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116407/charity-mounts-legal-challenge-over-housing-benefit-cuts.htmlThe Child Poverty Action Group is mounting a legal challenge on housing benefit changes which come into force on 1 April.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116406/childrens-referrals-should-be-multi-agency-assessed-says-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116406/childrens-referrals-should-be-multi-agency-assessed-says-review.htmlA serious case review into a cot death in Stoke-on-Trent has backed a push to have multi-agency teams assess all referrals to children's services.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116404/childline-calls-from-children-in-care-up-32.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116404/childline-calls-from-children-in-care-up-32.htmlCalls to ChildLine from children in care have increased by 32% in the past five years, according to the NSPCC.Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116400/drop-disability-reforms-say-100-plus-social-care-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116400/drop-disability-reforms-say-100-plus-social-care-experts.htmlMore than 100 prominent social care academics and policy experts have urged the governments to drop its plans for welfare reform because they say the plans will penalise disabled people.Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116403/childrens-homes-best-practice-body-set-for-launch.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116403/childrens-homes-best-practice-body-set-for-launch.htmlAn independent organisation to help providers drive improvements across residential child care is in the final stages of development. Led by Jonathan Stanley, pictured, former manager of the National Centre for Excellence in Residential Child Care, the initiative will be open to all those with an interest in residential child care. Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116401/cwdc-looks-to-cut-11-staff-from-local-areas.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116401/cwdc-looks-to-cut-11-staff-from-local-areas.htmlCouncils will no longer have local support for integrated working across children's services following cuts at the Children's Workforce Development Council. Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116392/engaging-with-communities-to-prevent-female-genital-mutilation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116392/engaging-with-communities-to-prevent-female-genital-mutilation.htmlSocial workers and health professionals are working together in Bristol to convince communities that female genital mutilation is abuse, reports Louise Hunthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116394/a-simple-solution-to-measuring-childrens-social-care-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116394/a-simple-solution-to-measuring-childrens-social-care-outcomes.htmlThis week we begin a series of debate articles for consideration by the Munro Review of child protection services. The first, by senior interim manager and consultant Nick Berbiers, proposes an outcomes measurement framework for children's serviceshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116391/children-with-special-educational-needs-must-be-better-supported.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116391/children-with-special-educational-needs-must-be-better-supported.htmlA recent Ofsted report found schools were over-diagnosing special educational needs (SEN) among students. But not enough has been said about educational provision for those who do have special needs and the knock-on impact on health and well-being.Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/03/116389/cwdc-moves-to-improve-fostering-workbooks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/03/116389/cwdc-moves-to-improve-fostering-workbooks.htmlOnline guidance and training resources were launched today to help social workers implement the controversial CWDC fostering workbooks.Thu, 03 Mar 2011 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116380/high-court-forces-council-to-support-teenager-with-autism.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116380/high-court-forces-council-to-support-teenager-with-autism.htmlThe family of a teenager with severe autism has won a High Court appeal to force a local authority to provide support for him once he turns 18.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116379/social-workers-overwhelmed-by-children-with-complex-needs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116379/social-workers-overwhelmed-by-children-with-complex-needs.htmlSocial care professionals are "overwhelmed by the complexity of needs" of some disabled children, according to a report published by the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116378/loughton-ofsted-must-focus-more-on-childrens-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116378/loughton-ofsted-must-focus-more-on-childrens-social-care.htmlOfsted is overly focused on its inspection remit within schools and needs to increase its emphasis on children's social care, according to children's minister Tim Loughton.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116341/avoiding-cultural-and-racial-traps-in-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116341/avoiding-cultural-and-racial-traps-in-child-protection.htmlSocial workers involved with families from ethnic minorities can be bamboozled by some of their customs. Gordon Carson reports on how to demystify beliefs while engaging positively Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116376/health-reforms-pose-risk-to-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116376/health-reforms-pose-risk-to-childrens-services.htmlThe government's health reforms are already having a negative impact on the commissioning of children's services and there are fears that GP-commissioning will worsen the situation, according to the Commissioning Support Programme (CSP).Wed, 02 Mar 2011 09:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116353/we-need-to-prosecute-those-who-brand-children-witches.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116353/we-need-to-prosecute-those-who-brand-children-witches.htmlAfruca's Debbie Ariyo calls for legislation to link branding children as witches and incitement to harmWed, 02 Mar 2011 01:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116373/ofsted-urges-ministers-to-boost-childrens-homes-leadership.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116373/ofsted-urges-ministers-to-boost-childrens-homes-leadership.htmlThe government needs to start using the experience and skills of the leaders of exceptional children's homes to improve standards across the residential...Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116351/strategies-for-success-in-cross-racial-adoptions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116351/strategies-for-success-in-cross-racial-adoptions.htmlTrans-racial adoption is now being encouraged due to the high number of ethnic minority children waiting to be matched with families. Julie Griffiths reports on how adoption groups are responding to this challenge Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116340/identifying-autism-in-children-from-ethnic-minorities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116340/identifying-autism-in-children-from-ethnic-minorities.htmlMany children on the autism spectrum from ethnic minorities are not being diagnosed properly, and their families often struggle to gain support. Dr Mitzi Waltz explains why Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/01/116368/loughton-urges-councils-to-outsource-adoption-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/01/116368/loughton-urges-councils-to-outsource-adoption-services.htmlMore local authorities could boost adoption rates by outsourcing to the voluntary sector, according to children's minister Tim Loughton. Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116366/adoption-guidance-criticised-for-its-political-spin.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116366/adoption-guidance-criticised-for-its-political-spin.htmlAdoption agencies and social workers say government guidance has done nothing to tackle issues such as the systemic delays and problematic post-adoption support which is leading to high rates of placement breakdown.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116362/track-young-offenders-to-help-them-resettle-says-barnardos.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116362/track-young-offenders-to-help-them-resettle-says-barnardos.htmlA national tracking system for young people leaving custody needs to be developed urgently to ensure their resettlement needs are met, a children's charity says.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116359/scottish-government-to-invest-2m-extra-in-short-breaks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116359/scottish-government-to-invest-2m-extra-in-short-breaks.htmlA further £2m is to be invested in Scotland on short breaks for families with severely disabled children.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/28/116354/england-child-death-rates-among-lowest.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/28/116354/england-child-death-rates-among-lowest.htmlChild death rates in the England are lower than those in the US, Australia and parts of Scandinavia, according to in a seven-nation comparative study on safeguarding.Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116336/yot-funding-fears-could-lead-to-heavier-social-work-caseloads.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116336/yot-funding-fears-could-lead-to-heavier-social-work-caseloads.htmlEXCLUSIVE: A funding row over youth offending teams (YOTs) could see children's social workers taking on increased workloads, Community Care has learned. Thu, 24 Feb 2011 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116339/childrens-homes-voice-fears-over-new-ofsted-criteria.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116339/childrens-homes-voice-fears-over-new-ofsted-criteria.htmlOfsted's new framework for inspecting children's homes, combined with council budget cuts, will devastate the children's home sector, providers have warned.Thu, 24 Feb 2011 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116337/social-workers-angered-by-what-cuts-are-doing-to-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116337/social-workers-angered-by-what-cuts-are-doing-to-care.htmlMental health social workers are "angry" about job and service cuts that are undermining their ability to care and increasing workloads, a social work chief has said.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116332/minister-wants-ombudsman-for-contentious-adoptions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116332/minister-wants-ombudsman-for-contentious-adoptions.htmlEXCLUSIVE: Children's minister Tim Loughton is considering whether "highly contentious" adoption cases should be investigated by a government-appointed ombudsman.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116331/councils-social-workers-may-deal-with-young-offenders-alone.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116331/councils-social-workers-may-deal-with-young-offenders-alone.htmlVulnerable young offenders in Newham will have either a social worker or a youth offending team (YOT) worker, but not both, under plans being considered by the east London council.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 11:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116330/mental-health-trusts-to-make-15-job-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116330/mental-health-trusts-to-make-15-job-cuts.htmlMental health trusts are planning acute jobs cuts with some planning to shed 15% from their workforces, it was revealed today. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/22/116323/ministers-want-tougher-ofsted-scrutiny-of-adoption-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/22/116323/ministers-want-tougher-ofsted-scrutiny-of-adoption-services.htmlThe government is looking to beef-up Ofsted's inspections of adoption services following its publication of updated guidance today.Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/22/116318/government-urges-more-use-of-voluntary-adoption-agencies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/22/116318/government-urges-more-use-of-voluntary-adoption-agencies.htmlThe government wants councils to make more use of voluntary adoption agencies, in the first ever piece of guidance on the issue.Tue, 22 Feb 2011 06:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116319/attack-on-pay-sparks-fears-of-social-work-brain-drain.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116319/attack-on-pay-sparks-fears-of-social-work-brain-drain.htmlA government crackdown on pay for senior council officers will lead to a brain drain of top managers from social care, according to experts. The warning came as communities secretary Eric Pickles (pictured) declared war on "mega salaries" paid by councils to managers.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116316/big-society-wont-work-for-social-care-says-welsh-minister.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116316/big-society-wont-work-for-social-care-says-welsh-minister.htmlThe minister responsible for social services in Wales has hit out at David Cameron's Big Society vision, arguing that it is short-sighted not to invest more in social care.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/21/116312/sun-sea-sand-and-sexual-exploitation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/21/116312/sun-sea-sand-and-sexual-exploitation.htmlBlackpool's reputation as a fun place to live is tarnished by the high number of sex offenders drawn to the town and its murky sub-culture. Now the council and police are working together to improve child safeguarding, writes Camilla Pemberton Mon, 21 Feb 2011 09:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116314/wales-creates-de-facto-national-social-care-service.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116314/wales-creates-de-facto-national-social-care-service.htmlRadical plans that will effectively result in the creation of a national care service for Wales have been unveiled by the Welsh Assembly Government (Pic; Welsh Assembly)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116310/children-in-care-still-need-to-say-good-bye.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116310/children-in-care-still-need-to-say-good-bye.htmlWhat is a home? When you look at the word, it seems small and insignificant, writes Jarone Macklin-Page. But a dictionary defines it as a house, apartment, or other shelter that is the usual residence of a person, family, or household. Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116308/pooling-budgets-and-integrated-teams-boost-swindons-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116308/pooling-budgets-and-integrated-teams-boost-swindons-childrens-services.htmlSwindon Council's services were felt to be fragmented. But by pooling budgets – to the extent that it has been announced as one of the pilots for the much vaunted community budgets – it has transformed performance. Ben Willis reportsFri, 18 Feb 2011 00:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116305/welsh-councils-to-lose-social-care-powers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116305/welsh-councils-to-lose-social-care-powers.htmlWelsh care providers have hailed plans to curb individual councils' role in social care as a "victory for common sense", after the Welsh government announced a 10-year plan for social services today. Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116307/non-violent-resistance-to-help-aggression-in-young-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116307/non-violent-resistance-to-help-aggression-in-young-people.htmlThe principle of non-violent resistance is being applied to challenge children with conduct problems. Peter Jakob explains how it works Fri, 18 Feb 2011 10:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116304/experts-back-welsh-adoption-agency-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116304/experts-back-welsh-adoption-agency-plan.htmlAdoption experts have backed plans for a national adoption agency in Wales, outlined today by the Welsh government.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116295/disability-benefits-slashed-in-welfare-reform-bill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116295/disability-benefits-slashed-in-welfare-reform-bill.htmlDisabled people will be the big losers in the government's overhaul of the benefits system unveiled today in the Welfare Reform Bill. Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116287/children-reveal-little-faith-in-family-courts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116287/children-reveal-little-faith-in-family-courts.htmlChildren involved in family court proceedings have been left with little faith in family justice, research has revealed, with half believing courts never make the right decisions for them. Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116228/how-to-use-the-law-to-fight-social-care-spending-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116228/how-to-use-the-law-to-fight-social-care-spending-cuts.htmlWith more than 150,000 local authority jobs under threat, and councils proposing to cut services due to funding pressures, social care staff and service users are increasingly concerned about their prospects. But there may be ways in which they can use the law to challenge and overturn councils' decisions.Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/15/116275/nspcc-finds-one-in-five-11-to-17-year-olds-have-been-abused.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/15/116275/nspcc-finds-one-in-five-11-to-17-year-olds-have-been-abused.htmlAlmost one-fifth of 11 to 17-year-olds have been severely abused or neglected in childhood, findings released by the NSPCC today reveal. (Picture: Rex, model released) Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/14/116281/haringey-council-cuts-back-social-worker-training-and-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/14/116281/haringey-council-cuts-back-social-worker-training-and-jobs.htmlHaringey Council has come under fire from the tabloid media for cutting social worker posts and its training budgets for social workers. Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116261/1000-social-workers-doing-illegal-overseas-assessments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116261/1000-social-workers-doing-illegal-overseas-assessments.htmlAs many as 1,000 UK social workers could be travelling abroad every year to conduct "illegal" assessments, according to a charity that specialises in overseas work, writes Julie Griffiths.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116271/early-intervention-providers-need-payments-incentive.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116271/early-intervention-providers-need-payments-incentive.html "Milestone payments" should be paid to providers of early intervention services in order to be attractive to investors according to Graham Allen. The...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116266/nick-clegg-defends-changes-to-crb-checks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116266/nick-clegg-defends-changes-to-crb-checks.htmlGovernment plans to scale back Criminal Records Bureau checks could let "thousands" of dangerous individuals come into contact with children, an expert has warned. But deputy prime minister Nick Clegg has defended the changes.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116268/what-will-the-extra-powers-for-independent-reviewing-officers-achieve.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116268/what-will-the-extra-powers-for-independent-reviewing-officers-achieve.htmlIndependent reviewing officers are to be given more responsibilities but debate rages about how the cuts and the Munro review might affect their role, writes Gordon Carson Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116265/in-loco-parentis.-demos-research-and-report-on-the-looked-after-children-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116265/in-loco-parentis.-demos-research-and-report-on-the-looked-after-children-system.htmlThink-tank Demos has conducted an exhaustive study of the care system for children. Jo Dixon reports Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116263/the-dangers-of-conducting-assessments-overseas.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116263/the-dangers-of-conducting-assessments-overseas.htmlConducting assessments in other countries may be dangerous or illegal, so social workers must beware of the risks, writes Julie Griffiths http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116260/the-family-rights-group-template-for-assessing-kinship-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116260/the-family-rights-group-template-for-assessing-kinship-carers.htmlThe Family Rights Group has produced a template to help social workers assess friends and family carers, reports Julie Griffiths. Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116258/ofsted-notes-outstanding-progress-at-cafcass-derbyshire.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116258/ofsted-notes-outstanding-progress-at-cafcass-derbyshire.htmlCafcass has been commended by Ofsted after an inspection revealed "outstanding" improvements in the services it provides to children and families in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. It follows a history of long delays in the area and an 80% increase in demand for public law work over the past two years.Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116252/social-care-management-cull-may-raise-costs-say-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116252/social-care-management-cull-may-raise-costs-say-experts.htmlPlans to slash social care management posts at three London councils, including Westminster (pictured) by merging departments risk costing them more in the long-term, experts have warned. Thu, 10 Feb 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116250/councils-start-to-cut-childrens-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116250/councils-start-to-cut-childrens-social-workers.htmlCouncil budget cuts are having a mixed impact on children's social care across the country with some proposing to delete social worker posts, training budgets and administration support but others looking to increase investment.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116248/councils-slash-social-care-managers-to-save-35m.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116248/councils-slash-social-care-managers-to-save-35m.htmlThree Tory-led London boroughs will slash management posts across children's and adults' services by creating single departments for both, as part of moves to save £35m. Wed, 09 Feb 2011 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/08/116236/how-childrens-homes-providers-can-survive-the-economic-chill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/08/116236/how-childrens-homes-providers-can-survive-the-economic-chill.htmlResidential provision for children in care will have to change as the economic chill continues. Camilla Pemberton reports on how providers can take ownership of the challenges ahead Tue, 08 Feb 2011 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116242/bromley-poised-to-axe-volunteer-child-protection-scheme.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116242/bromley-poised-to-axe-volunteer-child-protection-scheme.htmlBromley Council's Volunteers in Child Protection (ViCP) scheme may come to an end as the council has proposed axing its £38,000 annual funding. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116241/vetting-and-barring-scheme-to-be-scaled-back.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116241/vetting-and-barring-scheme-to-be-scaled-back.htmlLabour's controversial Vetting and Barring Scheme is to be scaled back after critics claimed it could result in 12,000 innocent people being labelled as unsuitable to work with children.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116240/munros-child-protection-pilots-could-transform-safeguarding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116240/munros-child-protection-pilots-could-transform-safeguarding.htmlProfessor Eileen Munro's (left) pilot plan to scrap statutory deadlines in child protection work has the potential to transform the confidence and standing of social workers, according to experts. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116232/munros-ideal-vision-of-child-protection-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116232/munros-ideal-vision-of-child-protection-social-work.htmlLess pressure, more support and better resources. Could this be the future of social work if Professor Eileen Munro gets her way?Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116230/are-you-ready-for-the-children-and-young-persons-act-2008.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116230/are-you-ready-for-the-children-and-young-persons-act-2008.htmlLegal expert Ed Mitchell on changes children's teams will have to work under from April http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116156/indicators-of-disorganised-attachment-in-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116156/indicators-of-disorganised-attachment-in-children.htmlCommunity Care and Community Care Inform are examining how evidence informs important areas of practice. In the latest instalment, David Shemmings and Yvonne Shemmings look at disorganised attachmentFri, 04 Feb 2011 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116226/pooled-family-intervention-projects-prove-their-worth.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116226/pooled-family-intervention-projects-prove-their-worth.html...Fri, 04 Feb 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116225/the-effect-of-corporate-parents-on-childrens-lives.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116225/the-effect-of-corporate-parents-on-childrens-lives.html As children's rights director for England, I have a statutory duty to find out the views and concerns of children in care and those receiving social care support or living in residential education. In our latest report, Having Corporate Parents, my team asked children in care how having corporate parents made a difference to their lives. What the children told us challenges our thinking about policy issues during this period of austerity. They did not demand more resources, but instead wanted more good practice. That is more deliverable in the times to come. Children spoke of their experiences of having many different professionals working with them. Perhaps surprisingly, the majority view was that it was better to have a range of different professionals doing different things instead of just one "personal professional" trying to do everything - as long as there were no more professionals than the child needed. Reassuringly, many children told us that they thought their...Fri, 04 Feb 2011 10:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116221/childrens-minister-condemns-telegraph-adoption-campaign.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116221/childrens-minister-condemns-telegraph-adoption-campaign.htmlChildren's minister Tim Loughton has condemned a national newspaper columnist's campaign against "forced adoptions", branding it "damaging" and "demoralising".http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/03/116217/90-of-violent-fathers-in-close-touch-with-their-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/03/116217/90-of-violent-fathers-in-close-touch-with-their-children.htmlNearly 90% of fathers guilty of multiple incidents of domestic violence remain in close contact with their children, according to a study of children's services involvement with domestically abusive fathers, published today.Thu, 03 Feb 2011 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116215/civil-service-cuts-put-mental-health-strategy-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116215/civil-service-cuts-put-mental-health-strategy-at-risk.htmlThe government has admitted it risks undermining its plans to help one million people recover from mental health problems because of massive cuts in civil service expertise. The plans were announced today by health secretary Andrew Lansley in the government's mental health strategy. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116202/embed-social-workers-in-universal-services-urges-munro.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116202/embed-social-workers-in-universal-services-urges-munro.htmlMore social workers could be embedded in universal services if a suggestion in Professor Eileen Munro's latest report is taken up by government.Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116204/munro-says-ics-can-create-more-problems-than-it-solves.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116204/munro-says-ics-can-create-more-problems-than-it-solves.htmlProfessor Eileen Munro has described the development of the integrated children's system (ICS) as a good example of a "failure to learn" and added that many systems in councils actually made errors more likely, rather than less likely, to occur. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116198/munro-wants-unannounced-inspections-for-all-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116198/munro-wants-unannounced-inspections-for-all-services.htmlAll children's services should be subject to unannounced inspections according to Professor Eileen Munro's interim report into the child protection system in England.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116201/munro-social-work-management-role-should-be-split.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116201/munro-social-work-management-role-should-be-split.htmlThe Munro review is considering whether the social work manager's role needs to be split so that staff can receive enough help for critical reflection on their cases.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116191/wales-unveils-new-serious-case-review-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116191/wales-unveils-new-serious-case-review-system.htmlAll the UK nations are assessing the way they handle reviews into child protection cases, with Wales this week unveiling its new approach, writes Molly Garboden http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116200/wales-to-launch-faster-serious-case-review-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116200/wales-to-launch-faster-serious-case-review-system.htmlWales is to implement a new system of serious case reviews (SCRs) this year, deputy minister for social services Gwenda Thomas announced today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116203/munro-looks-to-health-sector-for-scr-inspiration.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116203/munro-looks-to-health-sector-for-scr-inspiration.htmlProfessor Eileen Munro is looking to the health sector to help re-shape serious case reviews. This will form part of her final report to be published in mid-May.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/01/116206/munro-social-workers-lack-communication-tools-and-skills.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/01/116206/munro-social-workers-lack-communication-tools-and-skills.htmlChildren's social workers currently lack the training and tools necessary to develop productive relationships with the children they should be protecting, according to Professor Eileen Munro's latest instalment of her review of England's child protection.Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116197/council-asks-childrens-homes-for-10-fees-reduction-by-march.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116197/council-asks-childrens-homes-for-10-fees-reduction-by-march.htmlManchester Council has given its children's homes less than two months to deliver 10% cuts on current and future placements, Community Care has learned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/31/116195/disabled-children-bear-brunt-of-grant-cuts-in-east-sussex.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/31/116195/disabled-children-bear-brunt-of-grant-cuts-in-east-sussex.htmlDisabled children are among those hit the hardest as East Sussex Council proposes budget cuts of £4.5m (pic: Alamy)Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116188/social-workers-need-protection-from-civil-negligence-claims.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116188/social-workers-need-protection-from-civil-negligence-claims.htmlThe decision not to cap legal aid for care and supervision proceedings will leave professionals vulnerable to litigation. To address this, the social worker's duty of care must be rethought, writes Peter Wake http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116186/experts-find-no-evidence-of-labour-schemes-success.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116186/experts-find-no-evidence-of-labour-schemes-success.htmlIt is impossible to assess the effectiveness of many recent initiatives aiming to improve outcomes for vulnerable young people according to a research review. (Picture: Rex)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116181/risk-factor-should-the-grandparents-look-after-the-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116181/risk-factor-should-the-grandparents-look-after-the-children.htmlA social worker describes a case in which a difficult decision must be reached over whether two children are looked after by their grandparentsFri, 28 Jan 2011 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116185/support-worker-struck-off-after-unsupervised-sex-offender-visit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116185/support-worker-struck-off-after-unsupervised-sex-offender-visit.html A child support worker in Scotland has been struck off after allowing a registered sex offender an unsupervised visit to a house where a two-year-old child...Fri, 28 Jan 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116178/hundreds-of-sure-start-childrens-centres-set-to-close.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116178/hundreds-of-sure-start-childrens-centres-set-to-close.htmlAs many as 250 Sure Start children's centres are at risk of closing within a year, while thousands are cutting back services and issuing redundancy risk notices, it has been revealed.Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116174/loughton-casts-doubt-on-ofsted-adoption-inspections.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116174/loughton-casts-doubt-on-ofsted-adoption-inspections.htmlChildren's minister Tim Loughton has promised to investigate Ofsted inspections of adoption services, claiming that some of the "good" and "outstanding" ratings do not reflect the outcomes for children. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/26/116152/child-sexual-exploitation-in-the-spotlight.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/26/116152/child-sexual-exploitation-in-the-spotlight.htmlIt may be left to a television soap to move sexual grooming and exploitation of children further up the social care agenda. Camilla Pemberton reports on the risk of ignoring it Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/25/116100/interactive-website-helps-care-leavers-learn-to-live-independently.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/25/116100/interactive-website-helps-care-leavers-learn-to-live-independently.htmlA scheme aiming to prepare care leavers for independence uses a website and a virtual house (pictured) to learn crucial life skills, reports Louise HuntTue, 25 Jan 2011 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116168/attorney-general-to-consider-guardians-for-trafficked-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116168/attorney-general-to-consider-guardians-for-trafficked-children.htmlThe Attorney General is to examine whether trafficked children involved in UK court proceedings should be appointed a...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116163/council-must-review-up-to-400-child-protection-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116163/council-must-review-up-to-400-child-protection-cases.htmlGloucestershire Council must review nearly 400 child protection cases following an Ofsted inspection.Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116160/nhs-market-reforms-pose-risk-to-services-warn-professionals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116160/nhs-market-reforms-pose-risk-to-services-warn-professionals.htmlSocial care professionals may be still trying to get their heads around the 367-page Health and Social Care Bill published last week, but their health colleagues appear to have already made up their minds about health secretary Andrew Lansley's plans. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116158/cafcass-chief-tells-staff-to-improve-complaints-handling.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116158/cafcass-chief-tells-staff-to-improve-complaints-handling.htmlThe chief executive of Cafcass Anthony Douglas (left)has demanded improvements after warning staff the family courts body is among the worst performing public bodies for handling complaints, Community Care has discovered.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116151/childrens-social-workers-want-return-of-patch-based-teams.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116151/childrens-social-workers-want-return-of-patch-based-teams.htmlMost child protection professionals want a return to "patch-based" working, according to a Com­munity Care survey on bureaucracy for the Munro review.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/21/116150/council-to-review-bristol-disabled-child-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/21/116150/council-to-review-bristol-disabled-child-case.htmlThe council which was asked to take a disabled child into care by her despairing mother is to review the family's case following prime minster David Cameron's promise to investigate the case.Fri, 21 Jan 2011 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116144/adoption-delays-could-be-costing-councils-millions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116144/adoption-delays-could-be-costing-councils-millions.htmlAs many as 1,000 children could be languishing in care because of delays in approving adoptive parents, costing councils tens of millions of pounds, research has found. (picture: Rex, posed by model)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116146/practitioners-need-better-grip-of-parliamentary-process.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116146/practitioners-need-better-grip-of-parliamentary-process.htmlChildren's services practitioners need to familiarise themselves with the specifics of government processes if they want to bring about meaningful change within their sector, according to former children's commissioner Al Aynsley-Green.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116136/councils-fall-short-in-response-to-adult-abuse-allegations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116136/councils-fall-short-in-response-to-adult-abuse-allegations.htmlCouncils are failing to respond adequately to allegations of abuse of vulnerable adults, the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) warned today in its annual report. (Picture: Rex, model released) http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116143/cameron-writes-to-mother-of-disabled-child-who-cant-cope.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116143/cameron-writes-to-mother-of-disabled-child-who-cant-cope.htmlDavid Cameron is to write to a mother who may have to put her severely disabled daughter into care.Thu, 20 Jan 2011 11:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116141/closer-ties-between-yots-and-social-workers-heralded.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116141/closer-ties-between-yots-and-social-workers-heralded.htmlAlex Chard welcomes the criminal justice Green Paper, Breaking the CycleThu, 20 Jan 2011 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116140/on-the-road-with-londons-regional-safeguarding-advisers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116140/on-the-road-with-londons-regional-safeguarding-advisers.htmlThe capital's regional safeguarding advisers provide free support to agencies on local issues and stand by for emergency child protection situations, learns Louise Hunt Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116133/contactpoint-replacement-could-be-tried-in-hospitals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116133/contactpoint-replacement-could-be-tried-in-hospitals.htmlHospital accident and emergency departments may pilot the national signposting system that will replace ContactPoint, according to children's minister Tim Loughton.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116113/therapeutic-uses-for-console-and-other-computer-games.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116113/therapeutic-uses-for-console-and-other-computer-games.htmlFar from being a pastime for geeks, games can have therapeutic benefits, says Professor Mark Griffiths Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116099/time-for-social-work-to-embrace-social-media.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116099/time-for-social-work-to-embrace-social-media.htmlAccessing information through social media may seem daunting but it does offer easy ways to communicate, collaborate and share resources. It has many uses in the social care sector, writes Shirley AyersWed, 19 Jan 2011 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116106/using-the-latest-technology-in-children-and-families-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116106/using-the-latest-technology-in-children-and-families-social-work.htmlAdvances in technology are opening up new ways to communicate with and help children and young people. Molly Garboden looks at some examples Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116122/graham-allen-urges-launch-of-national-early-intervention-body.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116122/graham-allen-urges-launch-of-national-early-intervention-body.htmlA national body should be set up to oversee the operation and funding of early intervention throughout the UK, according to the MP tasked with investigating the future of programmes.Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116126/scottish-government-sets-out-child-protection-measures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116126/scottish-government-sets-out-child-protection-measures.htmlChild protection professionals in Scotland will benefit from a series of government initiatives announced today as part of a national review of child protection procedures.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/18/116125/social-workers-could-be-sacked-over-brothers-torture-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/18/116125/social-workers-could-be-sacked-over-brothers-torture-case.htmlUp to 10 staff members, including social care practitioners, who worked with the two brothers jailed for torturing two younger children near Edlington could lose their jobs, Doncaster Council has confirmed.Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/18/116089/focus-on-race-in-grooming-cases-could-lead-to-more-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/18/116089/focus-on-race-in-grooming-cases-could-lead-to-more-risk.htmlThe recent media and political focus on race issues within sexual exploitation cases could put more children and young people at risk, according to the new chief executive of Barnardo's (Anne Marie Carrie pictured).Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116107/basw-poised-to-form-rival-social-work-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116107/basw-poised-to-form-rival-social-work-college.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers is likely to announce fresh plans this month to form a rival to the College of Social Work, Community Care understands. Thu, 13 Jan 2011 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116092/narey-left-munro-panel-in-september-2010.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116092/narey-left-munro-panel-in-september-2010.htmlMartin Narey has stepped down from Professor Eileen Munro's safeguarding review panel it has been revealed.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116090/ceop-launches-study-into-sexual-exploitation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116090/ceop-launches-study-into-sexual-exploitation.htmlThe Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre is to research ways to reduce the risk of "on-street" grooming and sexual exploitation of young people.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116094/council-suspends-childrens-chief.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116094/council-suspends-childrens-chief.htmlColin Tucker (pictured) has been suspended from his post as Birmingham's director of children's services.Wed, 12 Jan 2011 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116079/voluntary-sector-cuts-threaten-big-society-vision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116079/voluntary-sector-cuts-threaten-big-society-vision.htmlVoluntary social care organisations are being devastated by public spending cuts that threaten to undermine the government's Big Society agenda, research by Community Care reveals. (Picture: the Epilepsy Society's Chalfont Centre may see cuts)Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116084/council-review-finds-flaws-in-cases-of-500-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116084/council-review-finds-flaws-in-cases-of-500-children.htmlKent Council has discovered problems in the cases of more than 500 at-risk childrenfollowing a council-led review of the department. (Picture credit: Rex Features, model released)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116082/nine-men-arrested-on-suspicion-of-exploiting-teenage-girls.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116082/nine-men-arrested-on-suspicion-of-exploiting-teenage-girls.htmlNine men have been arrested on suspicion of grooming and sexually exploiting teenage girls in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/11/116081/what-will-the-end-of-anonymity-in-scrs-mean-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/11/116081/what-will-the-end-of-anonymity-in-scrs-mean-for-social-workers.htmlWhat will the publication of full serious case reviews mean for Unison members, asks Gordon Carson Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116077/government-offers-118m-fund-for-voluntary-organisations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116077/government-offers-118m-fund-for-voluntary-organisations.htmlThe Department for Education (DfE) is offering voluntary and community organisations £118m of transitional funding to help them adjust to new funding arrangements in the wake of government cuts over the next two years.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116076/extra-gp-style-social-work-practice-pilots-to-be-launched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116076/extra-gp-style-social-work-practice-pilots-to-be-launched.htmlA further nine independent GP-style social work practices for children in care will be piloted in England this year despite opposition from unions.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116068/helping-children-who-have-witnessed-family-homicide.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116068/helping-children-who-have-witnessed-family-homicide.htmlSurprisingly little attention is paid to the children of families where one parent is murdered by the other. By Julie Griffiths Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116067/council-plans-to-lift-child-protection-referral-burden.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116067/council-plans-to-lift-child-protection-referral-burden.htmlChild protection workers in Hammersmith and Fulham will no longer assess referrals but instead focus on complex cases in a proposed reorganisation of the council's children's services. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116070/social-workers-and-experts-give-their-views-on-munro-questions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116070/social-workers-and-experts-give-their-views-on-munro-questions.htmlResponses to Professor Monro's (left) questions on child protection work focus on what prevents effective relationships between practitioners and familieshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116061/munro-extends-deadline-for-social-worker-questions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116061/munro-extends-deadline-for-social-worker-questions.htmlEileen Munro has extended the deadline for frontline workers wishing to contribute their views to her review of children's social services.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116057/will-cuts-kill-off-social-pedagogy-in-the-uk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116057/will-cuts-kill-off-social-pedagogy-in-the-uk.htmlSince 2004, when it emerged that just 6% of young people leaving care in England progressed to university or higher education, councils in England and Wales have had a legal duty to promote the educational development of young people in care. Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116056/how-fostering-education-is-improving-the-reading-of-looked-after-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116056/how-fostering-education-is-improving-the-reading-of-looked-after-children.htmlA course for foster carers has achieved some success in improving the educational performance – particularly the reading skills – of looked-after children, reports Chloe StothartThu, 06 Jan 2011 00:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116054/munro-social-worker-questions-spark-debate.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116054/munro-social-worker-questions-spark-debate.htmlProfessor Eileen Munro, who is currently reviewing child protection procedures, should be finding out social workers' views on the role of joint child protection investigations with other professionals, according to academics.Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/04/116046/munro-asks-frontline-workers-what-needs-to-change.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/04/116046/munro-asks-frontline-workers-what-needs-to-change.htmlFrontline workers are being asked to tell Professor Eileen Munro (pictured) what they would like to keep and what should be discarded in the child protection system.Tue, 04 Jan 2011 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/22/116043/royal-college-outlines-standards-for-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/22/116043/royal-college-outlines-standards-for-child-protection.htmlAll children's social workers ought to have access to a paediatrician who can provide child protection advice and assessments, according to a new set of standards.Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/21/115958/councils-clarify-position-over-unallocated-children-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/21/115958/councils-clarify-position-over-unallocated-children-cases.htmlDebate over the allocation of cases by children's services departments has intensified following a Community Care investigation.Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115831/8000-vulnerable-children-denied-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115831/8000-vulnerable-children-denied-social-workers.htmlCouncils have failed to allocate social workers to more than 8,000 vulnerable children across the country, a Community Care investigation has revealed. (Picture: Alamy. Model released)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116042/social-services-in-northern-ireland-face-major-job-losses.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116042/social-services-in-northern-ireland-face-major-job-losses.htmlAdult social care and children's services in Northern Ireland face significant job losses amid concern that a small growth in expenditure will be insufficient to meet rising demand.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116041/justice-ministry-oversight-insults-independent-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116041/justice-ministry-oversight-insults-independent-workers.htmlIndependent social workers say they have been insulted by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), which failed to acknowledge them in the latest consultation on legal aid reforms.Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116036/joy-for-care-workers-as-migrant-cap-ruled-illegal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116036/joy-for-care-workers-as-migrant-cap-ruled-illegal.htmlCare workers and bosses are this week celebrating a "huge victory" after the government's temporary immigration cap was ruled illegal and quashed on Friday. The High Court decision means many overseas care workers could have work permits reinstated after having had them removed. (Image from Rex) Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116037/munro-plaudit-for-hackneys-reclaim-social-work-model.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116037/munro-plaudit-for-hackneys-reclaim-social-work-model.htmlThe London Borough of Hackney's Reclaim Social Work model cut the cost of children's social care by 4.97%, according to an independent evaluation still to be officially published in full.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116033/benefit-changes-put-more-children-into-poverty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116033/benefit-changes-put-more-children-into-poverty.htmlThe number of children in absolute poverty will rise by 200,000 within three years because of the government's tax and benefit reforms, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116031/child-detention-to-end-and-yarls-wood-closes-now.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116031/child-detention-to-end-and-yarls-wood-closes-now.html The detention of children in immigration cases will end by May, with the family wing of the controversial Yarl's Wood centre closed immediately, deputy prime...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116025/nhs-overhaul-to-include-more-social-care-joint-working.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116025/nhs-overhaul-to-include-more-social-care-joint-working.htmlThe government will press ahead with its overhaul of the NHS but has responded to concerns that it will disrupt joint working between health and social care by strengthening proposed partnership arrangements.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116029/primary-care-trusts-to-be-merged-ahead-of-abolition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116029/primary-care-trusts-to-be-merged-ahead-of-abolition.htmlPrimary care trusts will be merged into "clusters" next year ahead of their abolition in 2013, the government announced today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116027/cafcass-services-gain-first-good-rating-from-ofsted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116027/cafcass-services-gain-first-good-rating-from-ofsted.htmlFamily courts body Cafcass has received its first "good" rating from Ofsted, following an unannounced inspection of its services in the North East.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116018/munro-review-may-adopt-police-risk-assessment-methods.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116018/munro-review-may-adopt-police-risk-assessment-methods.htmlThe Munro review is looking at adopting police risk assessment methods for all child protection workers, according to a former police chief who sits on the team led by Professor Eileen Munro (pictured).Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/115992/autism-charities-cut-back-on-key-services-as-councils-retrench.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/115992/autism-charities-cut-back-on-key-services-as-councils-retrench.htmlNearly 40% of autism charities anticipate having to make cuts to services in the next year on the back of funding reductions from government, a report has found. Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116016/social-workers-should-intervene-earlier-says-gove.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116016/social-workers-should-intervene-earlier-says-gove.htmlEducation secretary Michael Gove has called for social workers to intervene earlier when children are at risk of harm.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/14/116012/local-government-childrens-services-funding-cut-by-11.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/14/116012/local-government-childrens-services-funding-cut-by-11.htmlThe government's early intervention grant (EIG) will provide 10.9% less funding than the aggregated 2010-11 funding that councils received through its predecessors. Education secretary Michael Gove (pictured) said there was enough money for Sure Start and children's centres to be retained.Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/14/116011/schools-to-receive-430-for-looked-after-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/14/116011/schools-to-receive-430-for-looked-after-children.htmlSchools will receive £430 for every looked-after child and deprived pupil they have under the government's pupil premium scheme, children's minister Michael Gove announced yesterday.Tue, 14 Dec 2010 11:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/14/116009/study-shows-how-fast-vulnerable-parents-can-change.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/14/116009/study-shows-how-fast-vulnerable-parents-can-change.htmlVulnerable parents who have the capacity to change their lives usually do so before their child is six months old, according to new research from Loughborough University.Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116006/fears-for-social-care-as-government-cuts-budgets-by-up-to-9.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116006/fears-for-social-care-as-government-cuts-budgets-by-up-to-9.htmlCouncils in England will lose an average of 4.4% in revenue next year due to Whitehall cuts, the government has announced, leading to fears for the future of social work services. Communities secretary Eric Pickles (pictured) told MPs that no authority would see its spending power cut by more than 9%.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116004/council-will-struggle-to-maintain-social-care-after-funding-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/116004/council-will-struggle-to-maintain-social-care-after-funding-cut.htmlEdinburgh Council will struggle to maintain its social care provision after being one of the worst hit by the Scottish government's local authorities settlement, the lead member for social care has warned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116002/short-breaks-to-be-funded-through-early-intervention-grant.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116002/short-breaks-to-be-funded-through-early-intervention-grant.htmlShort-break funding is to form part of the early intervention grant announced in the comprehensive spending review.Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116001/localism-bill-would-allow-staff-to-run-councils-care-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116001/localism-bill-would-allow-staff-to-run-councils-care-services.htmlSocial work services could be taken over by residents' groups or council employees under the Localism Bill published todayMon, 13 Dec 2010 00:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/115998/new-child-protection-guidance-issued-in-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/115998/new-child-protection-guidance-issued-in-scotland.htmlScotland's child protection register will no longer identify children under a category of abuse it was announced today. Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/10/115996/government-pledges-30m-to-keep-families-together.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/10/115996/government-pledges-30m-to-keep-families-together.htmlTroubled families are to receive support worth £30m over the next four years, children's minister Sarah Teather has announced.Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/10/115989/stabbed-social-worker-had-no-warning-of-death-threat.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/10/115989/stabbed-social-worker-had-no-warning-of-death-threat.htmlMental health agencies failed to tell a social worker that mental health patient Graham Burton (pictured) had threatened to kill her shortly before he attacked her with a knife, a report has found. Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/09/115983/northern-irish-case-management-reviews-could-be-made-public.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/09/115983/northern-irish-case-management-reviews-could-be-made-public.htmlNorthern Irish case management reviews (CMRs) could be published after a children's services redesign.Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/09/115979/twice-as-many-excellent-services-as-last-year-says-ofsted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/09/115979/twice-as-many-excellent-services-as-last-year-says-ofsted.htmlTwice the number of councils are providing excellent children's services compared with last year, according to Ofsted's 2010 children's services assessments, published today.Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115978/child-protection-thresholds-too-high-to-target-sexual-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115978/child-protection-thresholds-too-high-to-target-sexual-abuse.htmlChild protection thresholds are set so high that thousands of sexually exploited children and young people miss out on help, experts say in the wake of the Derby sexual abuse scandal (pictured).http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115976/childrens-directors-won-over-by-unannounced-ofsted-visits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115976/childrens-directors-won-over-by-unannounced-ofsted-visits.htmlUnannounced Ofsted inspections trigger lower levels of bureaucracy and stress, the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS) told MPs this morning.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115974/council-bid-to-outsource-social-care-to-unified-health-trusts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115974/council-bid-to-outsource-social-care-to-unified-health-trusts.htmlSuffolk Council plans to integrate adults' and children's social care and health services into outsourced "trusts" as it radically reshapes services.Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115970/effect-of-benefit-reforms-on-disabled-people-unknown-says-minister.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115970/effect-of-benefit-reforms-on-disabled-people-unknown-says-minister.htmlMinister for disabled people, Maria Miller, has said she does not know how many disabled people will be affected by government plans to reform disability living allowance (DLA), or how much the changes will cost.Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115972/social-services-chiefs-too-soft-on-ministers-says-sector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115972/social-services-chiefs-too-soft-on-ministers-says-sector.htmlSocial care sector chiefs are giving ministers too much of an easy time as cuts begin to bite, according to Community Care readers.Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115969/ken-clarkes-reforms-to-divert-young-and-mentally-ill-from-jail.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115969/ken-clarkes-reforms-to-divert-young-and-mentally-ill-from-jail.htmlThe government will divert more offenders with mental health or drug problems into treatment and test giving councils responsibility for youth custody in order to reduce jail numbers, under plans announced by justice secretary Ken Clarke today. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115955/childrens-placements-in-danger-of-breakdown-at-xmas.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115955/childrens-placements-in-danger-of-breakdown-at-xmas.htmlFor many children in care Christmas is the most miserable part of the year, so social workers need to be alert to possible placement breakdowns. Camilla Pemberton reports Tue, 07 Dec 2010 09:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115952/fast-a-support-programme-to-reduce-intra-family-conflict.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115952/fast-a-support-programme-to-reduce-intra-family-conflict.htmlA programme to reduce family conflict and create a supportive community of parents is taking off in the UK, with the blessing of the United Nations, reports Chloe Stotharthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115953/childrens-commissioner-spared-the-axe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115953/childrens-commissioner-spared-the-axe.htmlThe Children's Rights Director's role is set to be dissolved into the role of the Children's Commissioner, following an independent report approved by the government today. (Pic: Maggie Atkinson)Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/04/115951/councils-social-workers-face-pay-cut-and-reduced-benefits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/04/115951/councils-social-workers-face-pay-cut-and-reduced-benefits.htmlSocial workers at Southampton Council are facing a 5% pay cut and reductions in car allowances, sick pay and other supplements, under plans that have triggered angry protests from unions. Sat, 04 Dec 2010 00:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115949/child-protection-should-be-split-into-investigation-and-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115949/child-protection-should-be-split-into-investigation-and-support.htmlHilary Searing, a retired social worker in Carmarthenshire, reflects on some of the changes to child protection that need to be considered by the Munro review http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115944/outsourced-social-workers-could-become-care-user-advocates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115944/outsourced-social-workers-could-become-care-user-advocates.htmlPlans to outsource adult social workers from councils to social enterprises could enable practitioners to become user advocates, rather than gatekeepers of carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115942/frank-field-report-shift-money-from-benefits-to-early-years.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115942/frank-field-report-shift-money-from-benefits-to-early-years.htmlThe government should shift child benefit funding to early years services to increase the life chances of poorer children, says report by Frank FieldFri, 03 Dec 2010 00:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115941/carers-missing-out-on-840m-in-unclaimed-benefits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115941/carers-missing-out-on-840m-in-unclaimed-benefits.htmlCarers are missing out on over £840m in benefits each year, Carers UK revealed today. On the annual Carers Rights Day, the charity said that about 300,000 people entitled to carer's allowance were missing out on the benefit. "We hear from families who are simply not told about the support that is there for them," said Carers UK chief executive Imelda Redmond (pictured). Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115940/child-sex-abuse-line-sees-sharp-rise-in-self-reporting-adults.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115940/child-sex-abuse-line-sees-sharp-rise-in-self-reporting-adults.htmlMore than half of the calls to a child sexual abuse helpline were made by adults concerned about their own thoughts and behaviour towards children, according to a report published today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115934/unison-accuses-birmingham-over-child-protection-thresholds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115934/unison-accuses-birmingham-over-child-protection-thresholds.htmlBirmingham is proposing to raise thresholds within children's services, according to Unison.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115936/child-protection-officer-barred-over-indecent-images.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115936/child-protection-officer-barred-over-indecent-images.htmlA former deputy headteacher who was convicted of possessing indecent images of one of his pupils has been banned from working in social care.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115938/manager-who-made-racist-comments-on-blog-struck-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115938/manager-who-made-racist-comments-on-blog-struck-off.htmlA children's day care manager in Scotland who disclosed confidential information and made racist remarks on her blog has been struck off.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115925/local-partners-failing-children-in-need-in-wales.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115925/local-partners-failing-children-in-need-in-wales.htmlChildren in need in Wales are suffering because local partners fail to support the work of social services, according to a major review.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115924/birmingham-to-refer-fewer-children-to-save-money.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115924/birmingham-to-refer-fewer-children-to-save-money.htmlBirmingham's widely criticised children's services department is poised to cut the number of interventions as part of a cost-saving plan under which 3,500 children's services jobs are to be axed. Picture: REX FEATUREShttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115918/sharp-rise-in-children-on-protection-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115918/sharp-rise-in-children-on-protection-plans.htmlThere has been a 17% increase in the number of children on protection plans in England according to the latest statistics from the Department for Education. (Picture: Rex, posed by models)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115913/newly-qualified-evaluation-raises-doubts-over-assessed-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115913/newly-qualified-evaluation-raises-doubts-over-assessed-year.htmlLast week's evaluation of the support scheme for newly qualified children's social workers revealed the extent to which employers have struggled to provide extra supervision and support.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115912/service-hubs-should-be-formed-around-sen-says-think-tank.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115912/service-hubs-should-be-formed-around-sen-says-think-tank.htmlIndependent assessment panels in local authorities should become "assessment hubs" for children with special education needs (SEN) services, according to a report by the Policy Exchange think-tank.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/29/115911/the-importance-of-attachment-theory-for-childrens-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/29/115911/the-importance-of-attachment-theory-for-childrens-social-workers.htmlA knowledge of attachment theories can be invaluable in helping children's social workers solve many of the issues facing them, Judy Cooper findsMon, 29 Nov 2010 10:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115901/health-visitors-and-social-workers-to-work-more-closely-in-early-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115901/health-visitors-and-social-workers-to-work-more-closely-in-early-intervention.htmlHealth visitors are set for a larger role in early intervention in the lives of vulnerable children. Julie Griffiths reports Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115895/just-in-time-car-manufacturing-system-helps-solihull-find-foster-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115895/just-in-time-car-manufacturing-system-helps-solihull-find-foster-carers.htmlSolihull Council has turned to principles used by Japanese car manufacturers to improve its recruitment of foster carers. Julie Griffiths reports Fri, 26 Nov 2010 11:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115894/family-intervention-projects-prove-their-effectiveness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115894/family-intervention-projects-prove-their-effectiveness.htmlAn evaluation of family intervention projects (FIPs) has shown that they have reduced crime and antisocial behaviour.Fri, 26 Nov 2010 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115892/watchdog-to-probe-equality-impact-of-spending-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115892/watchdog-to-probe-equality-impact-of-spending-review.htmlThe equality watchdog has said it will examine the impact of the government's spending review on disabled people, women and minority ethnic communities. Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115891/derby-abuse-case-could-be-tip-of-the-iceberg-expert-warns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115891/derby-abuse-case-could-be-tip-of-the-iceberg-expert-warns.htmlChild protection failures exposed in Derby this week are likely to be endemic in local authorities across the country and could be just the "tip of the iceberg", experts have warned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115902/research-inappropriate-sexual-behaviour-by-children-and-young-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115902/research-inappropriate-sexual-behaviour-by-children-and-young-people.htmlCommunity Care and Community Care Inform are examining how evidence informs important areas of practice. In this article, Andrew Durham tackles inappropriate sexual behaviour by children and young peoplehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115887/social-workers-failed-teenage-girls-abused-by-sex-predators.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115887/social-workers-failed-teenage-girls-abused-by-sex-predators.htmlSocial workers failed to recognise the signs that two teenage girls in care were being systematically abused by a gang of sexual predators, a serious case review has found. (Picture from cctv footage of the case)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115889/government-pledges-6m-to-help-gps-identify-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115889/government-pledges-6m-to-help-gps-identify-carers.htmlGPs will get £6m worth of training over the next four years to help them identify carers earlier and tackle their health needs, the government has announced today. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115890/fears-for-social-work-role-as-councils-take-over-poverty-fund.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115890/fears-for-social-work-role-as-councils-take-over-poverty-fund.htmlThe government is planning to hand councils responsibility for Social Fund poverty grants designed help people live independently. The move has prompted concerns about social workers' role from BASW's Ruth Cartwright (pictured) and other sector heads. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115886/sharp-rise-in-children-on-child-protection-register-in-wales.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115886/sharp-rise-in-children-on-child-protection-register-in-wales.htmlThe number of children on the child protection register in Wales has gone up by 9% – to 2,700 – since last year. In 2008 the number was 2,400.Thu, 25 Nov 2010 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115884/cafcass-rejects-ofsted-verdict-on-its-performance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115884/cafcass-rejects-ofsted-verdict-on-its-performance.htmlFamily courts body Cafcass has disputed Ofsted's conclusion it is a "poorly performing organisation" claiming it is based on inspection reports that do not reflect the current situation.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115872/substance-misusers-should-have-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115872/substance-misusers-should-have-personal-budgets.htmlPersonalisation must be extended into substance misuse to give users a better chance of recovery, research this week has shown.Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115881/service-demand-no-excuse-for-poor-performance-finds-ofsted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115881/service-demand-no-excuse-for-poor-performance-finds-ofsted.htmlIncreased demand for child protection and safeguarding services is not an excuse for a council's poor performance, Ofsted's annual report for 2009-10 has revealed.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115878/directors-tell-mps-sure-start-should-not-be-ring-fenced.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115878/directors-tell-mps-sure-start-should-not-be-ring-fenced.htmlCouncils want the freedom to spend Sure Start money on other early intervention funding, directors told the education select committee this morning.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115877/fears-for-skills-development-of-childrens-homes-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115877/fears-for-skills-development-of-childrens-homes-staff.htmlStaff development for children's home workers could suffer when the government brings the Children's Workforce Development Council's programmes in-house.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115876/speed-not-size-of-cuts-will-damage-charities-says-narey.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115876/speed-not-size-of-cuts-will-damage-charities-says-narey.htmlThe speed of the cuts being forced on councils will have a bigger impact than the size of the cuts, the chief executive of Barnardo's has told MPs.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115863/good-practice-portable-it-systems-for-childrens-assessments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115863/good-practice-portable-it-systems-for-childrens-assessments.htmlGateshead social workers have been pioneering mobile IT systems using tablet PCs, reports Molly GarbodenTue, 23 Nov 2010 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115865/ofsted-larger-childrens-home-providers-perform-best.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115865/ofsted-larger-childrens-home-providers-perform-best.htmlLarge, independently run children's home providers perform better than small independent homes or council-run homes, according to Ofsted's annual report. John Goldup (pictured), director of development for social care at Ofsted, said: "In the independent sector, there seems to be a benefit to having access to a wider range of support resources and accumulated learning from other successful homes in the group.”Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115849/ofsted-report-finds-commissioners-may-be-setting-some-childrens-homes-up-to-fail.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115849/ofsted-report-finds-commissioners-may-be-setting-some-childrens-homes-up-to-fail.htmlOfsted's annual report finds commissioners may be setting some children's homes up to fail, but, overall, standards are on the up. Molly Garboden reports Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115853/christine-bradley-using-a-therapeutic-approach-with-troubled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115853/christine-bradley-using-a-therapeutic-approach-with-troubled-children.htmlAfter 30 years of asking questions, Christine Bradley has some answers to improving outcomes for troubled children. Camilla Pemberton spoke to her Tue, 23 Nov 2010 02:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115861/government-toughens-duty-on-councils-to-offer-short-breaks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115861/government-toughens-duty-on-councils-to-offer-short-breaks.htmlLocal authorities will be required to notify disabled children's carers of short break services in their area and the criteria on which they will be assessed, from April 2011 if parliament approves new regulations put forward today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115858/benefit-cut-could-see-disabled-children-miss-family-trips.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115858/benefit-cut-could-see-disabled-children-miss-family-trips.htmlDisabled children living in residential care could be prevented from seeing their families at weekends and holidays following the government's welfare reforms.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115857/fears-for-future-of-skills-training-as-cwdc-killed-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115857/fears-for-future-of-skills-training-as-cwdc-killed-off.htmlThe Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC) was last week tossed onto the bonfire of the quangos, prompting fears for the training of children's social workers.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115847/early-intervention-grant-expected-to-fund-short-breaks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115847/early-intervention-grant-expected-to-fund-short-breaks.htmlShort breaks for disabled children may have to be funded from the £2bn early intervention grant announced in the comprehensive spending review it was revealed at Community Care Live Children and Families.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115844/legal-aid-cuts-will-harm-vulnerable-warn-campaigners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115844/legal-aid-cuts-will-harm-vulnerable-warn-campaigners.htmlCampaigners have warned that vulnerable people will suffer from government plans to remove legal aid from many social welfare cases. Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115843/scots-and-welsh-cuts-aim-to-protect-social-care-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115843/scots-and-welsh-cuts-aim-to-protect-social-care-services.htmlThe Scottish and Welsh governments have sought to protect social care from swingeing cuts in draft budgets that would see councils in the two countries face smaller reductions than counterparts in England.Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115823/unison-and-community-care-launch-website-to-support-social-care-professionals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115823/unison-and-community-care-launch-website-to-support-social-care-professionals.htmlUNISON and Community Care have launched a new website today to support social care professionals. The Workplace Zone brings together Community Care and UNISON content to better support UNISON's 350,000 social care members; 40,000 of which are social workers. Thu, 18 Nov 2010 09:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/17/115833/public-law-outline-not-working-says-leading-magistrate.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/17/115833/public-law-outline-not-working-says-leading-magistrate.htmlChildren's welfare is suffering because family courts are "bogged down" with unnecessary assessments, the leading magistrate in the field has warned.Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/17/115832/sector-fears-that-children-are-falling-through-gaps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/17/115832/sector-fears-that-children-are-falling-through-gaps.htmlCommunity Care's revelation of the number of unallocated children in need cases adds to existing concerns that many children are falling through a service provision gap.Wed, 17 Nov 2010 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115827/young-carers-to-bear-brunt-of-cuts-as-hidden-army-revealed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115827/young-carers-to-bear-brunt-of-cuts-as-hidden-army-revealed.htmlYoung carers will bear the brunt of government social care cuts, campaigners have claimed, after new research revealed there could be four times as many young carers in the UK than previously thought.Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115822/childrens-homes-report-dramatic-drop-in-referrals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115822/childrens-homes-report-dramatic-drop-in-referrals.htmlAlmost three-quarters of independent children's homes have seen referrals dramatically reduced or cut completely according to the Independent Children's Homes Association. (Picture: Rex Features, model released)Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115818/three-in-10-councils-risk-legal-challenge-over-short-breaks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115818/three-in-10-councils-risk-legal-challenge-over-short-breaks.htmlTwenty-eight per cent of local authorities could face legal challenges over the criteria for short breaks for disabled childrenTue, 16 Nov 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115811/cafcasss-behavioural-programme-for-parents-who-are-splitting-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115811/cafcasss-behavioural-programme-for-parents-who-are-splitting-up.htmlA national Cafcass programme is increasing awareness of the effects on children of parents' behaviour during splits and divorce proceedings, reports Camilla Pembertonhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115809/lets-get-the-city-on-board-to-propel-early-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115809/lets-get-the-city-on-board-to-propel-early-intervention.htmlGraham Allen MP, chair of the Early Intervention Commission is hoping to enlist the support of the City and the Treasury in solving the funding problems for services, finds Judy Cooper http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115807/childrens-worker-banned-for-safeguarding-failures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115807/childrens-worker-banned-for-safeguarding-failures.htmlA social worker who repeatedly failed to safeguard vulnerable children has been removed from the register.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115801/why-councils-should-embrace-social-media-online.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115801/why-councils-should-embrace-social-media-online.htmlCare consultant Shirley Ayres tells Julie Griffiths that employers are denying practitioners a powerful way of engaging clients by restricting their access to social media websites http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115792/sharon-shoesmith-to-press-on-with-appeal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115792/sharon-shoesmith-to-press-on-with-appeal.htmlSharon Shoesmith will go through with her appeal against the High Court ruling which denied her the chance of a judicial review on her sacking as director of Haringey children's services after the death of Baby P, it has been reported.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115788/ministers-talk-up-benefits-of-early-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115788/ministers-talk-up-benefits-of-early-intervention.htmlGovernment talks up early intervention, but councils are unimpressed with funding arrangements. Judy Cooper reports (Picture: Rex)Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115791/cafcass-defends-itself-after-damning-report-by-mps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115791/cafcass-defends-itself-after-damning-report-by-mps.htmlFamily courts body Cafcass has hit back at MPs who concluded it was "not fit for purpose" after care applications soared following the death of Baby P. Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115789/how-to.tackle-disguised-compliance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115789/how-to.tackle-disguised-compliance.htmlHow does disguised compliance present itself within families?Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115784/council-halves-foster-carer-fees.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115784/council-halves-foster-carer-fees.htmlFoster carers in Slough will have their fees halved from Monday, it was decided last night.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115779/grandparent-carers-to-be-hit-by-welfare-reform-and-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115779/grandparent-carers-to-be-hit-by-welfare-reform-and-cuts.htmlGrandparents need protection from welfare and council budget cuts because their efforts are vital in keeping children out of care, according to the organisation that represents them.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115765/social-workers-must-challenge-parents-baby-p-scr-author.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115765/social-workers-must-challenge-parents-baby-p-scr-author.htmlSocial workers have not learned the lessons from the Baby P case because government guidance prevents them from being more authoritative with parents and families, the author of the second serious case review on the toddler's death has told Community Care. (Picture: Peter Connelly, Rex Features)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115770/anger-as-deadline-to-end-child-detention-shifts-again.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115770/anger-as-deadline-to-end-child-detention-shifts-again.htmlThe government's commitment to end child detention in immigration centres will not be fulfilled until March at the earliest, a revelation that has disappointed campaigners.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115767/councils-spell-out-impact-of-frontloaded-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115767/councils-spell-out-impact-of-frontloaded-cuts.htmlPreventive services will be put at risk and councils in deprived areas forced to reduce spending by up to one-third by the government's frontloading of council budget cuts, the sector has warned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115753/split-ofsted-to-improve-social-work-focus-say-ex-inspectors.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115753/split-ofsted-to-improve-social-work-focus-say-ex-inspectors.htmlInspection of social care and education should be carried out by separate bodies, former chief inspectors have said.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115740/the-role-of-family-group-conferences-in-preventing-the-need-for-care-proceedings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115740/the-role-of-family-group-conferences-in-preventing-the-need-for-care-proceedings.htmlFamily group conferences could benefit children who may face care proceedings and represent a long-term cost saving to councils, reports Gordon Carson http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115749/governments-full-scr-publication-restriction-angers-sector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115749/governments-full-scr-publication-restriction-angers-sector.html molly.garboden@rbi.co.uk Social workers are missing out on valuable information and learning because the...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115747/research-police-notifications-of-domestic-violence-incidents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115747/research-police-notifications-of-domestic-violence-incidents.htmlThe police notify social services when they attend a domestic violence incident. Jo Finch reviews research on what happens next Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115741/basw-leader-accuses-gove-of-ignoring-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115741/basw-leader-accuses-gove-of-ignoring-social-work.htmlEducation secretary Michael Gove (pictured) was forced to restate his commitment to social work after the head of the British Association of Social Workers accused him of marginalising the profession.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115739/we-must-not-criminalise-the-very-young.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115739/we-must-not-criminalise-the-very-young.htmlThere has been a lot of debate about raising the age of criminal responsibility in this country. Any informed view needs to take in the perspective of the child.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115736/councils-want-ofsted-inspections-to-be-scrapped.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115736/councils-want-ofsted-inspections-to-be-scrapped.htmlCouncils have called for Ofsted annual inspections to be scrapped following the announcement yesterday by care minister Paul Burstow that similar inspections for adult social care would be scrapped.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115735/family-justice-findings-will-accompany-munro-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115735/family-justice-findings-will-accompany-munro-report.htmlAn interim report on the family justice review will accompany the Munro review when it is published in April, children's minister Tim Loughton (pictured) revealed today. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115733/ncas-davis-calls-for-sector-to-protect-vulnerable-families.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115733/ncas-davis-calls-for-sector-to-protect-vulnerable-families.html President of the Association of Directors of Children's Services Marion Davis said a sector-led approach to service improvement was the only way to ensure...Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115732/ncas-burnham-slams-gove-for-downgrading-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115732/ncas-burnham-slams-gove-for-downgrading-child-protection.htmlChildren's safeguarding services will suffer if Michael Gove continues his focus on education at the expense of social care, Andy Burnham, shadow education...Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115727/dunkley-accuses-dfe-of-hindering-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115727/dunkley-accuses-dfe-of-hindering-childrens-services.htmlThe Department for Education has been accused of preventing children's services departments from being able to plan strategies to withstand the biggest cuts in a generation.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115722/basw-rejects-loughtons-stance-on-inter-racial-adoption.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115722/basw-rejects-loughtons-stance-on-inter-racial-adoption.htmlSocial workers have accused children's minister Tim Loughton of making "sweeping statements" and "ill-thought out" comments about inter-racial adoptions.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115723/ofsted-recognises-improvement-at-surrey-as-intervention-ends.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115723/ofsted-recognises-improvement-at-surrey-as-intervention-ends.htmlThe government is to end its intervention at Surrey Council after an Ofsted report last month showed progress at the council's children's services department.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/03/115721/health-staff-failed-to-refer-case-to-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/03/115721/health-staff-failed-to-refer-case-to-social-workers.htmlHealth workers in Bradford have been criticised for not making a referral to children's social services after a mother suffering from a postnatal mental disorder shook her baby son, causing him life-threatening head injuries.Wed, 03 Nov 2010 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115720/black-children-increasingly-over-represented-in-custody.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115720/black-children-increasingly-over-represented-in-custody.htmlThe proportion of children from ethnic minorities in custody is increasing, according to figures released by the Youth Justice Board.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/02/115714/loughton-adoption-hindered-by-political-correctness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/02/115714/loughton-adoption-hindered-by-political-correctness.htmlChildren's minister Tim Loughton has hit out at the "hints of political correctness" that are hampering children's chances of being adopted.Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115717/loughton-tribal-contract-was-not-value-for-money.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115717/loughton-tribal-contract-was-not-value-for-money.htmlThe Labour government's award of a private contract to improve children's homes did not offer value for money, children's minister Tim Loughton has stated. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115708/council-chief-warns-of-compulsory-job-losses-to-combat-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115708/council-chief-warns-of-compulsory-job-losses-to-combat-cuts.htmlBlackburn with Darwen Council will have to make compulsory redundancies to combat a cut of 30% to its budget over the next four years, its chief executive has warned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115707/service-cuts-fear-for-looked-after-children-in-norfolk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115707/service-cuts-fear-for-looked-after-children-in-norfolk.htmlLooked-after children in Norfolk could have their services cut if council proposals to slash costs are approved.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115706/drama-workshops-for-fathers-in-young-offenders-institution.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115706/drama-workshops-for-fathers-in-young-offenders-institution.htmlWhen director Jim Pope started drama workshops at a young offenders institution he did not realise that the experience would be translated into a play at London's Roundhouse Theatre. Louise Tickle reports Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115705/what-is-the-future-for-adoption.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115705/what-is-the-future-for-adoption.htmlAdoption rates are falling and courts are favouring alternatives such as special guardianship orders. Camilla Pemberton asks why this is happening and whether the situation can improve Fri, 29 Oct 2010 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115700/scottish-councils-to-pool-commissioning-and-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115700/scottish-councils-to-pool-commissioning-and-training.htmlEight councils in Scotland have agreed to pool their social care commissioning and training resources as they prepare to save £70m over five years. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115660/will-efforts-to-help-young-people-stay-in-foster-care-post-18-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115660/will-efforts-to-help-young-people-stay-in-foster-care-post-18-work.htmlA national scheme to give children the opportunity to remain in care past the age of 18 is producing some promising results, but, asGordon Carson reports, its future is far from assured Thu, 28 Oct 2010 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115686/risk-factor-a-delicate-investigation-of-online-child-sexual-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115686/risk-factor-a-delicate-investigation-of-online-child-sexual-abuse.htmlKatie Walker, a child protection adviser with the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (Ceop), received a disturbing referral from a website moderator who identified indecent images on the social networking profile of a young boy, writes Mark Drinkwater. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115678/baby-ps-father-says-he-was-never-considered-as-carer.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115678/baby-ps-father-says-he-was-never-considered-as-carer.htmlBaby P's father claimed social services involved in the case "always took the mother's point of view" and never assessed him as a possible carer, according to an interview included in the full serious case review of the case. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115677/what-the-spending-review-welfare-cuts-mean-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115677/what-the-spending-review-welfare-cuts-mean-for-social-care.htmlThe £7bn cuts in benefit spending announced in the comprehensive spending review, along with £11bn in welfare cuts from the Budget, will have significant implications for social care, says Gary Vaux.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115690/almost-half-of-all-scrs-deal-with-children-in-need.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115690/almost-half-of-all-scrs-deal-with-children-in-need.htmlNearly half the children who were subjects of serious case reviews last year were children in need, according to Ofsted's latest report.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115674/baby-p-scrs-published-in-full-in-bid-to-bring-closure.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115674/baby-p-scrs-published-in-full-in-bid-to-bring-closure.htmlBoth serious case reviews on the Baby P case have been published in full today, in a move that children's minister Tim Loughton said he hoped would bring closure to the episode.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115669/children-found-working-in-freezing-field-prompt-investigation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115669/children-found-working-in-freezing-field-prompt-investigation.htmlChildren's services in Sandwell have launched child protection investigations into the welfare of six Romanian children found working in a freezing field in Worcestershire, but have allowed the children to go back to their families. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115670/family-group-conferences-could-save-millions-says-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115670/family-group-conferences-could-save-millions-says-report.htmlFamily group conferences could save councils millions every year by preventing children from entering the care system,.a report argueshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115668/serious-harm-cases-should-not-merit-scr.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115668/serious-harm-cases-should-not-merit-scr.htmlSerious case reviews (SCRs) ought to focus on child deaths rather than children who have suffered serious harm, according to a government review of SCRs over the past seven years.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115667/csr-analysis-future-unclear-for-childrens-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115667/csr-analysis-future-unclear-for-childrens-social-care.htmlNow the comprehensive spending review guillotine has fallen, the messy chopping up what's left with tiny local axes has begun. For children's services this local bargaining looks to be crucial in determining the final impact of Treasurer George Osborne's announcements last week.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115663/up-to-50000-jobs-at-risk-in-social-care-union-warns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115663/up-to-50000-jobs-at-risk-in-social-care-union-warns.htmlUp to 50,000 social care workers’ jobs could be at risk as council budgets are slashed by 28%, a union leader has warned. (Pic: Geoffrey Robinson/Rex)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115661/unions-fear-privatisation-in-london-councils-services-merger.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115661/unions-fear-privatisation-in-london-councils-services-merger.htmlUnions are concerned that a move by three London councils to merge will see social workers becoming remote from families and that more services will be privatised. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115656/baby-p-social-workers-lose-appeal-against-sacking.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115656/baby-p-social-workers-lose-appeal-against-sacking.htmlThe social workers at the centre of the Baby P case – Maria Ward (far left) and Gillie Christou – have had their cases for unfair dismissal thrown out by an employment tribunal. (Picture Mark St George/Rex)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115662/csr-housing-cuts-risk-deepening-homelessness-and-poverty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115662/csr-housing-cuts-risk-deepening-homelessness-and-poverty.htmlHomelessness and poverty will rise on the back of cuts to housing funding and benefits announced in this week's comprehensive spending review (CSR), sector leaders have warned. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115657/welfare-changes-will-increase-pressure-on-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115657/welfare-changes-will-increase-pressure-on-childrens-services.htmlWelfare reforms announced in the comprehensive spending review are likely to create more children in need Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115649/tory-councils-target-100m-saving-by-merging-all-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115649/tory-councils-target-100m-saving-by-merging-all-services.htmlThree Tory councils have announced plans to merge all their service to save up to £100m a year.Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115643/barnardos-scotland-chief-blasts-service-commissioning.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115643/barnardos-scotland-chief-blasts-service-commissioning.htmlDirector of Barnardo's Scotland Martin Crewe is an outspoken critic of the country's approach to commissioning services, reports Gordon Carson http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115641/2bn-early-intervention-grant-not-enough-say-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115641/2bn-early-intervention-grant-not-enough-say-councils.htmlThe government's £2bn grant for early intervention will not be enough to save many early intervention and prevention services from cuts, council leaders have warned. (Picture: Rex)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115639/improving-support-for-an-11-year-old-carer.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115639/improving-support-for-an-11-year-old-carer.htmlProfessionals offer advice on a case involving an 11-year-old carer who looks after both his mother and younger brother http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115638/care-leavers-still-need-encouragement-and-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115638/care-leavers-still-need-encouragement-and-support.htmlJennifer Sarumi says the need for support does not end when a care leaver turns 18http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115637/high-thresholds-leaving-children-without-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115637/high-thresholds-leaving-children-without-social-workers.htmlChildren are suffering because of increasingly high thresholds in children's social care, a leading professor of social work has claimed.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/21/115636/minister-reverses-labour-pledge-to-abolish-family-court-fees.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/21/115636/minister-reverses-labour-pledge-to-abolish-family-court-fees.htmlJustice minister Jonathan Djanogly has reversed Labour's promise to abolish court fees charged to councils for children's care and supervision proceedings, it was announced today. Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115629/council-budget-cuts-may-cancel-out-boost-for-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115629/council-budget-cuts-may-cancel-out-boost-for-care.htmlLocal government budget cuts of 28% threaten to cancel out the extra money found by the government for social care.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115623/osborne-cuts-dfes-childrens-services-budget-by-12.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115623/osborne-cuts-dfes-childrens-services-budget-by-12.htmlFunding for vulnerable children and families will be streamlined in a new early intervention grant, but the Department for Education's non-schools budget will be cut by 12% by 2014-15, chancellor George Osborne (pictured) said in today's comprehensive spending review. Picture: Steve Back/Rexhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115619/osborne-finds-2bn-to-help-social-care-weather-council-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115619/osborne-finds-2bn-to-help-social-care-weather-council-cuts.htmlAdult social care will receive an extra £2bn a year by 2014-15 to help the sector withstand massive cuts to council funding announced today by Chancellor George Osborne in the spending review.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115624/campaigners-reject-osbornes-child-poverty-claims.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115624/campaigners-reject-osbornes-child-poverty-claims.htmlCampaigners have blasted George Osborne's declaration that public spending cuts will have "no measurable impact" on child poverty.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115608/social-care-faces-up-to-spending-review-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115608/social-care-faces-up-to-spending-review-cuts.htmlSocial care is facing its biggest funding cuts in decades as the government prepares to announce its comprehensive spending review at 12.30 today. (Pictured: chancellor George Osborne; credit: Rex)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115618/intervention-board-withdrawn-from-swansea.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115618/intervention-board-withdrawn-from-swansea.htmlSwansea children's services has had its intervention board withdrawn after a positive report published by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales.Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115627/schools-must-share-burden-of-children-and-families-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115627/schools-must-share-burden-of-children-and-families-support.htmlSchools will have take on some of the children and families support work now carried out by children's services, sector experts say.Wed, 20 Oct 2010 09:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115617/ministry-may-pay-councils-to-achieve-youth-justice-targets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115617/ministry-may-pay-councils-to-achieve-youth-justice-targets.htmlThe Ministry of Justice is considering paying councils to help achieve youth justice targets, as part of justice reforms, Community Care has learned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115616/pupil-premium-for-looked-after-children-considered.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115616/pupil-premium-for-looked-after-children-considered.htmlThe government is consulting on a pupil premium specifically for looked-after children because they are two-and-a-half times more likely than their mainstream counterparts to have special education needs (SEN), research out today shows.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115615/fostering-social-worker-struck-off-for-lying-to-manager.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115615/fostering-social-worker-struck-off-for-lying-to-manager.htmlA fostering assessment social worker who lied to her manager about her efforts to become a foster carer has been struck off the social care register.Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115613/rapid-response-social-work-teams-proposed-for-olympics.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115613/rapid-response-social-work-teams-proposed-for-olympics.htmlSpecialist social workers will form a rapid response team to tackle child protection issues during the London 2012 Olympic Games, Community Care has learned. (Picture credit: Bronagh Miskelly)Tue, 19 Oct 2010 10:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115598/social-care-charities-must-adapt-to-survive-spending-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115598/social-care-charities-must-adapt-to-survive-spending-cuts.htmlSocial care charities will need to become less reliant on public funding or go into partnership with each other to win public contracts if they are to survive a "maelstrom" of government cuts and funding changes.Tue, 19 Oct 2010 09:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115609/nice-backs-reflective-practice-for-childrens-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115609/nice-backs-reflective-practice-for-childrens-social-work.htmlAll children's social work training should include reflective practice according to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE).Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115589/educating-young-people-about-the-implications-of-violent-behaviour.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115589/educating-young-people-about-the-implications-of-violent-behaviour.htmlA mentoring project in Hull is educating young people about the consequences of violent behaviour, reports Julie Griffiths http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115607/community-care-readers-vote-to-scrap-cwdc-and-ofsted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115607/community-care-readers-vote-to-scrap-cwdc-and-ofsted.htmlThe Children's Workforce Development Council and Ofsted are the quangos Community Care readers would most like to see axed, a snap poll has shown.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/18/115595/welfare-rights-campaign-to-improve-benefits-for-families-where-children-are-hospitalised.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/18/115595/welfare-rights-campaign-to-improve-benefits-for-families-where-children-are-hospitalised.htmlWe all know this government is committed to welfare reform, but I will be interested to see how it responds to a campaign being launched by Contact a Family and The Children's Trust, Tadworth, writes Gary Vaux. Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/18/115588/detecting-child-abuse-among-elite-child-athletes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/18/115588/detecting-child-abuse-among-elite-child-athletes.htmlAwareness is growing of how to spot potential signs of abuse in elite child athletes. Louise Hunt reports Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/16/115585/research-is-intensive-fostering-more-effective-than-custody.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/16/115585/research-is-intensive-fostering-more-effective-than-custody.htmlMany consider intensive fostering a better alternative to custody for troubled young people. Maggie Mellon reviews research supporting this viewSat, 16 Oct 2010 00:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115599/kent-split-poses-every-child-matters-questions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115599/kent-split-poses-every-child-matters-questions.htmlA proposed reorganisation at Kent Council will see the separation of children's services and education, in a move that appears to reverse the integration achieved under Every Child Matters.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115577/yjb-to-be-scrapped-in-quango-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115577/yjb-to-be-scrapped-in-quango-reform.htmlThe Youth Justice Board is to be scrapped as part of the government's "bonfire of the quangos" it was announced today, but the future of other social care public bodies remains uncertain. (Picture: Dominic's on flickr)Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115583/court-rules-councils-must-house-asylum-seeker-care-leavers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115583/court-rules-councils-must-house-asylum-seeker-care-leavers.htmlLocal authorities must provide accommodation for 18-year-old asylum seekers leaving care, according to a Court of Appeal ruling.Fri, 15 Oct 2010 09:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115580/council-set-to-outsource-social-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115580/council-set-to-outsource-social-services.htmlSwindon Council last night approved proposals to move adult social workers into a social enterprise alongside community health colleagues from the local primary care trust.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115581/ncb-raises-commissioning-concerns-with-dh.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115581/ncb-raises-commissioning-concerns-with-dh.htmlThe National Children's Bureau (NCB) is negotiating with the Department of Health (DH) over the future of children's services under the White Paper.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/14/115559/burstow-gives-qualified-backing-to-social-work-contract.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/14/115559/burstow-gives-qualified-backing-to-social-work-contract.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has given a qualified backing to Community Care and Unison's campaign for fairer working conditions.Thu, 14 Oct 2010 09:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115572/access-to-talking-therapies-still-patchy-finds-mind.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115572/access-to-talking-therapies-still-patchy-finds-mind.htmlOne in 10 people referred for talking therapies is waiting more than two years for treatment, to the detriment of their mental health and job prospects, Mind reveals today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115558/exclusive-burstow-announces-4.4m-boost-for-carers-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115558/exclusive-burstow-announces-4.4m-boost-for-carers-support.htmlIn an exclusive interview, care services minister Paul Burstow has revealed details of targeted measures to improve awareness of carers among frontline professionals and give charities such as Carers UK the means to provide training themselves. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115566/kent-splits-childrens-services-from-education.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115566/kent-splits-childrens-services-from-education.htmlChildren's services and education are to be separated in a proposed reorganisation of departments at Kent Council. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115561/young-children-say-they-have-spotted-child-neglect-in-others.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115561/young-children-say-they-have-spotted-child-neglect-in-others.htmlSixty-one per cent of children have spotted signs of child neglect in their classrooms, playgrounds and neighbourhoods, according to a survey from Action for Children.Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115560/families-should-have-a-legal-right-to-group-conferences.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115560/families-should-have-a-legal-right-to-group-conferences.htmlAll families should have a legal entitlement to a family group conference when concerns are raised about them, according to a commission set up by the charity 4Children. Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115556/jim-gamble-blasts-government-over-ceop-merger.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115556/jim-gamble-blasts-government-over-ceop-merger.htmlThe government's refusal to consider keeping the child exploitation and online protection centre (CEOP) independent is more about "saving face than saving children" its chief executive told MPs today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115554/senior-family-court-judges-back-cafcass-at-mps-inquiry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115554/senior-family-court-judges-back-cafcass-at-mps-inquiry.htmlTwo of the country's top family judges have backed Cafcass, with reservations, claiming there has been no deterioration in the quality of children's guardian reports despite the increase in public law care applications.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115553/top-family-judge-warns-of-longer-care-proceedings-delays.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115553/top-family-judge-warns-of-longer-care-proceedings-delays.htmlBritain's top family judge has warned of even longer delays in care proceedings if the government fails to fully resource the family courts and children's services.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115546/welsh-councils-urged-to-track-failed-adoptions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115546/welsh-councils-urged-to-track-failed-adoptions.htmlCouncils in Wales should track the number of adoptions which fail according to an Adoption UK report. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115541/fallout-from-benefits-cuts-set-to-land-on-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115541/fallout-from-benefits-cuts-set-to-land-on-social-workers.htmlThe chancellor's announcement last week of a benefits cap could see children's services in some areas swamped with new cases, experts are warning.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/11/115540/media-and-public-access-to-family-courts-put-on-hold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/11/115540/media-and-public-access-to-family-courts-put-on-hold.htmlThe opening up of the family courts to the media and public has been put on hold until the outcome of the Family Justice Review is known, ministers announced today. (Pic: Rex Features) Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/11/115539/yjb-report-calls-for-review-of-thresholds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/11/115539/yjb-report-calls-for-review-of-thresholds.htmlThresholds for referrals to children's services departments need to be reviewed, according to a report on the problems between youth offending teams and social workers.Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115536/support-for-drug-misusing-parents-to-help-families-stay-together.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115536/support-for-drug-misusing-parents-to-help-families-stay-together.htmlMulti-agency working in Scotland and the efforts of the UK's only Family Drug and Alcohol Court are challenging the notion that children must be removed from substance misusing parents. Molly Garboden and Camilla Pemberton report http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115534/a-quick-turnaround-the-integrated-family-support-project-in-wales.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115534/a-quick-turnaround-the-integrated-family-support-project-in-wales.htmlBetween 200,000 and 300,000 children in England and Wales have a parent with serious drug problems. Most of the children stay with relatives and 5% are in care, according to the 2003 Hidden Harm report by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115535/dean-woodward-on-drugs-and-family-dysfunction.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115535/dean-woodward-on-drugs-and-family-dysfunction.htmlWhen working with young offenders the most difficult client is one from a grossly dysfunctional family. When that dysfunction involves parental drug addiction,...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115530/social-worker-re-instated-to-gscc-register-after-appeal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115530/social-worker-re-instated-to-gscc-register-after-appeal.htmlA social worker has successfully appealed his removal from the social care register after a tribunal found there was no "adequate or proper evidence" he molested three disabled boys in his carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115528/john-healey-named-as-labours-shadow-health-secretary.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115528/john-healey-named-as-labours-shadow-health-secretary.htmlFormer housing minister John Healey has been named as the new shadow health secretary...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115518/dfe-how-early-intervention-could-be-saved-from-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115518/dfe-how-early-intervention-could-be-saved-from-cuts.htmlEarly intervention projects could be funded by a national pooled budget to save them from the ravages of public spending cuts. A spokesperson for the Department for Education said the pooling of resources between departments was among the options being considered. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115513/too-far-too-fast-kings-fund-urges-caution-on-health-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115513/too-far-too-fast-kings-fund-urges-caution-on-health-reforms.html The King's Fund has called on ministers to reconsider the speed and scale of new health reforms warning of "significant risks" at a time of increasing financial...Thu, 07 Oct 2010 00:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115508/munros-ics-proposal-unrealistic-says-expert.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115508/munros-ics-proposal-unrealistic-says-expert.htmlProfessor Eileen Munro's suggestion that the Integrated Children's System could be developed to support social work decision-making is unrealistic, according to an ICS expert. (Pictured: Eileen Munro)Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115455/how-social-workers-can-best-help-the-non-abusing-partners-of-child-abusers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115455/how-social-workers-can-best-help-the-non-abusing-partners-of-child-abusers.htmlFemale victims of sex crime struggle to cope following the revelation that their child has been abused by their partner. Chloe Stothart investigates how social workers can respond Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115507/denise-alcock-discusses-her-work-with-the-non-abusing-partners-of-child-abusers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115507/denise-alcock-discusses-her-work-with-the-non-abusing-partners-of-child-abusers.htmlAll abuse is demoralising. However, the mechanisms implemented by the perpetrator of abuse can be very different.Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115503/three-more-to-resign-from-ceop.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115503/three-more-to-resign-from-ceop.htmlThree senior managers of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) are likely to follow chief executive Jim Gamble out of the door in the furore over government plans for the organisation's future.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115502/cameron-vows-to-protect-troubled-families-despite-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115502/cameron-vows-to-protect-troubled-families-despite-cuts.htmlDavid Cameron has insisted the government can invest in early years projects and help put troubled families back on track, despite looming spending cuts.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115498/use-caf-to-assess-all-childrens-extra-needs-report-urges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115498/use-caf-to-assess-all-childrens-extra-needs-report-urges.htmlThe common assessment framework (CAF) should be developed into the standardised tool for assessing children's additional needs, a report on early intervention has found.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/06/115491/ceop-chief-quits-over-child-protection-concerns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/06/115491/ceop-chief-quits-over-child-protection-concerns.htmlThe government's quest to cull quangos has come under fire again after the head of Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP), Jim Gamble (pictured), resigned in protest at moves to merge the body into the National Crime Agency in 2013, claiming children would suffer as a result.Wed, 06 Oct 2010 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/06/115497/boost-for-adcs-as-report-backs-early-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/06/115497/boost-for-adcs-as-report-backs-early-intervention.html The case for early intervention is given a boost today in a report by the Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children and Young People's Services (C4EO). Grasping...Wed, 06 Oct 2010 10:36:16 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115493/arrogant-social-worker-removed-child-from-carer.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115493/arrogant-social-worker-removed-child-from-carer.html A social worker has been branded "arrogant and impetuous" by the General Social Care Council after she removed a child from care against the advice of colleagues. Jeanette...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115481/good-practice-north-ayrshire-children-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115481/good-practice-north-ayrshire-children-services.htmlNorth Ayrshire children's services have been hailed as a progressive model for the whole of Scotland. Julie Griffiths finds out whyhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115485/osborne-axes-child-benefit-and-confirms-welfare-cap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115485/osborne-axes-child-benefit-and-confirms-welfare-cap.html Families on welfare benefits will have their payments capped at about £500 a week from 2013 while child benefit will be withdrawn from higher-income families,...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115484/suffolk-could-outsource-child-protection-despite-legal-risks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115484/suffolk-could-outsource-child-protection-despite-legal-risks.html When Suffolk Council revealed plans to outsource almost all of its public services the most obvious...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115483/control-of-care-cash-would-save-councils-billions-says-lga.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115483/control-of-care-cash-would-save-councils-billions-says-lga.htmlCouncils could save £6bn a year if they had local control over integrated health and social care budgets, according to the Local Government Association.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115482/childrens-minister-tim-loughton-joins-frontline-for-a-week.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115482/childrens-minister-tim-loughton-joins-frontline-for-a-week.htmlLeading up to the release of Professor Eileen Munro's first report on children's services, children's minister Tim Loughton spent last week shadowing frontline social workers in Stockport. He told Community Care about his experience.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/04/115478/munro-should-not-consider-cost-says-loughton.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/04/115478/munro-should-not-consider-cost-says-loughton.htmlProfessor Eileen Munro has not been told to consider the cost of any of her recommendations children's minister Tim Loughton has told Community Care.Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/04/115480/helen-bonnick-on-early-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/04/115480/helen-bonnick-on-early-intervention.htmlPatrick Butler warned in The Guardian recently that we could expect cuts of up to 30% in early intervention projects aimed at tackling problems in high-risk families, as a consequence of ring-fencing child protection services.Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115476/munro-ofsted-needs-to-take-on-board-social-workers-views.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115476/munro-ofsted-needs-to-take-on-board-social-workers-views.html molly.garboden@rbi.co.uk Ofsted inspections need to incorporate the views of service users and give more voice to social workers on the frontline,...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115475/council-cuts-will-damage-social-care-warn-doctors-leaders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115475/council-cuts-will-damage-social-care-warn-doctors-leaders.htmlGovernment plans for closer working between health and social care could be damaged because of savage cuts to local council budgets, doctors' leaders are...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115471/dave-cassie-interview-escort-service-for-young-offenders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115471/dave-cassie-interview-escort-service-for-young-offenders.htmlLouise Hunt meets Dave Cassie who heads up a social worker-led escort service for young offenders that aims to make a difference in the lives of the troubled young people it works with http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115474/munro-report-welcomed-but-little-mention-of-thresholds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115474/munro-report-welcomed-but-little-mention-of-thresholds.htmlSector leaders have welcomed Professor Eileen Munro’s first report identifying the problems within child protection but some experts have criticised her failure to tackle the issue of thresholds.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115456/serious-case-reviews-should-look-at-good-practice-says-munro.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115456/serious-case-reviews-should-look-at-good-practice-says-munro.html Serious case reviews should also look at good practice as the current system does not support a learning culture, Professor Eileen Munro said today. The first instalment of Munro's review of England's children's services found that social workers are failing to meet the needs of children because they are too focused on complying with regulations and meeting targets. A report on serious case reviews published alongside the review said serious case reviews needed to focus more on learning and less on the review process itself. This report was written by a panel of practitioners recruited though local safeguarding children boards across England to inform Munro's work. These practitioners said the emphasis on getting the report right was constraining and detracted from learning. They also emphasised that serious case reviews should be set in the context of good practice and a broader spectrum of safeguarding, not just the severe end of the spectrum and when things go wrong....http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115454/munro-review-social-workers-fail-children-due-to-focus-on-rules.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115454/munro-review-social-workers-fail-children-due-to-focus-on-rules.htmlSocial workers are failing to meet the needs of children because they are too focused on complying with regulations and meeting targets, according to the first instalment of Professor Eileen Munro's (left) review of children's social services in England, published today. (pic credit: Giles Park)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115452/cafcass-to-allocate-cases-to-duty-guardians-for-further-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115452/cafcass-to-allocate-cases-to-duty-guardians-for-further-year.htmlTemporary measures which permitted family courts body Cafcass to allocate cases to teams of duty guardians are to be extended for another year until October 2011.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115451/family-justice-review-chair-we-cant-go-on-like-this.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115451/family-justice-review-chair-we-cant-go-on-like-this.htmlEXCLUSIVE: An "institutionalised lack of trust" in local authority social work and a tendency for professionals to blame each other are among the early concerns identified by the family justice review. Speaking to Community Care, review chair David Norgrove said there was an underlying theme of "deep concern" regarding court delays and the cost of delivering justice.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/30/115448/number-of-children-in-care-rises-by-6.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/30/115448/number-of-children-in-care-rises-by-6.htmlThe number of looked-after children in England has risen by 6% (64, 400) since last year, new statistics from the Department for Education show.Thu, 30 Sep 2010 11:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/30/115443/adcs-warns-of-perfect-storm-in-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/30/115443/adcs-warns-of-perfect-storm-in-child-protection.htmlEarly intervention funding must be ring-fenced to prevent a "perfect storm" of rising child protection referrals and a reduction in resources according to directors of children's services (president, Marion Davis pictured). Thu, 30 Sep 2010 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/27/115429/danger-signs-that-lay-in-a-timeline.-how-social-workers-should-use-case-chronologies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/27/115429/danger-signs-that-lay-in-a-timeline.-how-social-workers-should-use-case-chronologies.htmlA clear chronology of events in a safeguarding case can show agencies where risks lie. But it can be hard to find the time to do them, reports Camilla Pemberton Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/27/115432/croydon-training-centre-for-social-workers-part-of-jobs-drive.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/27/115432/croydon-training-centre-for-social-workers-part-of-jobs-drive.htmlCroydon Council couples launch of training centre with pay rise and recruitment drive for children's social workers. The south London council also promises lower caseloads. But BASW sounds warning noteMon, 27 Sep 2010 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115424/family-stability-is-now-under-threat-says-quarriers-paul-moores.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115424/family-stability-is-now-under-threat-says-quarriers-paul-moores.htmlAs head of one of Scotland's biggest charities in cash-strapped times, Paul Moore tells Molly Garboden that Quarriers has had to develop new ways to deliver services for children http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115423/cafcass-seeks-stability-as-government-reviews-its-future.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115423/cafcass-seeks-stability-as-government-reviews-its-future.htmlCafcass has pledged that it is "business as usual" after being listed as one of several public bodies whose future is under review by government.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115422/research-and-evidence-user-involvement-in-commissioning-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115422/research-and-evidence-user-involvement-in-commissioning-services.htmlJon Glasby reviews an "unusual" paper that defies traditional research methods http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115408/ilf-to-shut-and-cafcass-under-review-in-bonfire-of-quangos.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115408/ilf-to-shut-and-cafcass-under-review-in-bonfire-of-quangos.htmlThe Independent Living Fund will shut while the future of family courts body Cafcass is in doubt as part of a government cull of quangos, it has emerged. (Image: Dominic's on Flickr)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115420/cut-public-health-initiatives-to-improve-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115420/cut-public-health-initiatives-to-improve-health.htmlHealth advisers need to go back on the frontline, says Michael Fitzpatrickhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115418/more-councils-likely-to-follow-suffolk-in-outsourcing-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115418/more-councils-likely-to-follow-suffolk-in-outsourcing-services.htmlCouncils are likely to outsource more and more social care services to the private and voluntary sectors as massive spending cuts bitehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115411/council-launches-childrens-social-work-academy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115411/council-launches-childrens-social-work-academy.htmlCroydon launched one of the first social work academies in the UK yesterday. The Children, Young People and Learners Academy will provide new and experienced social workers with structured training.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115412/is-there-ever-a-case-for-restraint-of-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115412/is-there-ever-a-case-for-restraint-of-children.htmlJarone Macklin-Page asks whether restraint of children in care can ever be justifiedFri, 24 Sep 2010 10:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115409/how-childrens-home-consigned-restraint-to-history.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115409/how-childrens-home-consigned-restraint-to-history.htmlAggressive behaviour in Sunderland's children's homes has been reduced as staff take a more therapeutic approach and avoid using restraint, reports Gordon CarsonFri, 24 Sep 2010 10:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/23/115407/council-bids-to-outsource-nearly-all-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/23/115407/council-bids-to-outsource-nearly-all-services.htmlSuffolk Council is planning to outsource nearly all its services to cut costs by 30%.Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/23/115403/senior-lib-dem-accuses-government-over-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/23/115403/senior-lib-dem-accuses-government-over-child-protection.htmlA leading Liberal Democrat children's spokesperson has accused the coalition of radically changing child protection policy without condidering its impact.Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/21/115397/carers-of-children-with-autism-win-high-court-ruling.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/21/115397/carers-of-children-with-autism-win-high-court-ruling.htmlForty-one families with autistic children were wrongly told their needs could not be assessed because of a lack of resources, according to a High Court ruling against Northern Ireland's Western Health and Social Care Trust.Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/21/115396/tribunal-hears-baby-p-social-workers-unfair-dismissal-claim.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/21/115396/tribunal-hears-baby-p-social-workers-unfair-dismissal-claim.htmlThe social workers who admitted failing to safeguard Peter Connelly (Baby P) will challenge their dismissal by Haringey Council at an employment tribunal today.Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115386/cleggs-council-finance-changes-could-benefit-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115386/cleggs-council-finance-changes-could-benefit-social-care.htmlSocial care could benefit from Nick Clegg's announcement today of changes to council finance. During his leader's speech to the Liberal Democrat conference, Clegg said he would give local authorities the freedom to borrow money against taxes raised by business rates to fund new developments. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115388/social-workers-need-more-input-in-tackling-child-poverty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115388/social-workers-need-more-input-in-tackling-child-poverty.htmlSocial workers should be more involved in efforts to tackle child poverty in the UK, according to the co-chair of the National College of Social Work.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115375/dfe-to-boost-spread-of-gp-style-social-work-practices.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115375/dfe-to-boost-spread-of-gp-style-social-work-practices.htmlIndependent social work practices for children in care will be piloted more widely as part of the government's Big Society agenda, the Department for Education has revealed. Pictured: personal adviser Cate White from the Evolve YP social work practice in Staffordshire talks to a young person in care (credit: Ed Maynard)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115373/young-mans-suicide-prompts-care-leaver-case-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115373/young-mans-suicide-prompts-care-leaver-case-review.htmlConcern about support for young adult care-leavers has been raised following the suicide of a former child in care in Waltham Forest, London.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115347/media-access-to-family-courts-could-be-reversed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115347/media-access-to-family-courts-could-be-reversed.htmlThe Ministry of Justice is planning to review controversial measures passed by the previous government that would allow the media more access to family court cases.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115346/good-practice-preparing-blind-children-for-their-new-residence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115346/good-practice-preparing-blind-children-for-their-new-residence.htmlA residential school has formed a close relationship with a construction firm to help its children, who are all blind and have complex needs, move in to a new building. By Jackie Cosh Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115342/gaining-the-trust-of-troubled-teenagers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115342/gaining-the-trust-of-troubled-teenagers.htmlGaining the trust of teenage members of a family in crisis can be testing for social workers. Molly Garboden looks at how professionals can build support for effective outcomesFri, 17 Sep 2010 09:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115339/pool-the-commissioning-of-childrens-health-and-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115339/pool-the-commissioning-of-childrens-health-and-social-care.html All commissioning for children's health and social care services in England should be pooled and delivered by local partnerships, a government-commissioned...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115338/how-the-catholic-church-in-britain-is-challenging-child-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115338/how-the-catholic-church-in-britain-is-challenging-child-abuse.htmlAs incidents of child sexual abuse continue to damage the Catholic Church, Chloe Stothart speaks to the head of its safeguarding watchdog, Bill Kilgallon http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/16/115337/ofsted-praises-haringeys-childrens-safeguarding-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/16/115337/ofsted-praises-haringeys-childrens-safeguarding-work.htmlSafeguarding at Haringey Council's children's services department has been praised by Ofsted following an unannounced two-day inspection (pic credit Gavin Rogers/Rex Features)Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115332/welsh-safeguarding-project-to-embed-consultant-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115332/welsh-safeguarding-project-to-embed-consultant-social-workers.htmlConsultant social workers in multi-agency teams are set to be embedded in children's services in Wales with the launch today of a safeguarding project.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115331/government-denies-serious-case-review-u-turn.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115331/government-denies-serious-case-review-u-turn.htmlThe government may have to retract its promise to retrospectively publish four serious case reviews in full, as one of these reviews might put surviving siblings at risk, children's minister Tim Loughton has admitted.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115329/contactpoint-replacement-may-not-be-it-based-says-loughton.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115329/contactpoint-replacement-may-not-be-it-based-says-loughton.htmlContactPoint may not be replaced by a computerised system, children's minister Tim Loughton said today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/15/115328/shoesmith-baby-p-death-did-not-represent-service-failure.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/15/115328/shoesmith-baby-p-death-did-not-represent-service-failure.htmlThe death of baby P did not demonstrate a systematic departmental failure, Sharon Shoesmith (pictured) said today. Picture: Rex FeaturesWed, 15 Sep 2010 11:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115318/more-social-care-input-urged-on-special-educational-needs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115318/more-social-care-input-urged-on-special-educational-needs.htmlSchools need to work more closely with social care services to ensure children with complex and severe special needs receive support, according to an Ofsted report.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115314/childrens-homes-should-be-commissioned-nationally.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115314/childrens-homes-should-be-commissioned-nationally.htmlChildren's homes and advocacy services should be commissioned nationally according to looked-after children's charity Voice.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115317/how-can-caseloads-be-managed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115317/how-can-caseloads-be-managed.htmlSocial workers want caseloads to be capped but what is the best way of doing this? Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115315/social-care-should-deal-with-crimes-by-under-14s-says-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115315/social-care-should-deal-with-crimes-by-under-14s-says-report.htmlThe age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales should be raised from 10 to 14, and offences committed by children under 14 dealt with by social care, according to a report published this week.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115313/more-support-for-parents-of-disabled-children-urged.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115313/more-support-for-parents-of-disabled-children-urged.htmlEvery Disabled Child Matters is calling for next month's government spending review to allocate £8m over five years to supporting parents of disabled children.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 09:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115310/childrens-home-worker-in-scotland-struck-off-for-stalking-boy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115310/childrens-home-worker-in-scotland-struck-off-for-stalking-boy.htmlA residential childcare worker who stalked a 16-year-old boy has become the first children's home worker to be struck off...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115300/identity-theft-by-another-name.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115300/identity-theft-by-another-name.htmlIs it fair to change the forename of adopted children or does it erode their identity? Social worker Wendy Brain and Elaine Dibben from the British Association of Adoption and Fostering examine the arguments http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115298/fears-over-future-of-childrens-homes-improvement.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115298/fears-over-future-of-childrens-homes-improvement.htmlThe government's decision not to award a children's homes contract to the Tribal group has sparked concerns over what will replace it.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115297/treatment-for-young-abusers-left-to-chance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115297/treatment-for-young-abusers-left-to-chance.htmlWith access to therapy for children who display sexually harmful behaviour resembling a postcode lottery, experts believe a national strategy is essential, writes Chloe Stothart http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115294/early-intervention-its-time-we-commissioned-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115294/early-intervention-its-time-we-commissioned-outcomes.htmlInstead of buying a service, why not buy an outcome, says Michael LittleFri, 10 Sep 2010 00:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115292/risk-factor-dealing-with-an-aggressive-teenager-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115292/risk-factor-dealing-with-an-aggressive-teenager-in-care.htmlSocial worker Declan Henry (pictured) discusses with Mark Drinkwater how he dealt with a girl of 14 who had a history of violence in residential careFri, 10 Sep 2010 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115271/birmingham-slashes-social-work-student-placements-by-half.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115271/birmingham-slashes-social-work-student-placements-by-half.htmlBirmingham Council has slashed the number of placements it provides for social work students by more than half, Community Care has learned.Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115261/one-in-six-social-workers-have-more-than-40-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115261/one-in-six-social-workers-have-more-than-40-cases.htmlSixteen per cent of social workers have more than 40 cases on the go, while nearly 90% say high case-loads are affecting their ability to practise good social work, a Community Care survey has revealed. (Picture: Rex Features, posed by model)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115266/scr-clears-social-workers-in-case-of-mum-who-killed-daughters.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115266/scr-clears-social-workers-in-case-of-mum-who-killed-daughters.htmlThe murder of two Cambridgeshire girls by their mother in 2007 could not have been prevented by social workers or any other professionals, according to the serious case review.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/08/115265/government-reverses-award-of-tribal-contract.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/08/115265/government-reverses-award-of-tribal-contract.htmlThe coalition has overturned the former government's decision to award a contract for improving children's homes to the private consultancy group Tribal.Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/07/115263/interim-guidance-for-guardians-may-be-extended-for-another-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/07/115263/interim-guidance-for-guardians-may-be-extended-for-another-year.htmlTemporary measures that permitted Cafcass to allocate cases to duty guardians are likely to be extended for another year, Cafcass chief executive Anthony Douglas (pictured) said today.Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/07/115257/book-review-childrens-mental-health-problems.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/07/115257/book-review-childrens-mental-health-problems.htmlThis small, accessible book aims to provide readers with concise and practical information, writes Tina Coldham.Tue, 07 Sep 2010 09:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115255/book-review-motivate-to-communicate.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115255/book-review-motivate-to-communicate.htmlA Straight Talking Introduction to Children's Mental Health Problems; Motivate to Communicate! 300 Games and Activities for Your Child with Autismhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115253/legal-update-court-guidance-on-dealing-with-child-protection-crises.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115253/legal-update-court-guidance-on-dealing-with-child-protection-crises.htmlEd Mitchell on when a child can be removed from the parental homeMon, 06 Sep 2010 00:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115243/council-set-to-halve-foster-carers-fees.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115243/council-set-to-halve-foster-carers-fees.htmlFoster carers working for Slough Council face a 50% cut in the weekly fee paid for their first child.Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115250/a-fresh-start-for-sure-start.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115250/a-fresh-start-for-sure-start.htmlThe previous government's flagship programme, Sure Start, is being refocused on hard-to-reach families. Louise Hunt looks at what this may mean for children's social workers Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115249/role-of-lawyers-in-family-courts-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115249/role-of-lawyers-in-family-courts-at-risk.htmlThe role of lawyers in the family courts could be at risk under changes being considered by the Family Justice Review, Community Care has learned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115237/unqualified-staff-handling-child-protection-cases-in-suffolk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115237/unqualified-staff-handling-child-protection-cases-in-suffolk.htmlEight children on child protection plans in Suffolk are at risk because unqualified staff are responsible for the day-to-day work on the cases, according to Ofsted's latest unannounced inspection report on council safeguarding.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115236/young-carers-of-parents-with-mental-health-issues.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115236/young-carers-of-parents-with-mental-health-issues.htmlIn 2009, The Social Care Institute for Excellence introduced guidelines for practitioners to support families in which parents have mental health problems. Here, Scie presents a case study demonstrating how the guidance could be successfully applied Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115235/short-detention-orders-that-change-nothing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115235/short-detention-orders-that-change-nothing.htmlA recent Ofsted report on secure accommodation for young offenders found that most were held too far from the family home for resettlement to be effective, writes Dean Woodward.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115234/other-parents-know-best.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115234/other-parents-know-best.htmlA peer-to-peer training scheme is helping parents of children with mental health issues. Chloe Stothart reportshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115230/council-to-cut-8m-from-social-care-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115230/council-to-cut-8m-from-social-care-budget.htmlFunding for social care services at Edinburgh Council will be cut by nearly £8m over the next three years.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115229/scottish-councils-told-to-run-residential-child-care-better.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115229/scottish-councils-told-to-run-residential-child-care-better.htmlCouncils in Scotland need to have a better understanding of residential child care costs if they are to provide good value and efficiency, according to Audit Scotland.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115228/councils-warn-home-secretary-over-migrant-cap-impact.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115228/councils-warn-home-secretary-over-migrant-cap-impact.htmlCouncil chiefs have told the Home Office that a cap on overseas social workers will weaken child protection teams, putting vulnerable children at risk. The Association of Directors of Children's Services urged ministers including Theresa May, home secretary (pictured) to rethink temporary restrictions on the number of skilled workers from non-EU countries allowed to enter the country.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/02/115226/shoesmith-wins-green-light-for-new-appeal-over-sacking.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/02/115226/shoesmith-wins-green-light-for-new-appeal-over-sacking.htmlSharon Shoesmith has been given leave to appeal over her sacking as Haringey's director of children's services after the death of Baby P.Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115170/is-obesity-a-child-protection-issue.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115170/is-obesity-a-child-protection-issue.htmlHow should social workers react when presented with a very overweight child? Julie Griffiths reports on whether official guidelines are needed Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115174/cant-cook-will-cook-cook-start-scheme-in-calderdale.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115174/cant-cook-will-cook-cook-start-scheme-in-calderdale.htmlA scheme in Yorkshire is reaching out into a deprived community to engage families in healthy eating, using mentoring and one of the UK's top kitchens. Tina Walsh reportsWed, 01 Sep 2010 00:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115196/a-taste-for-school-dinners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115196/a-taste-for-school-dinners.htmlA specialist school is breaking new ground by letting students cook for their teachers and peers - with some of the young chefs gaining an NVQ in catering. Julie Griffiths reports Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115205/what-is-the-alternative-to-cafcass.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115205/what-is-the-alternative-to-cafcass.htmlDoubts over Cafcass's future fuel speculation over what could replace it. (Pictured: Cafcass chief executive Anthony Douglas)Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115206/70m-extra-cost-of-hiring-agency-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115206/70m-extra-cost-of-hiring-agency-social-workers.htmlAgency social workers could be costing councils £70m a year more than if permanent staff were employed to perform the same roles, Community Care can reveal. (Pic credit: Alamy) Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115203/gscc-chief-aims-for-strong-legacy-after-reform-plan-dashed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115203/gscc-chief-aims-for-strong-legacy-after-reform-plan-dashed.htmlThe General Social Care Council will strive to leave a strong legacy for the sector's workforce when the organisation is disbanded in 2012, its chief executive has said.Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115200/personalisation-for-children-fails-to-take-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115200/personalisation-for-children-fails-to-take-off.htmlPersonalisation budgets for children are failing to take off because primary care trusts are not helping with funding according to a progress report on the pilots, one year on. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115199/improvement-board-looms-for-birmingham.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115199/improvement-board-looms-for-birmingham.htmlThe revelation that so many cases were not allocated to children's social workers will fuel speculation that an improvement board will be imposed on Birmingham Council.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115197/birmingham-violated-law-by-failing-to-allocate-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115197/birmingham-violated-law-by-failing-to-allocate-cases.htmlBirmingham may have opened itself up to legal challenges by failing to allocate cases involving looked-after children and children in need to qualified social workers.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/31/115195/neglected-children-happier-in-care-than-in-stable-reunion.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/31/115195/neglected-children-happier-in-care-than-in-stable-reunion.htmlChildren who have been neglected and emotionally abused are happier in care than in a stable reunification with parents, according to a study commissioned by the previous government.Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115188/adcs-defends-birminghams-unallocated-caseload.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115188/adcs-defends-birminghams-unallocated-caseload.htmlThe Association of Directors of Children’s Services has blamed pressures on departments for Birmingham's failure to allocate a qualified social worker to every child in need and looked-after child. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115167/850-birmingham-children-in-need-lack-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115167/850-birmingham-children-in-need-lack-social-workers.htmlA quarter of Birmingham's children in need, a total of 852, do not have an allocated social worker, while 12% of children in care do not have one either, Community Care has learned. (Pictured: Birmingham Council building, Rex Features)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/27/115173/council-suspends-childrens-services-director.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/27/115173/council-suspends-childrens-services-director.htmlDerby Council has suspended its director of children’s services after only four months in the job.Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/27/115169/birminghams-failure-to-allocate-children-in-care-illegal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/27/115169/birminghams-failure-to-allocate-children-in-care-illegal.htmlBirmingham Council's failure to allocate every looked-after child to a social worker is illegal, the government has confirmed. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/27/115168/loughton-tells-councils-to-cut-red-tape-on-foster-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/27/115168/loughton-tells-councils-to-cut-red-tape-on-foster-carers.htmlChildren's minister Tim Loughton has ordered all local authorities to free foster carers from "over-zealous restrictions and bureaucracy".Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/26/115166/gove-fury-after-balls-accuses-him-of-failing-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/26/115166/gove-fury-after-balls-accuses-him-of-failing-social-work.htmlEducation secretary Michael Gove has defended the government's record in children's social work after Labour accused him of failing the profession.Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/26/115163/cuts-could-kill-off-social-work-reform-warns-balls.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/26/115163/cuts-could-kill-off-social-work-reform-warns-balls.html"Reckless" public spending cuts are putting social work reforms at risk, the shadow education secretary Ed Balls has said. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115152/minister-confident-that-vacancy-rate-will-fall.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115152/minister-confident-that-vacancy-rate-will-fall.htmlAction is being taken to address high vacancy rates and other problems in social work, children's minister Tim Loughton has insisted.Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115153/one-in-10-social-work-posts-vacant.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115153/one-in-10-social-work-posts-vacant.htmlOne in 10 social work posts are empty, Community Care has found. Our investigation shows that social worker vacancy rates have increased despite the millions of pounds that have been pumped into staff recruitment and reforming the profession. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115160/budget-hits-poorest-families-hardest-says-ifs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115160/budget-hits-poorest-families-hardest-says-ifs.htmlLow income families with children will be hit hardest by the coalition government’s first Budget, the Institute for Fiscal Studies has claimed.Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/24/115157/sterilise-parents-who-abuse-children-top-professor-says.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/24/115157/sterilise-parents-who-abuse-children-top-professor-says.htmlSocial workers should be able to recommend irreversible sterilisation for parents who abuse their children, according to a top academic.Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/24/115151/tribunal-rejects-whistle-blowers-haringey-claim.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/24/115151/tribunal-rejects-whistle-blowers-haringey-claim.htmlHaringey whistle-blower Nevres Kemal has lost her victimisation claim against the council.Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/24/115141/what-are-the-options-to-replace-contactpoint.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/24/115141/what-are-the-options-to-replace-contactpoint.htmlSocial networking sites could be the model used in designing a replacement for ContactPoint child protection database. Molly Garboden reports. (Picture credit Rex Features)Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/24/115146/pioneering-job-based-training-for-social-workers-to-start.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/24/115146/pioneering-job-based-training-for-social-workers-to-start.htmlAn employment-based fast-track training route for children's social workers will start next month after the General Social Care Council approved it. Picture: Rex FeaturesTue, 24 Aug 2010 11:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115149/ministers-struggling-to-resolve-future-of-youth-justice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115149/ministers-struggling-to-resolve-future-of-youth-justice.htmlMinisters are said to be struggling to agree on how far responsibility for youth justice could be devolved to local authorities if, as expected, the Youth Justice Board is disbanded next year. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115133/youth-justice-board-set-to-be-scrapped-within-a-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115133/youth-justice-board-set-to-be-scrapped-within-a-year.htmlThe Youth Justice Board is likely to be disbanded within a year and its main functions transferred to the Ministry of Justice, Community Care understands.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115121/restorative-justice-in-childrens-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115121/restorative-justice-in-childrens-homes.htmlAcademic Pauline Ashworth examines findings on the effectiveness of restorative justice in cases involving bullying in children's residential units http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115120/capital-role-models-give-boys-direction.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115120/capital-role-models-give-boys-direction.htmlThe ability to fully understand young black men is crucial to ensuring they remain engaged with society. Camilla Pemberton talks to Ian Joseph, who has helped former gang members into careers http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115119/why-wealth-makes-a-difference-in-foster-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115119/why-wealth-makes-a-difference-in-foster-care.htmlI always wanted to be moved to a residential placement rather than to a foster family because you never know what to expect when moving in with another family. Things always start off well but after a while may go downhill. By Jennifer Sarumi http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115118/childminders-step-in-to-fill-foster-care-void.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115118/childminders-step-in-to-fill-foster-care-void.htmlA network of childminders is proving that foster care need not be the only option for children requiring temporary care, reports Julie Griffithshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115114/should-childrens-social-work-be-a-touch-free-zone.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115114/should-childrens-social-work-be-a-touch-free-zone.htmlAlthough physical contact is a human need, children's social workers are starting to take a hands-off approach in order to reduce the risk of misunderstandings and false accusations. Camilla Pemberton reports Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115113/social-worker-struck-off-after-sexual-assault.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115113/social-worker-struck-off-after-sexual-assault.htmlA children's charity social worker who was convicted of sexual assault has been struck off the register in Scotland. Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115109/name-the-bureaucrats-who-hamper-fostering-says-minister.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115109/name-the-bureaucrats-who-hamper-fostering-says-minister.htmlChildren's minister Tim Loughton has called on foster carers to let him know which councils are "excessively bureaucratic". http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/19/115105/adviser-calls-on-government-to-scrap-cafcass-and-dilute-yjb.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/19/115105/adviser-calls-on-government-to-scrap-cafcass-and-dilute-yjb.htmlCafcass should be scrapped and the roles of local safeguarding children boards and the Youth Justice Board watered down in order to cut bureaucracy, a government adviser has suggested.Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/19/115104/catholic-adoption-charity-must-lift-ban-on-gay-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/19/115104/catholic-adoption-charity-must-lift-ban-on-gay-people.htmlA Catholic adoption charity has been told it cannot discriminate against gay and lesbian adopters by restricting its services to heterosexual couples only. Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/18/115099/tuc-100-unfair-cuts-in-coalitions-first-100-days.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/18/115099/tuc-100-unfair-cuts-in-coalitions-first-100-days.htmlThe Trades Union Congress has accused the coalition of making 100 "unfair" spending cuts in its first 100 days, hitting vulnerable groups.Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115093/at-risk-children-not-in-education-slip-through-the-net.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115093/at-risk-children-not-in-education-slip-through-the-net.htmlVulnerable children are slipping through the net as local authorities struggle to identify children missing from education, according to a survey by Ofsted.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/17/115096/gary-glitter-e-mailer-allowed-to-continue-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/17/115096/gary-glitter-e-mailer-allowed-to-continue-social-work.htmlA social worker who circulated an e-mail apparently showing Gary Glitter carrying a child in a plastic bag has been allowed to continue practising in Scotland.Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115087/backing-for-troubleshooters-at-doncaster-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115087/backing-for-troubleshooters-at-doncaster-childrens-services.htmlA new management team charged with turning around Doncaster Council's troubled children's services has won the backing of an independent expert. Peter Kemp (pictured), chair of Doncaster Children's Board, welcomed the appointment of the first permanent senior management team at the council for five years.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/16/115090/more-social-workers-using-the-web-in-adoption-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/16/115090/more-social-workers-using-the-web-in-adoption-services.htmlSocial workers are increasingly using the web to place children with adopters and foster carers.Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/16/115088/children-fear-parental-drug-and-alcohol-use-childline-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/16/115088/children-fear-parental-drug-and-alcohol-use-childline-finds.htmlCalls to ChildLine from children who talked about parental drug and alcohol misuse represents four per cent of all (156,729) children counselled, the NSPCC has revealed.Mon, 16 Aug 2010 09:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115086/common-assessment-framework-too-child-centred-study-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115086/common-assessment-framework-too-child-centred-study-finds.htmlThe Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is so child-centred that it prevents social workers from gaining a holistic view of the child, according to new research. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115082/enhanced-caf-could-replace-contactpoint.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115082/enhanced-caf-could-replace-contactpoint.htmlAn improved common assessment framework (CAF) would fill the gap left by the government's scrapping of ContactPoint, according to the authors of a study of frontline practitioners and experts commissioned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/12/115077/four-in-10-social-workers-have-unmanageable-caseloads.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/12/115077/four-in-10-social-workers-have-unmanageable-caseloads.htmlFour in 10 social workers feel their caseload is unmanageable and two-thirds say it has increased in the past 12 months, a survey has found. Picture: Rex FeaturesThu, 12 Aug 2010 10:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/12/115080/troubled-children-held-too-far-from-home-says-ofsted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/12/115080/troubled-children-held-too-far-from-home-says-ofsted.htmlChildren held in secure accommodation are being placed too far from home, hampering plans for their resettlement, a report by Ofsted has found.Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/11/115079/council-protects-childrens-social-workers-from-job-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/11/115079/council-protects-childrens-social-workers-from-job-cuts.html Nottinghamshire Council has vowed to protect child protection social workers from job cuts over the next three years. The cuts will affect up to 3,000 other...Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/11/115078/fears-for-family-courts-in-2bn-ministry-of-justice-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/11/115078/fears-for-family-courts-in-2bn-ministry-of-justice-cuts.htmlFresh concerns have surfaced over the future of the family courts and the Youth Justice Board with the disclosure that the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) budget will be cut by £2bn. Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/10/115063/facing-up-to-obstructive-parents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/10/115063/facing-up-to-obstructive-parents.htmlWhen a parent wants to interfere with the child safeguarding process social workers can find themselves outmanoeuvred. Molly Garboden reports Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/10/115057/the-need-for-a-cheaper-family-justice-system-based-on-mediation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/10/115057/the-need-for-a-cheaper-family-justice-system-based-on-mediation.htmlProfessionals can help create a cheaper and more responsive family justice system with mediation at its heart, says justice minister Jonathon DjanoglyTue, 10 Aug 2010 00:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/10/115071/community-care-launches-caseloads-survey.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/10/115071/community-care-launches-caseloads-survey.html Community Care has launched a survey of social workers' caseloads to build an accurate picture of their...Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115072/essex-child-services-slammed-by-ofsted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115072/essex-child-services-slammed-by-ofsted.htmlEssex Council's child safeguarding services have been rated inadequate by Ofsted. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/09/115067/children-harmed-by-long-delays-in-family-courts-charity-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/09/115067/children-harmed-by-long-delays-in-family-courts-charity-finds.htmlFamily courts are now taking up to 65 weeks to rule if it is safe for children to stay with their parents, according to research by Barnardo's.Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115053/the-misguided-notion-that-child-abuse-is-pervasive-in-society.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115053/the-misguided-notion-that-child-abuse-is-pervasive-in-society.htmlSome paediatricians have promoted the notion that abuse is pervasive in society. We are now suffering the consequences, writes Michael Fitzpatrick http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115062/family-justice-system-to-implode-warns-top-judge.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115062/family-justice-system-to-implode-warns-top-judge.htmlThe family justice system could “implode”, the judge in charge of it has warned, amid expectations nearly half of family legal aid law firms will lose their contract. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115052/reuniting-siblings-living-separately-in-the-care-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115052/reuniting-siblings-living-separately-in-the-care-system.htmlSome siblings in the care system can grow up as virtual strangers. Siblings Together aims to reunite them in sympathetic surroundings. Camilla Pemberton reports http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/06/115056/doctors-roles-in-child-protection-under-spotlight.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/06/115056/doctors-roles-in-child-protection-under-spotlight.htmlDoctors' roles and responsibilities in child protection work are to be examined by the General Medical Council, which is asking for submissions of evidence about the issue. Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/06/115051/contactpoint-switched-off-today.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/06/115051/contactpoint-switched-off-today.htmlThe government has today switched off ContactPoint, the £235m information-sharing database, as children's minister Tim Loughton (pictured) labelled it a "surrogate ID card" scheme.Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/06/115054/best-and-worst-decisions-ive-made.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/06/115054/best-and-worst-decisions-ive-made.htmlJudith K Harris never wanted to be a 'child-snatching' social worker, but came to view her decision to enter child protection as the best of her career Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/06/115055/quality-in-practice-guidance-on-assessment-tools.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/06/115055/quality-in-practice-guidance-on-assessment-tools.htmlBrian Taylor looks at the assessment tools at the heart of good safeguarding Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115045/progress-at-worcestershire-childrens-services-limited.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115045/progress-at-worcestershire-childrens-services-limited.htmlWorcestershire Council has made insufficient progress in addressing high caseloads and low staff capacity in its children's services department, according to Ofsted's latest unannounced inspection report.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115049/care-system-close-to-collapse-says-fostering-network.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115049/care-system-close-to-collapse-says-fostering-network.htmlThe care system will collapse if children's services budgets are slashed and unless more foster carers are recruited, the Fostering Network has warned. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/05/115048/basw-rubbishes-unison-call-for-social-worker-pairings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/05/115048/basw-rubbishes-unison-call-for-social-worker-pairings.htmlThe pairing up of social workers on child protection home visits may not make the job easier, the British Association of Social Workers has claimed.Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/04/115041/abused-runaway-case-sparks-call-for-safety-net.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/04/115041/abused-runaway-case-sparks-call-for-safety-net.htmlThe case of a 14-year-old girl from Manchester who was forced into prostitution has sparked calls for a UK-wide network of emergency accommodation for young runaways. Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/04/115040/health-regulator-social-workers-have-nothing-to-fear.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/04/115040/health-regulator-social-workers-have-nothing-to-fear.htmlSocial work has nothing to fear from the Health Professions Council, the body's chief executive, Marc Seale (pictured), has insisted, as it takes over responsibility for regulating the profession.Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115035/birmingham-childrens-workers-routinely-have-30-40-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115035/birmingham-childrens-workers-routinely-have-30-40-cases.htmlIt is "not uncommon" for Birmingham children's social workers to have between 30 and 40 cases on at a time, according to the council's Unison branch.Tue, 03 Aug 2010 09:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115030/cafcass-faces-questions-about-its-future.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115030/cafcass-faces-questions-about-its-future.htmlCafcass faces questions over its future after an alliance of 18 organisations called on the government to consider alternative models. Picture: Rex FeaturesTue, 03 Aug 2010 08:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/02/115028/community-care-launches-daily-email-service.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/02/115028/community-care-launches-daily-email-service.htmlCommunity Care has launched a free daily email service to help readers stay up to date with the latest news in social care. Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115019/khyra-ishaq-social-worker-had-50-cases-on-the-go.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115019/khyra-ishaq-social-worker-had-50-cases-on-the-go.htmlThe primary social worker involved in the Khyra Ishaq case had a workload of 50 allocated cases, according to the full version of the serious case review.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/30/115015/help-for-young-drug-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/30/115015/help-for-young-drug-users.htmlA scheme in Wales using intensive techniques is delivering long-term benefits Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/30/115017/council-offers-golden-hellos-to-childrens-nqsws.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/30/115017/council-offers-golden-hellos-to-childrens-nqsws.htmlTelford and Wrekin Council is offering newly qualified social workers £3,000 to join its children's services to help staff cope with a recent hike in demand for services. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115011/ofsted-to-face-select-committee-inquiry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115011/ofsted-to-face-select-committee-inquiry.htmlMPs are to launch an inquiry into the role and performance of Ofsted it was announced today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115009/no-alterations-made-to-khyra-ishaq-serious-case-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/115009/no-alterations-made-to-khyra-ishaq-serious-case-review.htmlFull publication did not alter any content of the Khyra Ishaq serious case review, the review author has told Community Care. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114997/cafcass-efficiency-questioned-by-national-audit-office.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114997/cafcass-efficiency-questioned-by-national-audit-office.htmlCafcass chief executive Anthony Douglas is facing renewed criticisms after the National Audit Office found its response to rising care applications would have been better if progress had been made in tackling organisational problems.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/28/115000/independent-commission-to-look-into-early-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/28/115000/independent-commission-to-look-into-early-intervention.htmlThe government has confirmed an independent commission will be set up into early intervention to be chaired by Graham Allen MP. Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/28/114996/quarter-of-childrens-nqsws-swamped-with-work-survey.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/28/114996/quarter-of-childrens-nqsws-swamped-with-work-survey.htmlA quarter of newly qualified children's social workers in England feel their caseloads are too high, a survey by Ofsted has revealed.Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114993/cafcass-risks-clash-with-nagalro-by-recruiting-50-nqsws.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114993/cafcass-risks-clash-with-nagalro-by-recruiting-50-nqsws.htmlCafcass is recruiting 50 newly qualified social workers (NQSWs) under plans to reform its traditional career structures.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114991/khyra-ishaq-death-due-to-lack-of-information-sharing-says-scr.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114991/khyra-ishaq-death-due-to-lack-of-information-sharing-says-scr.htmlThe death of Khyra Ishaq was "preventable" and largely due to a lack of information sharing, according to the serious case review published today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114995/khyra-death-shows-professionals-should-work-in-pairs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114995/khyra-death-shows-professionals-should-work-in-pairs.htmlThe death of Khyra Ishaq shows that social workers on child protection cases should be paired up, according to Unison.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114967/the-impact-on-children-of-multiple-returns-to-birth-parents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114967/the-impact-on-children-of-multiple-returns-to-birth-parents.htmlProfessionals are struggling with the impact of repeatedly returning children to their birth parents. Camilla Pemberton investigates.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114983/gscc-to-be-scrapped.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114983/gscc-to-be-scrapped.htmlThe General Social Care Council is to be scrapped as part of a government review of quangos. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114989/role-of-the-health-professions-council-and-changes-to-quangos.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114989/role-of-the-health-professions-council-and-changes-to-quangos.htmlThe Health Professions Council regulates 15 health workforces and was set up in 2001.Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114990/what-gscc-abolition-could-mean-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114990/what-gscc-abolition-could-mean-for-social-workers.htmlThe abolition of the General Social Care Council will have far-reaching implications for social care and social workers, including the cost of registration, regulation of professionals and training.Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114984/directors-blast-plan-to-downgrade-childrens-trusts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114984/directors-blast-plan-to-downgrade-childrens-trusts.htmlAllowing schools to opt out of children's trusts will undermine multi-agency working, according to the...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114985/union-condemns-plan-for-school-staff-to-take-social-work-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114985/union-condemns-plan-for-school-staff-to-take-social-work-role.htmlUnion officials have condemned the use of schools staff to perform roles traditionally undertaken by qualified social workers at Calderdale Council. Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114979/lambeth-special-education-needs-team-to-go-in-cuts-package.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114979/lambeth-special-education-needs-team-to-go-in-cuts-package.html molly.garboden@rbi.co.uk Lambeth council has scrapped its special education needs (SEN) team as part of a bid to cut £90m from its budget over the...Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114976/growing-up-black-with-white-adoptee-parents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114976/growing-up-black-with-white-adoptee-parents.html Precious Williams, author of a book about growing up as a black child adopted by a white family, ponders the importance of ethnic matching There is currently fierce debate over whether it is better to delay the adoption of a child, to find a good ethnic match, or if the delay itself is more harmful than a less than ideal adoption. Precious Williams was one of the thousands of black babies to be privately fostered by white families in the 1970s. She gives her view: "As a new-born, I was advertised in Nursery World and taken on by an elderly white woman in West Sussex. My cringeworthy social services records from that period note that my new foster mother 'devoted more time than most would have done to this coloured child'. "When my West African-born, London-based, natural mother sometimes failed to pay for my keep - my foster mum would use her state pension to make sure I was fed and clothed. My natural mother completely lost interest in me (and stopped paying for me) when I...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114977/practice-panel-should-tracy-see-the-children-on-their-birthday.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114977/practice-panel-should-tracy-see-the-children-on-their-birthday.htmlAdvice on a case involving a mother with substance misuse issues who fails to show up at contact meetings with her children http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114957/future-of-yjb-to-be-decided-in-autumn-green-paper.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114957/future-of-yjb-to-be-decided-in-autumn-green-paper.htmlKey decisions on youth justice reform, including the future of the Youth Justice Board and devolved custody budgets, will be unveiled in the government's autumn green paper. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114959/childrens-trusts-to-be-downgraded-states-gove.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114959/childrens-trusts-to-be-downgraded-states-gove.htmlChildren's Trusts will be radically reformed in the Autumn, the government announced today. Following up from hints made before the election, education secretary Michael Gove (pictured) said a forthcoming Education Bill would mean local authorities would no longer have to set up children's trust boards or publish a joint children and young people's plan. (Pic credit Rex)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/22/114954/contactpoint-database-will-close-on-6-august.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/22/114954/contactpoint-database-will-close-on-6-august.html Contactpoint will be switched off on 6 August, ministers announced today. In a ministerial...Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/22/114947/social-services-bomber-jailed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/22/114947/social-services-bomber-jailed.html A South Yorkshire man who planted a bomb outside Doncaster Council's children's department in a revenge attack on social workers has been jailed indefinitely. Former...Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114951/teenagers-denied-help-due-to-social-workers-misperceptions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114951/teenagers-denied-help-due-to-social-workers-misperceptions.htmlTeenagers are missing out on help because social workers view them as more resilient and able to cope with the effects of abuse, according to a report by The Children's Society.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/21/114932/hackneys-steve-goodman-on-the-councils-social-work-units.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/21/114932/hackneys-steve-goodman-on-the-councils-social-work-units.htmlSteve Goodman has been campaigning to reorganise social work based on changes he helped implement in Hackney. Molly Garboden reports Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114945/families-happy-with-aiming-high-breaks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114945/families-happy-with-aiming-high-breaks.htmlMore families are happy with short breaks provided under the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme, according to a report launched by Every Disabled Child Matters (EDCM) today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/20/114936/scots-councils-cant-account-for-34m-disabled-children-fund.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/20/114936/scots-councils-cant-account-for-34m-disabled-children-fund.html molly.garboden@rbi.co.uk Scottish councils have been unable to account for how £34m of funding for disabled children and their families was spent,...Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114939/disadvantaged-children-likely-victims-of-academies-bill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114939/disadvantaged-children-likely-victims-of-academies-bill.htmlChildren in care and those with special educational needs are likely to be the first victims of the coalition's flagship Academies Bill, campaigners have warned. (Picture credit: Rex Features)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114934/bristol-council-adapts-caf-to-measure-progress-on-early-intervention-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114934/bristol-council-adapts-caf-to-measure-progress-on-early-intervention-work.htmlA tool used by Bristol Council's children's services builds on the potential of the common assessment framework by measuring the progress of early intervention work, writes Molly Garbodenhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114930/national-college-co-chairs-pledge-to-engage-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114930/national-college-co-chairs-pledge-to-engage-social-workers.htmlEngaging social workers will be a major short-term challenge for the College of Social Work, according to its newly-appointed joint interim chairs Maurice Bates and Corinne May-Chahal (pictured)Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114929/health-white-paper-poses-questions-for-social-care-sector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114929/health-white-paper-poses-questions-for-social-care-sector.htmlAlthough there are positives for social workers in the health White Paper, there remain many questions about power and accountability, says Richard Humphries of the King's Fund http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114924/social-worker-wins-top-council-award-for-saving-boy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114924/social-worker-wins-top-council-award-for-saving-boy.html A social worker from Hampshire Council has been voted Council Worker of the Year after preventing a young boy from committing suicide on a motorway bridge....http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114923/birminghams-safeguarding-services-still-inadequate.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114923/birminghams-safeguarding-services-still-inadequate.html Birmingham Council's safeguarding children services are still inadequate...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114926/first-serious-case-review-to-be-marked-outstanding-by-ofsted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114926/first-serious-case-review-to-be-marked-outstanding-by-ofsted.html Only five serious case reviews of 66 done by local safegauarding children boards in 2010 have been deemed inadequate, while one has been marked outstanding...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114920/government-axes-15m-for-ics-improvements.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114920/government-axes-15m-for-ics-improvements.htmlThe government has scrapped the £15m promised by the previous government to help local authorities improve their integrated children's systems (ICS) under further budget cuts announced by Michael Gove the education secretary.Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114919/white-paper-gps-will-need-to-buy-in-specialist-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114919/white-paper-gps-will-need-to-buy-in-specialist-support.htmlGPs will need to buy in expertise to meet the needs of vulnerable groups, NHS leaders admitted after plans to give family doctors responsibility for health commissioning sparked concerns from social care charities.Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114916/is-child-protection-a-job-for-volunteers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114916/is-child-protection-a-job-for-volunteers.htmlVolunteers have undertaken social work for hundreds of years but should their involvement be formalised, particularly in the context of the Big Society? Natalie Valios reports Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114918/proven-practice-including-children-with-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114918/proven-practice-including-children-with-disabilities.htmlThe Centre for Excellence and Outcomes looks at overcoming the barriers that disabled children encounter, particularly in children's centres, extended schools and youth services Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114912/sector-concern-as-nhs-regulators-encroach-on-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114912/sector-concern-as-nhs-regulators-encroach-on-social-care.htmlGovernment plans to give healthcare monitoring bodies powers over social care have sparked concerns from sector head, including Ruth Cartwright, of the British Association of Social Workershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114915/sandwell-calls-time-on-practice-pilot-for-looked-after-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114915/sandwell-calls-time-on-practice-pilot-for-looked-after-children.html Sandwell Council has dropped out of the government's social work practice pilot scheme for looked after children. Bob Badham, the council's cabinet...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114911/scr-manchester-boys-injuries-due-to-social-worker-failure.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114911/scr-manchester-boys-injuries-due-to-social-worker-failure.html molly.garboden@rbi.co.uk A boy suffered injuries that left him disabled because a social worker failed to put him on a child protection plan when his...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114910/restorative-justice-key-to-cutting-offending-says-commission.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114910/restorative-justice-key-to-cutting-offending-says-commission.htmlIncreasing restorative justice provision would reduce youth reoffending and halve the number of young people in custody, according to a major new report.Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114904/moat-asked-childrens-social-workers-for-psychiatric-help.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114904/moat-asked-childrens-social-workers-for-psychiatric-help.htmlGunman Raoul Moat (pictured) asked children's social workers for pscyhiatric help, but then failed to attend appointments, in the months before he killed a man and shot his ex-girlfriend and a policeman.Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114909/working-group-to-provide-child-protection-guidance-for-doctors.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114909/working-group-to-provide-child-protection-guidance-for-doctors.html molly.garboden@rbi.co.uk The General Medical Council (GMC) has announced the creation of a working group to produce new guidance for doctors involved...Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114908/integration-undermined-by-child-protection-agenda.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114908/integration-undermined-by-child-protection-agenda.htmlEngland's attempts to integrate children's services may have been undermined by the policy emphasis on child protection...Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114907/gloucestershire-cuts-family-intervention-projects.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114907/gloucestershire-cuts-family-intervention-projects.htmlGloucestershire Council is cutting back on its virtual school for looked-after children, family intervention projects and parenting programmes in an effort to save £3.2m.Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114898/charities-say-gps-lack-expertise-to-commission-all-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114898/charities-say-gps-lack-expertise-to-commission-all-services.htmlGPs lack the expertise to commission care services, when it comes to some conditions, and their proposed new powers could lead to postcode lotteries, campaigners warn.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114899/burstow-pcts-scrapped-to-aid-health-and-social-care-links.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114899/burstow-pcts-scrapped-to-aid-health-and-social-care-links.htmlPrimary care trusts were no longer "fit for purpose" and had to go as the price to deliver integrated health and social care, according to care services minister Paul Burstow.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/13/114897/valuing-people-now-under-threat.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/13/114897/valuing-people-now-under-threat.htmlStaff delivering the key government programme to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities have been told their jobs could be axed, Community Care has learned.Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114896/councils-to-be-granted-powers-over-public-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114896/councils-to-be-granted-powers-over-public-health.htmlLocal authorities will be given statutory responsibility for bringing health and social care together under radical NHS reforms announced by health secretary Andrew Lansley today. (Picture credit Rex)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114895/future-of-social-care-institute-for-excellence-in-doubt.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114895/future-of-social-care-institute-for-excellence-in-doubt.htmlThe future of the Social Care Institute for Excellence has been called into question after the government announced the National Institute for Health and...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114892/pay-concerns-dent-job-satisfaction-of-childrens-nqsws.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114892/pay-concerns-dent-job-satisfaction-of-childrens-nqsws.htmlHigh levels of job satisfaction and concerns about pay have been reported by newly qualified social workers enrolled in the Children's Workforce Development Council's support programme.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114890/support-for-reform-of-scrs-gathers-momentum.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114890/support-for-reform-of-scrs-gathers-momentum.html Momentum is gathering behind a push to replace the current system of serious case reviews with a model devised by the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE). The current SCR system is being examined as part of review of the child protection system led by Professor Eileen Munro, who developed the Scie model. Association of Directors of Children's Services president Marion Davis, who is part of Munro's review panel, told the association's annual conference last week that the Scie model should be rolled out across the country. She said the model, currently being piloted, was a "much more thoughtful, wider-ranging way of going about looking at what's happened". Davis also claimed the pilots were producing solid evidence that cases put through this approach led to "much more learning" than in the current SCR system. She believed there was "a lot of scope" within the Munro review to "have a good look at this". The Scie system, developed in 2008, was presented in a research...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114889/independent-social-workers-refute-attack-on-their-court-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114889/independent-social-workers-refute-attack-on-their-court-role.html Independent social workers have been left dismayed by calls from directors of children's services to end their role in care application proceedings. Marion Davis, president of the Association of Directors of Children's Services, made the call at the association's annual conference in Manchester last week. She said ISWs were "an expensive part of the landscape" and that their second opinions had a "detrimental effect" on local authority social worker morale. Davis claimed she could not think of a single, negative impact on court proceedings if independent social workers were removed from the process. Stephen Cameron, ISW and trainer based in Bristol, said he was "dismayed" at Davis's stance and that as far as he was concerned ISWs played a crucial role in court proceedings. "In my experience ISWs usually speed up court proceedings because we're called in to cut through any difficulties the court has run into," he said. "Unlike some other expert witnesses, we're always given...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114888/low-morale-at-cqc-driven-by-overwork-and-safety-concerns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114888/low-morale-at-cqc-driven-by-overwork-and-safety-concerns.htmlLow staff morale at the Care Quality Commission is being driven by overwork and the fact that inspectors fear their ability to keep service users safe is being compromised.Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114887/inquiry-may-threaten-future-of-childrens-commissioner.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114887/inquiry-may-threaten-future-of-childrens-commissioner.htmlThe role of the Children's Commissioner in England, held by Maggie Atkinson (pictured), is under threat as an independent review into its future starts. Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114886/do-social-workers-need-some-medical-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114886/do-social-workers-need-some-medical-training.htmlShould social workers' training include basic medicine to help them identify clients' needs and find appropriate help? Journalist and mental health service user Richard Shrubb says that it should Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114883/blackburn-merges-management-of-nhs-and-council.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114883/blackburn-merges-management-of-nhs-and-council.htmlManagement of local government and health will be merged in Blackburn with Darwen after the council backed the plan last night.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114880/poverty-debt-and-hunger-dog-families-of-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114880/poverty-debt-and-hunger-dog-families-of-disabled-children.html camilla.pemberton@rbi.co.uk Almost a quarter of families with disabled children are going without heating while 14% are going without food according...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114879/childrens-services-budgets-at-risk-from-academies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114879/childrens-services-budgets-at-risk-from-academies.htmlChildren's services budgets may be used to pay for the increase in academies, it is feared.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/09/114876/high-court-ruling-is-victory-for-care-leavers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/09/114876/high-court-ruling-is-victory-for-care-leavers.htmlSocial workers must review the care plans of all children leaving care, according to a landmark High Court judgement. Fri, 09 Jul 2010 11:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/09/114877/treating-sexual-abuse-as-a-public-health-issue.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/09/114877/treating-sexual-abuse-as-a-public-health-issue.htmlThe Lucy Faithfull Foundation's Stop It Now ­campaign tackles sexual abuse of children. Judy Cooper spoke to its deputy director, Donald Findlater, about reducing the risk Fri, 09 Jul 2010 11:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/09/114875/independent-social-worker-role-should-end-says-adcs-chief.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/09/114875/independent-social-worker-role-should-end-says-adcs-chief.htmlIndependent social workers' role in court should cease, according to Marion Davis, president of the Association of Directors of Children's Services.Fri, 09 Jul 2010 11:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/08/114866/croydons-blueprint-to-make-childrens-preventive-services-pay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/08/114866/croydons-blueprint-to-make-childrens-preventive-services-pay.htmlCan early years interventions succeed without draining resources? Croydon Council believes they can. Judy Cooper reportsThu, 08 Jul 2010 00:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/07/114859/use-of-virtual-courts-set-to-rise-in-family-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/07/114859/use-of-virtual-courts-set-to-rise-in-family-cases.html Care applications could be heard in "virtual courts" in the future, according to sector experts. The plans follow last month's announcement...Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:11:13 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114857/green-paper-for-children-with-sen-set-for-autumn.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114857/green-paper-for-children-with-sen-set-for-autumn.html The government has announced it will publish a green paper on children with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities in the autumn. Speaking...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114855/shoesmith-publishing-scrs-will-increase-blame-game.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114855/shoesmith-publishing-scrs-will-increase-blame-game.htmlSharon Shoesmith, former director of children's services at Haringey Council, has said full publication of serious case reviews may make agencies run for cover "even faster" when things go wrong.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114852/sharon-shoesmith-considers-further-appeal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114852/sharon-shoesmith-considers-further-appeal.htmlSharon Shoesmith has yet to decide whether to appeal a High Court decision preventing a judicial review of her sacking as director of children's services at Haringey Council after the Baby P case in December 2008.Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114839/what-makes-a-good-break-for-carers-of-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114839/what-makes-a-good-break-for-carers-of-disabled-children.htmlNew research guides councils in the use of short breaks for disabled children and their carers. Julie Griffiths reportsTue, 06 Jul 2010 11:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114851/social-workers-propose-solutions-to-ethical-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114851/social-workers-propose-solutions-to-ethical-practice.htmlCan a social worker operate ethically while employed by a local authority? Judy Cooper, Molly Garboden and Camilla Pemberton investigate Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114849/controversial-yjb-restraint-manual-to-be-made-public.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114849/controversial-yjb-restraint-manual-to-be-made-public.htmlThe Youth Justice Board (YJB) has agreed to disclose a manual containing details of controversial techniques used to restrain children in secure training centres (STCs).Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114821/paul-maynard-mp-life-with-cerebral-palsy-and-epilepsy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114821/paul-maynard-mp-life-with-cerebral-palsy-and-epilepsy.htmlConservative MP Paul Maynard talks to Jeremy Dunning about how he will influence policy on disability in parliament Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114845/bonuses-for-social-workers-as-childrens-referrals-double.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114845/bonuses-for-social-workers-as-childrens-referrals-double.htmlBromley Council is offering social workers bonuses to improve recruitment and retention as referrals rise and budgets fall.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114844/social-services-in-wales-fear-job-losses.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114844/social-services-in-wales-fear-job-losses.html Directors of social services in Wales are refusing to rule out job losses as they attempt to tackle the funding crisis hitting their departments. Back-office...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114841/spare-elderly-and-child-protection-from-cuts-survey.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114841/spare-elderly-and-child-protection-from-cuts-survey.htmlOnly 1% of the public believe social care for older people or child protection services should be cut to save public money, a Local Government Association survey has found.Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114835/hospital-social-work-a-bureaucracy-free-zone.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114835/hospital-social-work-a-bureaucracy-free-zone.htmlWith little paperwork and helpful multi-agency practitioners, life could hardly be better for hospital social worker Justin Wright. Molly Garboden spoke to him http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114831/ten-year-plan-for-welsh-social-services-to-be-published-in-2011.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114831/ten-year-plan-for-welsh-social-services-to-be-published-in-2011.html A blueprint for reforming social services in Wales over the next ten years will be published in early 2011, the Welsh Assembly government has announced. Speaking...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/02/114827/working-with-non-social-work-agencies-to-manage-risk-in-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/02/114827/working-with-non-social-work-agencies-to-manage-risk-in-child-protection.htmlChildren's services directors say it is time for GPs, the police, the courts and policymakers to carry more risk in safeguarding cases. Molly Garboden looks at how this can be done Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114822/birmingham-council-to-make-13m-cuts-to-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114822/birmingham-council-to-make-13m-cuts-to-childrens-services.html molly.garboden@rbi.co.uk Birmingham council is having to make cuts of £13m within children's services, with almost 1,500 job posts set to disappear,...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/01/114818/publishing-scrs-in-full-would-attract-less-media-attention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/01/114818/publishing-scrs-in-full-would-attract-less-media-attention.htmlPublishing serious case reviews in full would make them less interesting to the media, children's minister Tim Loughton (pictured) has told Community Care.Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/01/114814/eileen-munros-safeguarding-review-panel-unveiled.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/01/114814/eileen-munros-safeguarding-review-panel-unveiled.htmlThe panel that will help Professor Eileen Munro in her review of the child protection system has been revealed exclusively to Community Care. It includes The Sun's 2007 'Wondermum' Avril Head (pictured, credit The Sun)Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114819/family-justice-review-to-examine-role-of-cafcass.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114819/family-justice-review-to-examine-role-of-cafcass.htmlThe Family Justice Review will examine the effectiveness of Cafcass and where efficiency savings can be made in family courts the government today confirmed.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/30/114793/effective-thresholds-in-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/30/114793/effective-thresholds-in-child-protection.htmlCouncils have come under fire over child protection thresholds. But it can be tough to ensure consistency. Molly Garboden reports Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/29/114810/loughton-and-munro-answer-community-care-readers-questions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/29/114810/loughton-and-munro-answer-community-care-readers-questions.htmlReaders told Community Care on CareSpace what they would like to ask Professor Eileen Munro, head of the review of child protection, and children's minister Tim Loughton. Here are some of their answers in an exclusive interview.Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/28/114807/care-delays-cost-30000-a-child-every-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/28/114807/care-delays-cost-30000-a-child-every-year.htmlDelays and instability when taking a child into care cost councils £32,755 a child each year, according to a report from the think-tank Demos.Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114798/councils-must-transform-not-slash-services-to-meet-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114798/councils-must-transform-not-slash-services-to-meet-cuts.html Councils must transform social services through preventive measures rather than simply slash budgets if they are to shield vulnerable children, families...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114796/doubts-over-success-of-family-intervention-projects.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114796/doubts-over-success-of-family-intervention-projects.htmlFamily intervention projects (FIPs), hailed as one of Labour's strongest weapons against antisocial behaviour, are less successful than previously thought, according to a new report.Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114808/nottinghamshire-council-spent-1.5m-on-agency-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114808/nottinghamshire-council-spent-1.5m-on-agency-social-workers.html Nottinghamshire Council has spent £1.5m on agency social work teams because it does not have enough permanent staff to handle a 43% jump in child protection...Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114804/social-workers-criticised-over-adoption-reports.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114804/social-workers-criticised-over-adoption-reports.html Children's social workers have been criticised for failing to prepare adoption reports properly and for being too idealistic about finding matches. A...Fri, 25 Jun 2010 08:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114792/budget-predicted-to-hit-poorest-and-most-vulnerable-hardest.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114792/budget-predicted-to-hit-poorest-and-most-vulnerable-hardest.html The UK's poorest families will be the worst hit by the government's emergency Budget to reduce the public sector deficit, experts and sector leaders have...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114790/risk-factor-should-stuart-have-the-kids-back.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114790/risk-factor-should-stuart-have-the-kids-back.htmlMark Drinkwater describes a case in which an independent practitioner's assessment makes all the difference for a father who wants his children to live with him and his new partner Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114789/best-and-worst-career-decision-of-social-worker-liz-wilson.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114789/best-and-worst-career-decision-of-social-worker-liz-wilson.htmlLiz Wilson's experiences in Peru have opened her eyes to the power of social work Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114787/unicef-uk-research-into-the-experiences-of-unaccompanied-migrant-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114787/unicef-uk-research-into-the-experiences-of-unaccompanied-migrant-children.htmlResearch fellow Ala Sirriyeh examines findings from a Unicef UK study of unaccompanied child migrants Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114782/concerns-over-proposed-closure-of-courts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114782/concerns-over-proposed-closure-of-courts.htmlMore than 150 magistrates' courts and county courts in England and Wales could be closed to save money, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has announced. The move has prompted concerns about the impact on an already overstretched family courts system.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114781/doncaster-rates-own-childrens-services-very-poor.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114781/doncaster-rates-own-childrens-services-very-poor.htmlDoncaster has rated its own children's services as still "very poor", more than a year after the government intervention.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114780/social-care-budgets-could-be-slashed-by-a-third-say-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114780/social-care-budgets-could-be-slashed-by-a-third-say-experts.htmlSocial care budgets could be slashed by one-third over the next four years after yesterday's emergency Budget, public spending experts have warned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114744/targeting-parents-at-risk-of-sudden-infant-deaths.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114744/targeting-parents-at-risk-of-sudden-infant-deaths.html Judy Cooper and Camilla Pemberton profile two councils that have had enjoyed success in targeting families most at risk of cot death Lancashire: 'Awareness...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114775/unison-osborne-declaring-war-with-pay-freeze.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114775/unison-osborne-declaring-war-with-pay-freeze.htmlA two-year public sector pay freeze from 2011 proposed by chancellor George Osborne in today's emergency Budget speech is a "declaration of war", according to trade union Unison.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114774/lowest-paid-public-sector-works-spared-pay-cut-in-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114774/lowest-paid-public-sector-works-spared-pay-cut-in-budget.htmlThe lowest earning public sector workers will be spared a pay freeze, under plans announced by chancellor George Osborne in today's Budget.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114770/dont-refer-soft-concerns-to-social-workers-agencies-told.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114770/dont-refer-soft-concerns-to-social-workers-agencies-told.htmlChildren's chief hits out over "soft" referrals that other agencies should deal withTue, 22 Jun 2010 11:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114746/the-argument-for-evidence-based-practice-in-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114746/the-argument-for-evidence-based-practice-in-social-work.htmlProfessor Donald Forrester, in a new book, argues that the evidence-based model should be integral to all social work practice approaches Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114773/council-social-workers-cant-practise-ethically.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114773/council-social-workers-cant-practise-ethically.htmlA leading academic has questioned whether social workers are able to operate ethically while employed by local authorities. Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114760/labour-governments-faith-in-ics-compared-to-belief-in-magic.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114760/labour-governments-faith-in-ics-compared-to-belief-in-magic.htmlThe former government's implementation of the integrated children's system (ICS) has been compared by leading academics to a belief in magic. (Picture credit: Alamy)Tue, 22 Jun 2010 09:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114766/salford-childrens-services-at-risk-of-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114766/salford-childrens-services-at-risk-of-intervention.html Salford Council's children's services department is at risk of government intervention following its latest Ofsted report rating safeguarding services as...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114762/tracing-birth-parents-via-social-network-sites-holds-dangers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114762/tracing-birth-parents-via-social-network-sites-holds-dangers.html camilla.pemberton@rbi.co.uk Social workers and adoptive parents are being warned about the negative impact social networking sites can have when adopted...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114758/essexs-social-care-health-and-housing-in-cash-saving-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114758/essexs-social-care-health-and-housing-in-cash-saving-plan.htmlFive councils and two primary care trusts in South Essex are to look at how to save money by combining their commissioning powers across social care, health and housing.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114751/mencap-learning-disabled-still-discriminated-against-by-nhs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114751/mencap-learning-disabled-still-discriminated-against-by-nhs.htmlPeople with learning disabilities are still facing discriminatory healthcare while medical professionals lack training in meeting their needs, despite a string of inquiries into the issue in recent years.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114761/ofsted-chief-will-step-down-early-if-helpful-to-government.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114761/ofsted-chief-will-step-down-early-if-helpful-to-government.htmlOfsted's chief inspector Christine Gilbert will not be renewing her contract when it expires in 2011 and she has indicated she might be prepared to leave her post earlierhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114739/proven-practice-the-benefits-of-early-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114739/proven-practice-the-benefits-of-early-intervention.htmlThe Centre for Excellence and Outcomes presents the latest guidance on how professionals can play a vital role in securing early years development, by focusing on outreach, parental support and the learning environment http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114729/surrey-denies-child-protection-report-link-with-dispatches.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114729/surrey-denies-child-protection-report-link-with-dispatches.htmlSurrey Council has promised to deliver an annual report on child protection in the county in return for the removal of government intervention, put in place two years ago. This comes a week after Channel 4 screened Dispatches Undercover Social Worker, which exposed problems within child protection at the council. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114734/cameron-to-head-up-childhood-and-families-taskforce.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114734/cameron-to-head-up-childhood-and-families-taskforce.html Prime minister David Cameron will chair a childhood and families ministerial taskforce, made up from ministers across several departments, which will attempt...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/17/114730/fostering-services-underfunded-by-580m-report-says.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/17/114730/fostering-services-underfunded-by-580m-report-says.html A further £580 million is needed to develop a properly resourced fostering service that meets the needs of children in care a...Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114728/contactpoint-to-continue-for-now.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114728/contactpoint-to-continue-for-now.html molly.garboden@rbi.co.uk ContactPoint will remain in limited operation while the government makes firmer decisions on what should come after it. A...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114727/social-workers-blameless-in-shannon-matthews-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114727/social-workers-blameless-in-shannon-matthews-case.htmlThe abduction of Shannon Matthews could not have been foreseen by social workers or other professionals involved with the case, a serious case review has confirmed. (Pic credit: Rex)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114725/councils-already-cutting-social-care-to-hit-savings-target.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114725/councils-already-cutting-social-care-to-hit-savings-target.htmlCouncils are already planning to cut social care services to meet a government savings target of £1.1bn this year.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114716/munros-brief-will-consider-hackney-model-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114716/munros-brief-will-consider-hackney-model-of-social-work.htmlEducation secretary Michael Gove's letter to Eileen Munro, who is reviewing child protection for the government, suggests she has her work cut out.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114717/home-office-minister-risks-coalition-rift-over-baby-p-inquiry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114717/home-office-minister-risks-coalition-rift-over-baby-p-inquiry.htmlLiberal Democrat Home Office minister Lynne Featherstone (pictured) has called for a public inquiry into the death of Baby P, despite this being ruled out by the government. (Picture credit: Rex Features)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114720/warning-for-munro-review-from-former-taskforce-members.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114720/warning-for-munro-review-from-former-taskforce-members.htmlFormer members of the Social Work Task Force have warned that the government's review of child protection in England must deliver "quick and meaningful" conclusions.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/15/114719/social-workers-judge-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/15/114719/social-workers-judge-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmlParents with learning disabilities feel the most harshly judged by social workers according to a report from the children's commissioner published today.Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/15/114718/government-reins-in-vetting-and-barring-scheme.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/15/114718/government-reins-in-vetting-and-barring-scheme.html The government has announced it is halting registration to the Vetting...Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:54:21 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/15/114711/yarls-wood-children-failed-by-social-workers-says-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/15/114711/yarls-wood-children-failed-by-social-workers-says-report.html molly.garboden@rbi.co.uk Social workers failed to take any action to protect two five year-old-boys, engaged in sexual activity at Yarl's Wood immigration...Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/15/114715/sir-roger-singleton-quits-child-protection-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/15/114715/sir-roger-singleton-quits-child-protection-role.htmlSir Roger Singleton has announced he will step down from his role as the chief adviser to the government on the safety of children following the scrapping of the cross-departmental National Safeguarding Delivery Unit (NSDU).Tue, 15 Jun 2010 01:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114712/review-of-vetting-and-barring-scheme-to-be-announced.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114712/review-of-vetting-and-barring-scheme-to-be-announced.htmlThe government will announce its review of the vetting and barring scheme tomorrow, Community Care has learned. The voluntary registration aspect of the scheme, due to start at the end of July, will be postponed until after the review has been completed. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114708/sector-experts-urge-munro-review-to-focus-on-workloads.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114708/sector-experts-urge-munro-review-to-focus-on-workloads.htmlSector experts have called for the Munro review of child protection to focus on what really needs to be improved in the current system and not just "change for change's sake".http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/14/114703/keeping-birth-parents-in-the-loop.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/14/114703/keeping-birth-parents-in-the-loop.htmlDuring the adoption process, it is natural for social workers to focus on the child. However, three projects have shown that helping birth parents come to terms with their loss can bring benefits to everyone - not least the child. Rosie Walker reports Mon, 14 Jun 2010 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/14/114707/social-workers-feature-in-honours-list.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/14/114707/social-workers-feature-in-honours-list.htmlSocial worker and care regulation chief Jacquie Roberts has been awarded an OBE in the Queen's birthday honours for 40 years of service to the sector. Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114700/liverpool-council-faces-11m-deficit-in-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114700/liverpool-council-faces-11m-deficit-in-social-care.html Liverpool Council is facing an £11m overspend in social care in 2010-11 unless cuts to in-house services are made. Today, the council revealed there...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114688/how-to-protect-children-at-risk-of-abduction.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114688/how-to-protect-children-at-risk-of-abduction.htmlHow should social workers react when children in care, or children about whom there are concerns, are whisked abroad by family members? Louise Tickle reports http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114682/eileen-munro-spells-out-child-protection-review-brief.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114682/eileen-munro-spells-out-child-protection-review-brief.htmlThe government's review of child protection, led by Eileen Munro, professor of social work at the London School of Economics, will look at early intervention and transparency as well as at slashing bureaucracy and improving inspections.Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114687/councils-may-get-health-commissioning-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114687/councils-may-get-health-commissioning-role.htmlCouncils may get a bigger role in health commissioning, under government plans to radically scale back the role of primary care trusts.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114686/publishing-scrs-in-full-will-support-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114686/publishing-scrs-in-full-will-support-social-workers.htmlFull publication of serious case reviews will help and support social workers more than anybody, children's minister Tim Loughton said at today's launch of the government's review of child protection.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114683/ring-fencing-removed-from-social-care-grants.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114683/ring-fencing-removed-from-social-care-grants.html Services for people with learning disabilities, stroke and HIV/Aids and social care IT schemes are at risk this year after the government announced today...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114679/serious-case-reviews-will-be-published-in-full.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114679/serious-case-reviews-will-be-published-in-full.htmlThe government has confirmed plans to publish, in full, the serious case reviews (SCR's) into Baby P, Shannon Matthews, the Edlington torture case and Khyra Ishaq.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/10/114647/social-workers-role-in-cases-of-fabricated-illness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/10/114647/social-workers-role-in-cases-of-fabricated-illness.htmlCases of fabricated or induced illness are rare, hard to prove and, according to some experts, don't even exist. So how do you deal with a suspected example? Julie Griffiths reports Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/10/114681/lga-finds-social-workers-morale-damaged-by-baby-p-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/10/114681/lga-finds-social-workers-morale-damaged-by-baby-p-case.htmlThe Baby P case has been responsible for a "significant and marked decline in morale" among social workers, according to a report by the Local Government...Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114678/ncb-announces-ncerccs-work-will-continue.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114678/ncb-announces-ncerccs-work-will-continue.html Following months of uncertainty, the National Children's Bureau (NCB) has announced that the work of the National Centre for Excellence in Residential Child...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/09/114673/surrey-dcs-frustrated-by-channel-4s-undercover-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/09/114673/surrey-dcs-frustrated-by-channel-4s-undercover-social-worker.htmlSurrey council’s director of children’s services was "disappointed" and "frustrated" by channel 4’s Dispatches: Undercover Social Worker, aired earlier this week.Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114674/chancellor-vows-vulnerable-will-be-protected-from-huge-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114674/chancellor-vows-vulnerable-will-be-protected-from-huge-cuts.htmlChancellor George Osborne has promised to limit spending cuts on the most vulnerable and on areas heavily dependent on the public sector as he outlined his framework for future spending decisions today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114670/care-leavers-university-hopes-hit-by-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114670/care-leavers-university-hopes-hit-by-cuts.html Care leavers hoping to go to university could be among the worst hit by public sector cuts, as pressure on council budgets tightens and universities review...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114672/gove-reveals-how-670m-will-be-cut-from-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114672/gove-reveals-how-670m-will-be-cut-from-childrens-services.htmlThe Department for Education (DfE) has set out how it plans to save £670m this year in a letter seen by Community Care. The letter, from education secretary Michael Gove to former secretary of state Ed Balls, said: "I am not prepared to risk cuts to frontline budgets to support unfunded promises made under the previous administration." http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114653/experienced-social-work-staff-to-be-replaced-by-call-centres.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114653/experienced-social-work-staff-to-be-replaced-by-call-centres.htmlHundreds of experienced social work staff are to be replaced by a call centre at Glasgow Council as part of a plan to save £180m over the next three years. (Pic credit: Rex)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114654/dfe-refuses-to-rule-out-review-of-childrens-homes-contract.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114654/dfe-refuses-to-rule-out-review-of-childrens-homes-contract.htmlThe Department for Education (DfE) has refused to rule out a review of the contract awarded to a private consultancy group to support children's homes.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/07/114655/basw-child-protection-poll-reveals-serious-staff-shortages.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/07/114655/basw-child-protection-poll-reveals-serious-staff-shortages.html More than one in 10 child protection social workers say their team is working at half-capacity, a survey by the British Association of Social Workers has...Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114651/cumbria-shootings-mental-health-services-offer-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114651/cumbria-shootings-mental-health-services-offer-support.htmlSpecialist services have been put in place in West Cumbria to provide support to people affected by the massacre of 12 people by Derrick Bird on Wednesday afternoonhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114650/birmingham-childrens-services-may-adopt-hackney-model.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114650/birmingham-childrens-services-may-adopt-hackney-model.html Birmingham City Council is considering introducing the London Borough of Hackney model of social work teams headed up by consultant social workers to try...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/04/114642/maggie-atkinson-defends-commissioner-role-against-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/04/114642/maggie-atkinson-defends-commissioner-role-against-cuts.htmlRumours about the future of the office of England's children's commissioner abound. But Maggie Atkinson, who has led it for just three months, sees it differently, as she told Judy Cooper Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114638/q-and-a-what-does-the-national-college-mean-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114638/q-and-a-what-does-the-national-college-mean-for-social-workers.htmlQ and A: What does the national college mean for social workers? http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114634/loughton-takes-responsibility-for-social-work-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114634/loughton-takes-responsibility-for-social-work-reform.htmlTim Loughton, children's minister, will take on responsibility for the majority of the social care remit, the Department for Education has confirmed.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114637/gove-promises-support-for-taskforce-recommendations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114637/gove-promises-support-for-taskforce-recommendations.htmlThe government will support the recommendations of the Social Work Task Force, education secretary Michael Gove has said. Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114619/the-age-of-austerity-in-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114619/the-age-of-austerity-in-childrens-services.htmlMost children's social workers agree that early intervention is crucial, but Judy Cooper finds the programmes could be under threat unless evidence is found to prove that they are cost-effective Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114635/lost-memory-stick-puts-council-in-breach-of-data-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114635/lost-memory-stick-puts-council-in-breach-of-data-protection.htmlA council which has had two data security incidents within six months has been forced to give an undertaking to ensure devices carrying data are encrypted and staff receive training on data protection.Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/02/114633/brighton-to-appoint-combined-adults-and-childrens-director.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/02/114633/brighton-to-appoint-combined-adults-and-childrens-director.htmlBrighton and Hove Council will become the latest authority to combine responsibility for vulnerable adults and children in a single post as part of a wholesale restructure designed to save £45m over the next three years.Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/02/114630/ofsteds-inspection-criteria-to-be-reviewed-by-bureaucracy-tsar.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/02/114630/ofsteds-inspection-criteria-to-be-reviewed-by-bureaucracy-tsar.htmlOfsted's inspection criteria and processes will be reviewed by the expert panel being set up to slash bureaucracy within child protection, Community Care has learned. Its leader, Professor Eileen Munro (pictured), confirmed that she intends to examine how Ofsted inspectors can "inspect for quality, not quantity". Picture credit: Giles Park Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114629/young-offender-institutions-set-to-become-adult-prisons.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114629/young-offender-institutions-set-to-become-adult-prisons.htmlMinistry of Justice proposals to use young offender institutions (YOIs) to house adult prisoners have led to debate over the impact of budget cuts on youth justice.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114624/placement-student-struck-off-for-inappropriate-relationship.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114624/placement-student-struck-off-for-inappropriate-relationship.htmlA social work student who formed an inappropriate relationship with the father of two vulnerable children while on a statutory placement has been struck off. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114622/behan-and-gilbert-among-whitehalls-top-earners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114622/behan-and-gilbert-among-whitehalls-top-earners.htmlAdult care mandarin David Behan (pictured) and Ofsted chief inspector Christine Gilbert are among Whitehall's top earners, a list of the highest-paid civil servants published by the government today reveals.Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114618/coalition-plans-could-test-health-and-social-care-links.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114618/coalition-plans-could-test-health-and-social-care-links.htmlMoves to integrate health and social care in England may be put to the test under coalition government plans for primary care trusts and GPs, it has emerged.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114617/proposed-yoi-cancelled-after-budget-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114617/proposed-yoi-cancelled-after-budget-cuts.htmlControversial plans for a new 360 bed child prison have been halted as part of "additional budget savings", the Ministry of Justice announced today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/28/114609/haringey-joint-child-protection-teams-improve-assessments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/28/114609/haringey-joint-child-protection-teams-improve-assessments.html camilla.pemberton@rbi.co.uk Social workers in Haringey will now work with police officers and NHS child protection workers on all initial screening...Fri, 28 May 2010 00:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/28/114608/youth-crime-down-but-number-of-children-in-prison-too-high.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/28/114608/youth-crime-down-but-number-of-children-in-prison-too-high.html camilla.pemberton@rbi.co.uk The number of offences committed by 10-17 year olds fell by 12% last year, while first-time offences for under 18s fell...Fri, 28 May 2010 00:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/28/114607/cost-effectiveness-in-childrens-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/28/114607/cost-effectiveness-in-childrens-social-care.html Measures of success Jennifer Beecham looks at what we know and don't know about cost-effectiveness in children's social care LACK OF EVIDENCE Published...Fri, 28 May 2010 11:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/28/114603/loughton-assures-childrens-workers-over-dfe-name-change.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/28/114603/loughton-assures-childrens-workers-over-dfe-name-change.htmlThe Department for Children, Schools and Families' name change to the Department for Education does not indicate a shift in focus away from children's services, according to children's minister Tim Loughton (pictured).Fri, 28 May 2010 10:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114602/unqualified-social-worker-missed-abuse-in-girl-of-three.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114602/unqualified-social-worker-missed-abuse-in-girl-of-three.htmlA social worker was "unqualified" for their job, having missed signs of abuse to a three-year-old girl in Cumbria, according to a serious case review.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114600/haringey-defends-sacking-of-baby-ps-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114600/haringey-defends-sacking-of-baby-ps-social-workers.html Haringey Council has defended its decision to sack the two social workers responsible for safeguarding Peter Connelly even after the national regulator ruled...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114596/young-offenders-in-transition-are-unsettled-and-unmotivated.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114596/young-offenders-in-transition-are-unsettled-and-unmotivated.html camilla.pemberton@rbi.co.uk Changing care plans frequently ahead of resettlement leaves young offenders feeling "unsettled, unmotivated and unwanted"...Thu, 27 May 2010 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114594/baby-p-social-workers-temporarily-suspended.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114594/baby-p-social-workers-temporarily-suspended.htmlThe social workers who admitted failing to safeguard Peter Connelly (pictured) have been suspended from the register. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114589/baby-p-social-worker-placed-in-hiding-after-death-threats.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114589/baby-p-social-worker-placed-in-hiding-after-death-threats.htmlThe social worker allocated to Peter Connelly (pictured) in Haringey received death threats and had to be moved to a safe house after the intense media scrutiny on her involvement in the case.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114595/sector-confronts-prospect-of-more-formal-kinship-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114595/sector-confronts-prospect-of-more-formal-kinship-care.htmlThere are an estimated 200,000-300,000 UK children in kinship care and yet many in the sector feel it is unrepresented, undervalued and under-used. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/26/114573/cafcasss-role-in-the-spotlight-to-advise-or-to-safeguard.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/26/114573/cafcasss-role-in-the-spotlight-to-advise-or-to-safeguard.htmlPolarised opinions exist about the core functions of Cafcass. Camilla Pemberton talks to Cafcass chief executive Anthony Douglas and the body's critics about the clash of priorities Wed, 26 May 2010 00:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/26/114591/social-workers-powerless-on-child-neglect.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/26/114591/social-workers-powerless-on-child-neglect.htmlMore than one-third of social workers and police officers feel "powerless" to intervene in cases of suspected child neglect, according to research by Action for Children.Wed, 26 May 2010 10:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114590/queens-speech-pupil-premium-for-poorest-children-confirmed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114590/queens-speech-pupil-premium-for-poorest-children-confirmed.htmlThe first legislation to be introduced by the new Department for Education will include a "pupil premium" to ensure extra money follows the poorest pupils, encouraging schools to enrol them.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114585/adcs-urges-coalition-not-to-waste-contactpoint-momentum.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114585/adcs-urges-coalition-not-to-waste-contactpoint-momentum.htmlChildren's services directors have urged the government to maintain the focus on information-sharing, even though the coalition is to scrap the ContactPoint database.Tue, 25 May 2010 00:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114583/funding-cuts-a-double-edged-sword-for-childrens-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114583/funding-cuts-a-double-edged-sword-for-childrens-social-care.htmlThe government's decision to lift the £1.7bn ring-fence on local authority funding in return for £1.16bn savings has been called a "double-edged sword" for children's services.Tue, 25 May 2010 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114584/dawson-why-basw-stood-firm-over-national-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114584/dawson-why-basw-stood-firm-over-national-college.htmlHilton Dawson, chief executive of the British Association of Social Workers, tells Community Care about the association's stance over the national college of social work. He reveals the college's creation could leave members facing a decision over BASW's future.Tue, 25 May 2010 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114580/peterborough-safeguarding-inadequate-as-bristol-shines.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114580/peterborough-safeguarding-inadequate-as-bristol-shines.htmlPeterborough Council's safeguarding services have been rated as inadequate because Ofsted inspectors uncovered a backlog of more than 230 cases.Tue, 25 May 2010 10:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114577/baby-p-social-workers-admit-failures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114577/baby-p-social-workers-admit-failures.html The social workers responsible for safeguarding Peter Connelly could be struck off after admitting their failure to protect the boy amounted to professional...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114574/cwdc-budget-slashed-by-15m.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114574/cwdc-budget-slashed-by-15m.htmlThe Children’s Workforce Development Council’s budget will be slashed by £15m over the next financial year. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114572/how-cafcass-manchester-is-tackling-increased-caseloads-without-cutting-corners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114572/how-cafcass-manchester-is-tackling-increased-caseloads-without-cutting-corners.htmlChildren's guardians in Manchester explain how they are tackling increased caseloads without cutting corners and compromising the quality of their work. By Camilla Pemberton Mon, 24 May 2010 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114564/proven-practice-helping-children-with-additional-needs-in-school.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114564/proven-practice-helping-children-with-additional-needs-in-school.htmlThe Centre for Excellence and Outcomes highlights a project that aims to narrow the gap in educational achievement and improve emotional resilience for children with additional needs http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114570/adcs-figure-calls-for-welfare-model-in-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114570/adcs-figure-calls-for-welfare-model-in-childrens-services.html Recent "unprecedented" levels of investment in children's services have been overly focused on processes and "technical fixes", Community Care LIVE...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114567/why-independent-social-workers-may-quit-over-fees-cap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114567/why-independent-social-workers-may-quit-over-fees-cap.htmlIndependent social workers are so enraged by the capping of their expert witness fees that some are refusing to deal with Cafcass and others may leave their sector altogether. Molly Garboden reportshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114560/glasgow-care-partnerships-scrapped-over-nhs-council-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114560/glasgow-care-partnerships-scrapped-over-nhs-council-row.html Five multi-million pound health and social care partnerships in Glasgow collapsed this week following a dispute between the council and the local NHS board...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114561/how-the-calm-scheme-is-helping-prevent-suicide-on-merseyside.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114561/how-the-calm-scheme-is-helping-prevent-suicide-on-merseyside.htmlPersuading troubled young men to talk about their feelings and prevent suicides requires a subtle approach. Jeremy Dunning reports on a scheme gaining plaudits on Merseyside http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/20/114544/coalition-promises-to-reduce-inspection-burden.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/20/114544/coalition-promises-to-reduce-inspection-burden.html The coalition government has promised to scale back regulation and inspection within children's services. The promise is contained within the full...Thu, 20 May 2010 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/20/114543/ministry-of-justice-to-take-control-of-youth-justice-board.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/20/114543/ministry-of-justice-to-take-control-of-youth-justice-board.htmlThe Youth Justice Board (YJB) will become the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) under the new government, Community Care has learned.Thu, 20 May 2010 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/20/114541/social-workers-must-lead-support-for-asylum-seeking-families.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/20/114541/social-workers-must-lead-support-for-asylum-seeking-families.html molly.garboden@rbi.co.uk Social workers should take over support for all children of asylum-seeking families, according to The Children's Society. In...Thu, 20 May 2010 09:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114535/contactpoint-to-be-scrapped-says-clegg.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114535/contactpoint-to-be-scrapped-says-clegg.htmlContactPoint is to be scrapped, the deputy prime minister Nick Clegg will say today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114536/maggie-atkinson-wants-to-lead-debate-on-risk-in-safeguarding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114536/maggie-atkinson-wants-to-lead-debate-on-risk-in-safeguarding.html Children's commissioner Maggie Atkinson has volunteered to lead a national debate on how agencies assess risk when it comes to children's safeguarding. Responding...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114539/maggie-atkinsons-speech-to-community-care-live-2010.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114539/maggie-atkinsons-speech-to-community-care-live-2010.html Maggie Atkinson, Children's Commissioner for England Community Care Live Conference 19 May 2010 Good morning and thank you to Community Care...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114513/personalisation-children-can-benefit-too.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114513/personalisation-children-can-benefit-too.htmlIndividual budgets can be used to benefit disabled children, but only where the circumstances lend themselves to personalised services, writes Molly Garboden Wed, 19 May 2010 00:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114533/coalition-would-be-foolish-to-drop-reform-gibb-tells-cc-live.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114533/coalition-would-be-foolish-to-drop-reform-gibb-tells-cc-live.htmlThe new coalition government would be foolish to scrap England's social work reform programme in order to save money, the chair of the reform board has said.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/18/114532/new-dvd-to-help-work-with-children-with-complex-needs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/18/114532/new-dvd-to-help-work-with-children-with-complex-needs.htmlA new tool has been developed to help social care professionals work with, and understand, children with complex emotional and behavioural needs. Bearing...Tue, 18 May 2010 00:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/18/114531/record-high-month-for-cafcass-care-applications.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/18/114531/record-high-month-for-cafcass-care-applications.htmlCare order applications to Cafcass are continuing to soar, according to the family courts body's latest quarterly figures which showed a 34% rise in the year 2009-10. Anthony Douglas, Cafcass chief executive, said: "I fully support the actions that local authorities are taking to protect these children, most of whom have complex long-term needs." (Pic credit: Tom Parkes)Tue, 18 May 2010 10:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/18/114529/baby-p-misconduct-hearing-to-start-next-week.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/18/114529/baby-p-misconduct-hearing-to-start-next-week.htmlA misconduct hearing for the two social workers at the centre of the Baby Peter case in Haringey will begin next week, the General Social Care Council has announced.Tue, 18 May 2010 09:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114491/social-care-whos-who-in-the-new-government.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114491/social-care-whos-who-in-the-new-government.htmlSocial care: who's who in the new coalition governmenthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114522/rise-in-number-of-children-coming-into-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114522/rise-in-number-of-children-coming-into-care.html Rise in demand hits foster care services Two out of five foster carers (42%) are looking after children outside their area of expertise as providers...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/17/114520/two-thirds-of-young-carers-bullied-at-school.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/17/114520/two-thirds-of-young-carers-bullied-at-school.html camilla.pemberton@rbi.co.uk Two-thirds of young carers have been bullied at school while almost a quarter (23%) suffer from stress due to juggling...Mon, 17 May 2010 11:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/14/114504/salfords-childrens-lead-switches-to-adult-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/14/114504/salfords-childrens-lead-switches-to-adult-services.htmlSalford Council has moved its children's department lead member over to adults' services.Fri, 14 May 2010 11:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/14/114498/sarah-teather-new-minister-for-children-and-families.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/14/114498/sarah-teather-new-minister-for-children-and-families.htmlFormer shadow children's minister Tim Loughton has been announced as a parliamentary under-secretary in the renamed Department for Education under the new coalition government. Fri, 14 May 2010 10:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/14/114502/looked-after-childrens-participation-in-their-reviews.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/14/114502/looked-after-childrens-participation-in-their-reviews.html Record numbers of looked-after children in Kirklees are participating in their reviews through Voice's Blueprint in Practice project. Lauren Revans reports case...Fri, 14 May 2010 10:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114495/department-name-change-downgrades-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114495/department-name-change-downgrades-childrens-services.htmlMichael Gove, the new education secretary, has said the focus of his department has shifted to education from wider children's services issues http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114496/conduct-reprieve-for-gary-glitter-e-mailer.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114496/conduct-reprieve-for-gary-glitter-e-mailer.htmlA children's services manager who circulated offensive e-mails about convicted sex offender Gary Glitter has been cleared of misconduct by the General Social Care Council. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114488/ennals-calls-for-sector-to-co-operate-on-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114488/ennals-calls-for-sector-to-co-operate-on-cuts.htmlA leading sector figure has called on children's services to "go with" the coalition government's proposed cuts to the public sector. Sir Paul Ennals, chief executive of the National Children's Bureau, said that given the new government's priority on bringing the deficit down immediately, it would be in the sector's interest to "help craft these cuts". http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114490/welfare-coalition-to-pursue-controversial-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114490/welfare-coalition-to-pursue-controversial-plans.htmlThe government will pursue controversial Tory plans to introduce a single welfare-to-work programme and move more people from incapacity benefit to jobseeker's allowance, the written coalition agreement reveals.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114472/tories-andrew-lansley-to-take-charge-of-adult-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114472/tories-andrew-lansley-to-take-charge-of-adult-social-care.htmlThe Conservatives' Andrew Lansley will become health secretary, with responsibility for adult social care, while the new coalition government will also take forward plans to make £6bn in cuts that could cut thousands of public sector jobs this year, the BBC has reported. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114489/coalition-will-end-child-detention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114489/coalition-will-end-child-detention.htmlThe detention of children in immigration centres will end under the coalition government, prime minister David Cameron confirmed today. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114478/social-care-absent-from-tory-lib-dem-coalition-document.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114478/social-care-absent-from-tory-lib-dem-coalition-document.htmlThe social care agenda is absent from the Conservative-Liberal Democrats coaltion document. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114476/gove-to-be-education-secretary.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114476/gove-to-be-education-secretary.htmlMichael Gove, has been appointed as the new schools secretary. It has not yet been revealed whether the department will be split between education and children and families.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114473/profile-of-andrew-lansley-the-new-health-secretary.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114473/profile-of-andrew-lansley-the-new-health-secretary.htmlThe son of a pathologist who worked for the NHS since its inception and a former civil servant, Andrew Lansley is often credited with bringing his party round to supporting the health service.Wed, 12 May 2010 10:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114468/kinship-care-ruling-could-cost-councils-dear.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114468/kinship-care-ruling-could-cost-councils-dear.htmlA ground-breaking case on kinship carer payments could leave local authorities with a huge bill, social care lawyer and Community Care contributor Ed Mitchell (pictured) has warned.Wed, 12 May 2010 09:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114471/liberal-democrat-influence-good-news-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114471/liberal-democrat-influence-good-news-for-social-care.htmlAn election pact with the Liberal Democrats could force the Conservatives to abandon policies that would have starved social care of money, experts say.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/11/114466/troubled-councils-mostly-unaffected-by-elections.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/11/114466/troubled-councils-mostly-unaffected-by-elections.htmlThe political make-up of most local authorities whose children's services departments are failing remained unchanged in the council elections. Tue, 11 May 2010 10:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114461/female-care-worker-in-liverpool-jailed-for-1980s-sex-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114461/female-care-worker-in-liverpool-jailed-for-1980s-sex-abuse.html A female care worker has been jailed for sexually abusing a young girl more than 20 years ago. June Higgins was 16 when she began repeatedly abusing...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114458/good-practice-kents-intensive-fostering-of-troubled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114458/good-practice-kents-intensive-fostering-of-troubled-children.html cost benefits Loughborough University conducted a cost-benefits analysis of MTFC. It found the scheme was cheaper than funding a residential resource...Mon, 10 May 2010 11:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114459/flaws-mar-national-guidance-on-information-sharing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114459/flaws-mar-national-guidance-on-information-sharing.htmlIs the national guidance on information sharing, endorsed by 30 leading bodies in the sector, up to the job? Bob Miller, a lawyer who works as a consultant for local authorities, argues that it has some serious flaws Mon, 10 May 2010 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114456/will-new-government-be-able-to-deliver-social-care-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114456/will-new-government-be-able-to-deliver-social-care-reforms.htmlWill the incoming government be strong enough to push on with reforms to social care? Community Care reports on what sector leaders see as the most urgent tasks Mon, 10 May 2010 10:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114452/child-protection-the-priority-for-community-care-readers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114452/child-protection-the-priority-for-community-care-readers.html Dealing with the increase in child protection work should be a top priority for the new government, according to a Community Care readers' poll. Almost...Mon, 10 May 2010 00:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114449/youth-justice-campaigners-high-hopes-for-hung-parliament.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114449/youth-justice-campaigners-high-hopes-for-hung-parliament.html A hung parliament and public spending cuts could turn out to be good news for young offenders, according to "hopeful" youth justice experts. Despite...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114443/hung-parliament-will-see-childrens-services-stagnate.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114443/hung-parliament-will-see-childrens-services-stagnate.htmlA hung parliament will hold back children's services, according to sector experts.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114432/hung-parliament-means-uncertainty-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114432/hung-parliament-means-uncertainty-for-social-care.htmlCare services minister Phil Hope has lost his seat in the election and children's secretary Ed Balls secured a narrow victory as a hung parliament creates uncertainty for social care. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/07/114434/getting-to-know-the-role-of-fathers-in-the-familty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/07/114434/getting-to-know-the-role-of-fathers-in-the-familty.htmlIn a female-dominated profession there is a tendency for women to talk to women about children, but fathers, or a father figure, can provide valuable input when given the right support. Natalie Valios reports Fri, 07 May 2010 08:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/07/114431/sector-leaders-set-care-agenda-for-new-government.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/07/114431/sector-leaders-set-care-agenda-for-new-government.html The new government must prioritise reform of care services despite the constraints on public finances, sector leaders have demanded. Social workers...Fri, 07 May 2010 00:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114414/labour-wins-back-social-worker-vote-finds-pre-election-poll.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114414/labour-wins-back-social-worker-vote-finds-pre-election-poll.htmlSocial care professionals look set to return Labour in this week's election with almost half pledging to back the governing party in an online poll by Community Care.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/04/114412/cut-in-independent-court-report-fees-imperil-expert-input.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/04/114412/cut-in-independent-court-report-fees-imperil-expert-input.html molly.garboden@rbi.co.uk Independent social workers (ISWs) met with civil servants from the Ministry of Justice last week over the decision to cap...Tue, 04 May 2010 00:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114398/blackpool-project-helps-young-victims-of-domestic-violence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114398/blackpool-project-helps-young-victims-of-domestic-violence.htmlHistorically, child victims of domestic violence have remained hidden, but a scheme in Blackpool makes them visible to local agencies, writes Molly Garbodenhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114406/refuges-for-young-runaways.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114406/refuges-for-young-runaways.htmlThe closure of the London Refuge Centre has left only five beds in Britain for vulnerable young runaways. Camilla Pemberton looks at the policy gaps that need to be filled http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114403/when-local-authorities-face-claims-for-child-care-negligence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114403/when-local-authorities-face-claims-for-child-care-negligence.htmlEd Mitchell looks at when a claim for negligence can be successful - or failhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/30/114400/understanding-private-fostering.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/30/114400/understanding-private-fostering.htmlResearch reveals that practitioners reject a system of formal registration for carers, but back specialist training across the workforce.King's College researcher James Blewett reports Fri, 30 Apr 2010 10:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/30/114409/childrens-social-workers-should-work-in-pairs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/30/114409/childrens-social-workers-should-work-in-pairs.htmlChildren's social workers are asking to be paired on cases where there may be a risk to their safety.Fri, 30 Apr 2010 09:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114394/shoesmith-will-take-some-time-to-decide-whether-to-appeal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114394/shoesmith-will-take-some-time-to-decide-whether-to-appeal.html molly.garboden@rbi.co.uk Sharon Shoesmith has yet to decide if she will appeal the decision in her application for a judicial review of her sacking,...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/29/114393/chaotic-child-protection-worker-struck-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/29/114393/chaotic-child-protection-worker-struck-off.html A social worker who exposed children to "extended risk of harm" by failing to follow child protection procedures has been struck off by the General Social...Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:25:19 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114391/basw-members-vote-in-favour-of-uk-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114391/basw-members-vote-in-favour-of-uk-college-of-social-work.htmlNearly 90% of British Association of Social Workers’ members have voted in favour of an independent, UK-wide college of social work.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114370/tory-advisers-plan-to-cut-red-tape-in-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114370/tory-advisers-plan-to-cut-red-tape-in-child-protection.htmlThe Conservatives have put cutting bureaucracy in child protection and a focus on families at the heart of their policies in children's social care. Judy Cooper and Camilla Pemberton meet the insiders who would help the Tories achieve their aims http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114382/implications-of-verdict-for-ed-balls-haringey-shoesmith.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114382/implications-of-verdict-for-ed-balls-haringey-shoesmith.htmlSharon Shoesmith has lost her application for a judicial review of her sacking as Haringey Council's director of children's services after the Baby...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114388/tories-stress-limits-of-state-role-in-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114388/tories-stress-limits-of-state-role-in-childrens-services.html A clear division has emerged between the Conservatives, on one side, and Labour and the Liberal Democrats over the role of the state in helping disadvantaged...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/27/114367/ofsted-faces-legal-probe-over-shoesmith-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/27/114367/ofsted-faces-legal-probe-over-shoesmith-case.htmlThe judge in the Sharon Shoesmith case is to take up his concern's about Ofsted's failure to be candid about material in the case with the Treasury Solicitor. Tue, 27 Apr 2010 11:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/27/114381/shoesmith-judge-questions-childrens-secretarys-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/27/114381/shoesmith-judge-questions-childrens-secretarys-role.html The powers of the children's secretary to effectively dismiss directors of children's services (DCS) has been questioned by the judge in the Shoesmith case. Mr...Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/27/114385/shoesmith-judge-criticises-ofsteds-role-in-changing-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/27/114385/shoesmith-judge-criticises-ofsteds-role-in-changing-report.html Judge criticises Ofsted's role in changing final report Related articles: Judge...Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/26/114378/adcs-survey-why-care-orders-for-vulnerable-children-are-falling.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/26/114378/adcs-survey-why-care-orders-for-vulnerable-children-are-falling.html Last week's survey of referrals by the Association of Directors of Children's Services showed the extent to which child protection is under pressure. It...Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/26/114368/shoesmith-ruling-will-continue-blame-culture-in-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/26/114368/shoesmith-ruling-will-continue-blame-culture-in-childrens-services.htmlSharon Shoesmith’s failure to secure a judicial review of her sacking will perpetuate the demonisation of social workers, sector leaders have said.Mon, 26 Apr 2010 09:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114352/judge-rules-shoesmith-sacking-was-lawful.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114352/judge-rules-shoesmith-sacking-was-lawful.htmlSharon Shoesmith has lost her application for a judicial review of her sacking as director of children’s services in Haringey after the Baby P case.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114357/ed-balls-interference-in-shoesmith-case-heavily-criticised.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114357/ed-balls-interference-in-shoesmith-case-heavily-criticised.htmlChildren’s secretary Ed Balls’ interference in the Shoesmith case has been heavily criticised by a High Court judge, despite the ruling that Balls' overall conduct was lawful.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114375/too-much-waste-on-pointless-mental-health-therapies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114375/too-much-waste-on-pointless-mental-health-therapies.htmlAlthough Michael Fitzpatrick concedes some treatments for mental health problems are valid, too much is spent on those that are not http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114366/baby-p-social-workers-face-gscc-misconduct-charges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114366/baby-p-social-workers-face-gscc-misconduct-charges.htmlThe two social workers at the centre of the baby Peter case in Haringey are being charged with misconduct, Community Care can reveal. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114362/quality-in-practice-best-use-of-breaks-for-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114362/quality-in-practice-best-use-of-breaks-for-disabled-children.html quality in practice...best use of BREAKS FOR DISABLED CHILDREN The government's 2007 strategy, Aiming High for Disabled Children, identifies the need...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114356/sharon-shoesmith-disappointed-by-high-court-verdict.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114356/sharon-shoesmith-disappointed-by-high-court-verdict.htmlSharon Shoesmith has said she is "disappointed" by the failure of the High Court to uphold her claim for unfair dismissal. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114347/play-and-creative-arts-help-children-in-care-explore-their-lives.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114347/play-and-creative-arts-help-children-in-care-explore-their-lives.htmlSocial workers can use play and the creative arts to help looked-after children explore and discuss their experiences. The Social Care Institute for Excellence explains how http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114344/perdeep-gill-seven-steps-to-cut-child-protection-bureaucracy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114344/perdeep-gill-seven-steps-to-cut-child-protection-bureaucracy.htmlConsultant Perdeep Gill pinpoints where child protection procedures should be streamlined and improvedhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114343/the-impact-of-dementia-on-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114343/the-impact-of-dementia-on-children.htmlAs Community Care's dementia campaign reachesits climax, Julie Griffiths looks at the often hidden impact of dementia on children in a family http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114342/ncercc-head-to-stay-while-funding-options-explored.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114342/ncercc-head-to-stay-while-funding-options-explored.html camilla.pemberton@rbi.co.uk The National Children's Bureau has confirmed it will continue to employ Jonathan Stanley, the manager of the National...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114345/risk-factor-ceop-help-for-teenage-boy-made-to-perform-sex-online.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114345/risk-factor-ceop-help-for-teenage-boy-made-to-perform-sex-online.htmlA case study revealing how the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre stepped into to help a teenage boy who had been targeted by paedophiles using social networking websitesThu, 22 Apr 2010 11:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114336/ceop-accuses-facebook-of-missing-the-point-in-button-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114336/ceop-accuses-facebook-of-missing-the-point-in-button-row.html The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (Ceop) has revealed why website Facebook has refused to install a panic button on its pages which would enable...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114335/adcs-rejects-claim-over-rise-in-assaults-against-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114335/adcs-rejects-claim-over-rise-in-assaults-against-children.html The Association of Directors of Children's Services has cast doubt on a claim, widely reported in today's newspapers, that more children are being assaulted...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/20/114327/directors-reveal-extent-of-strain-on-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/20/114327/directors-reveal-extent-of-strain-on-child-protection.htmlThe full extent of the crisis facing child protection teams has been revealed by an Association of Directors of Children's Services survey published this week. Incoming ADCS president Marion Davis (pictured) says councils have not been able to keep pace with the 'dramatic rise in demand'Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114325/doncaster-council-faces-government-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114325/doncaster-council-faces-government-intervention.htmlDoncaster Council is facing government intervention as the result of its "deep-seated culture of poor governance", following a report by the Audit Commission into the council's fitness-for-purpose.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114324/sector-rallies-around-under-threat-ncercc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114324/sector-rallies-around-under-threat-ncercc.html The government has not given children's homes enough time or money to save the National Centre for Excellence in Residential Child Care (NCERCC) after acting...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/19/114249/benefits-changes-abound-as-election-race-gets-underway.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/19/114249/benefits-changes-abound-as-election-race-gets-underway.htmlChanges regarding savings, school meals and child support bring some good news in the coming months, reports Gary Vaux Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114306/whats-the-matter-with-caf.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114306/whats-the-matter-with-caf.htmlEveryone agrees the common assessment framework is a useful tool which should result in better outcomes for children and reduced workload for social workers. Gordon Carson investigates why it has yet to live up to its promise http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114309/childrens-home-worker-who-assaulted-partner-faces-removal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114309/childrens-home-worker-who-assaulted-partner-faces-removal.htmlA children's home worker serving a 12-month prison sentence for assaulting his gay partner with a meat cleaver is facing removal from the register. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114305/childrens-worker-struck-off-for-lying-about-home-visits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114305/childrens-worker-struck-off-for-lying-about-home-visits.htmlA children's social worker has been struck off for lying to her manager about 69 visits to eight children on the at-risk register. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114302/brown-cameron-and-clegg-set-out-stall-on-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114302/brown-cameron-and-clegg-set-out-stall-on-social-care.html Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg all backed the need to support carers and forge consensus on social care funding reform in yesterday's first televised debate between the three party leaders. (Pic: Ken McKay/ITV/Rex Features)Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114326/manifesto-confirms-key-pledges-on-care-and-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114326/manifesto-confirms-key-pledges-on-care-and-jobs.htmlA re-elected Labour government would establish a national college for social work and develop a national care service, while constraining public sector pay.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114293/sscb-accused-of-watering-down-serious-case-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114293/sscb-accused-of-watering-down-serious-case-review.htmlSwansea safeguarding children board has been accused of removing criticisms of social workers made during a serious case review from the published executive summary. The...Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114295/cornwall-childrens-services-appoints-northumberland-chief.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114295/cornwall-childrens-services-appoints-northumberland-chief.htmlTroubled Cornwall Council has appointed a new director of children's services.Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114294/lib-dems-would-publish-serious-case-reviews-in-full.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114294/lib-dems-would-publish-serious-case-reviews-in-full.htmlThe Liberal Democrats have pledged to publish anonymised serious case reviews in full, as part of their general election manifesto.Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114289/kids-company-rallies-to-iain-duncan-smith-in-brain-size-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114289/kids-company-rallies-to-iain-duncan-smith-in-brain-size-row.htmlA leading children's charity has defended former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith after he was accused of distorting a neuroscientist's research on the impact of childhood neglect on brain development.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114287/basw-wants-to-meet-lord-justice-wall-after-court-criticism.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114287/basw-wants-to-meet-lord-justice-wall-after-court-criticism.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers (BASW) has requested a meeting with Lord Justice Wall, the new president of the family division of the High Court, after his comments that social workers are perceived as "arrogant and enthusiastic removers of children".http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/14/114283/social-workers-in-khyra-ishaq-case-face-disciplinary.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/14/114283/social-workers-in-khyra-ishaq-case-face-disciplinary.htmlBirmingham Council has confirmed that social workers will face formal disciplinary procedures over the Khyra Ishaq case.Wed, 14 Apr 2010 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114279/loss-of-funding-for-ncercc-shakes-childrens-homes-sector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114279/loss-of-funding-for-ncercc-shakes-childrens-homes-sector.htmlConfusion and concern has reigned among children's homes professionals over the past week as news sinks in that the National Centre for Excellence in Residential Child Care (NCERCC) will no longer be funded beyond this month.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114278/devon-childrens-workers-behaved-like-stalinists.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114278/devon-childrens-workers-behaved-like-stalinists.htmlThe actions of social workers in Devon have been characterised as being "more like Stalin's Russia or Mao's China than the West of England" in the Court of Appeal.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/13/114277/tories-focus-on-early-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/13/114277/tories-focus-on-early-intervention.html All funding for early intervention and parenting support will be combined into one budget under a Conservative government. David Cameron launched the...Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114270/ics-providers-welcome-tory-efficiency-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114270/ics-providers-welcome-tory-efficiency-plans.htmlIntegrated children's system (ICS) providers have welcomed Tory promises to slash budgets in government-funded IT.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114269/government-thinks-cafcass-can-do-better.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114269/government-thinks-cafcass-can-do-better.htmlChildren's minister Baroness Delyth Morgan has said Cafcass will not be allowed to axe the named guardian system while its statutory duties remain in place.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114265/interview-baroness-delyth-morgan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114265/interview-baroness-delyth-morgan.htmlChildren's minister Baroness Morgan is certain that extra cash pumped into services such as guardians' body Cafcass will produce results, but equally that statutory services will have to pool resources. Molly Garboden reports http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114262/labour-wants-more-social-workers-in-schools.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114262/labour-wants-more-social-workers-in-schools.html Children's social workers will be increasingly based in schools and colleges if Labour wins the general election. The Labour Party manifesto, published...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114252/council-chief-attacks-tory-and-labour-plans-to-cap-top-pay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114252/council-chief-attacks-tory-and-labour-plans-to-cap-top-pay.htmlPlans to cap senior pay in councils will drive away talent and undermine local accountability, a local authority chief has said. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114250/how-social-workers-can-improve-court-appearances.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114250/how-social-workers-can-improve-court-appearances.htmlAppearing in court is part of the job for social workers, yet many are uncomfortable with presenting evidence. Louise Tickle provides some basic advice on avoiding the pitfalls http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114248/support-for-gay-adoptive-parents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114248/support-for-gay-adoptive-parents.htmlAs same-sex adoptive parents become more common, Camilla Pemberton reports on a book aiming to help children, staff and adopters deal with the issues http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/09/114253/charities-fear-effects-of-conservative-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/09/114253/charities-fear-effects-of-conservative-cuts.htmlTory proposals to deliver £12bn in public sector efficiency savings will damage the capacity of councils to safeguard vulnerable people, charities and agencies...Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/09/114245/nspcc-slams-serious-case-review-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/09/114245/nspcc-slams-serious-case-review-system.htmlThe NSPCC has slammed the serious case review system claiming there is little evidence they increase learning and "too often they do not say simply and clearly what went wrong".Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114236/family-courts-to-be-open-to-media-as-bill-is-pushed-through.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114236/family-courts-to-be-open-to-media-as-bill-is-pushed-through.html Family courts are likely to be opened up to the media following government moves to rush the Children, Schools and Families Bill through parliament before...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114233/government-urged-to-suspend-ncercctribal-decision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114233/government-urged-to-suspend-ncercctribal-decision.htmlPressure is mounting on the government to reverse its controversial decision to award a contract for improving residential children's homes to private consultancy group Tribal.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114234/ofsted-says-serious-case-reviews-take-too-long.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114234/ofsted-says-serious-case-reviews-take-too-long.htmlMost serious case reviews are taking too long to complete, according to a recent report by Ofsted.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/07/114230/sector-fears-for-future-of-ncercc-after-contract-loss.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/07/114230/sector-fears-for-future-of-ncercc-after-contract-loss.htmlThe appointment of consultancy group Tribal to support and improve residential children's homes has raised fears for the future of the National Centre for Excellence in Residential Child Care (NCERCC).Wed, 07 Apr 2010 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/07/114228/cafcass-to-introduce-watching-brief-role-for-guardians.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/07/114228/cafcass-to-introduce-watching-brief-role-for-guardians.htmlCafcass is planning to introduce a "watching brief" role for guardians employed by the family courts body to tackle the backlog of cases. Anthony Douglas, Cafcass's chief executive, told Community Care that Cafcass needed to look at ways to manage the higher levels of court applications. Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114229/shoesmith-fallout-ofsted-says-redrafting-reports-is-standard.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114229/shoesmith-fallout-ofsted-says-redrafting-reports-is-standard.htmlOfsted has claimed it is standard practice to redraft inspection reports after it was revealed Sharon Shoesmith was portrayed far less favourably in later versions of the report which led to her dismissal.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114227/ofsted-reveals-new-criteria-for-uannounced-inspections.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114227/ofsted-reveals-new-criteria-for-uannounced-inspections.htmlSignificant shortfalls in frontline social work staff and a failure to learn from serious case reviews will now rate as "priority actions" in Ofsted unannounced inspections of safeguarding.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114225/self-funding-gscc-would-send-registration-fees-soaring.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114225/self-funding-gscc-would-send-registration-fees-soaring.htmlRegistration fees for social workers in England could rise "dramatically" if the government's proposal to form a self-funded General Social Work Council goes ahead, unions have warned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114224/gibb-calls-for-single-programme-to-support-nqsws.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114224/gibb-calls-for-single-programme-to-support-nqsws.htmlThe chair of the Social Work Reform Board has called on England's skills councils to create a single, unified programme to support newly qualified practitioners across children's and adults' social work. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/02/114218/ukip-chief-suspended-over-racist-rant-on-community-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/02/114218/ukip-chief-suspended-over-racist-rant-on-community-care.htmlUK Independence Party chief Paul Wiffen has been suspended following his racist rant on Community Care. Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114217/balls-urges-basw-to-resolve-differences-over-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114217/balls-urges-basw-to-resolve-differences-over-college.htmlChildren's secretary Ed Balls has called on the British Association of Social Workers to resolve its dispute over the national college and back the official development group. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114210/the-uks-poor-record-when-it-comes-to-resettling-young-offenders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114210/the-uks-poor-record-when-it-comes-to-resettling-young-offenders.htmlWhy do we treat children as adults when they offend? The UK's poor record in resettling young offenders may be due to the way our empathy changes when...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114216/yjb-links-with-foyer-federation-to-support-resettlement.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114216/yjb-links-with-foyer-federation-to-support-resettlement.htmlResettlement opportunities for young people leaving custody may improve after the Youth Justice Board joined forces with the Foyer Federation to create greater access to housing and support.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114212/john-coughlan-we-need-a-strong-leadership-agency.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114212/john-coughlan-we-need-a-strong-leadership-agency.htmlHampshire director John Coughlan, the former ADCS president, tells Judy Cooper how a leadership college will help children's directors http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114209/how-the-caf-has-benefited-walsalls-children-with-additional-needs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114209/how-the-caf-has-benefited-walsalls-children-with-additional-needs.htmlThe recipe for a Victoria sponge proved vital in raising awareness of the benefits of the Common Assessment Framework among ethnic minority families in Walsall....http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114208/cwdc-pilot-to-remodel-social-work-delivery-bears-fruit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114208/cwdc-pilot-to-remodel-social-work-delivery-bears-fruit.htmlThe Children's Workforce Development Council has taken the lead in remodelling social work. Camilla Pemberton spent a day on North Tyneside to investigate one of its pilots http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114206/directors-reject-legally-binding-employers-code-of-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114206/directors-reject-legally-binding-employers-code-of-practice.html Directors have warned against using a legally binding code of practice for social work employers as a "one size fits all" solution to the problems facing...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/01/114202/centre-for-residential-child-care-excellence-to-lose-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/01/114202/centre-for-residential-child-care-excellence-to-lose-funding.html The future of the National Centre for Excellence in Residential Child Care (NCERCC) is uncertain after the government announced it would no longer fund the...Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:44:08 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114192/khyra-ishaq-dont-blame-the-social-worker-blame-the-killers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114192/khyra-ishaq-dont-blame-the-social-worker-blame-the-killers.htmlWith another round of social worker bashing on the horizon, Terry Brownbill looks at where the responsibility should lie when a child tragically dies http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/31/114190/regulation-of-childrens-workers-hindering-judgement.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/31/114190/regulation-of-childrens-workers-hindering-judgement.htmlGovernment regulation of children's social workers is hindering sound professional judgement, according to Kent Council's chief executive.Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/31/114189/adcs-criticises-ofsted-inspection-change.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/31/114189/adcs-criticises-ofsted-inspection-change.html The row between Ofsted and directors of children's services over unannounced inspections has flared up again after Ofsted announced it was changing some...Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114184/gscc-strikes-off-worker-for-sexual-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114184/gscc-strikes-off-worker-for-sexual-abuse.html A support worker who molested three disabled boys at a respite centre in the 1980s has been struck off the social care register. David Morris was working...Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:37:23 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114181/regional-groups-to-replace-ics-expert-panel.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114181/regional-groups-to-replace-ics-expert-panel.html The Integrated Children's System expert panel looks set to be replaced by smaller regional groups focused on improving practice. The panel, which has...Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114173/scotlands-chief-inspector-criticises-high-court-funding-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114173/scotlands-chief-inspector-criticises-high-court-funding-case.html A dispute between two councils over responsibility for the care of a six-year-old boy with severe health problems should never have reached the High Court,...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114169/scr-duties-hinder-local-safeguarding-children-boards-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114169/scr-duties-hinder-local-safeguarding-children-boards-role.htmlThe time and resources required to undertake serious case reviews (SCRs) means local children safeguarding boards (LSCBs) have struggled to fulfil other...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114168/knowledge-of-private-fostering-remains-patchy-finds-ncb-study.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114168/knowledge-of-private-fostering-remains-patchy-finds-ncb-study.htmlAwareness of private fostering is "patchy" among children's social workers according to government-commissioned research.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114157/nspcc-chief-says-its-role-is-to-innovate-not-plug-gaps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114157/nspcc-chief-says-its-role-is-to-innovate-not-plug-gaps.htmlAndrew Flanagan, head of the NSPCC, tells Molly Garboden the charity's job is not to plug service gaps but to look at new ways of working http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114164/new-grant-from-2011-for-early-intervention-work-with-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114164/new-grant-from-2011-for-early-intervention-work-with-children.html The government has announced a new Children and Young People's grant to help councils continue early intervention and prevention work. The ring-fenced...Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114162/the-vulnerable-children-left-behind-by-laming.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114162/the-vulnerable-children-left-behind-by-laming.htmlThe emphasis on meeting the recommendations of the second Laming report is pushing the needs of some groups of vulnerable young people down the agenda, writes Molly Garboden http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114160/family-intervention-model-to-keep-children-out-of-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114160/family-intervention-model-to-keep-children-out-of-care.htmlTrafford was one of the first councils to pilot an intensive family intervention model four years ago. Rosie Walker investigates its results http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114151/councils-and-nhs-given-guide-to-promoting-mental-well-being.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114151/councils-and-nhs-given-guide-to-promoting-mental-well-being.htmlCouncils and the NHS have been urged to improve the psychological well-being of their communities through a government public mental health framework launched today, including evidence of what works.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114147/masters-degree-in-social-work-practice-piloted-in-2011.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114147/masters-degree-in-social-work-practice-piloted-in-2011.htmlAll social workers in England will be able to take a master's degree in social work practice, ministers have promised. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114144/national-college-to-prioritise-reputation-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114144/national-college-to-prioritise-reputation-of-social-work.htmlThe national college of social work has been tasked with improving the reputation of the profession as a top priority. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114149/yjb-review-clearer-leadership-for-offender-teams-urged.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114149/yjb-review-clearer-leadership-for-offender-teams-urged.htmlClearer leadership and higher expectations for youth offending teams are among the recommendations set out for the Youth Justice Board in the first independent review of the body since its creation in 1998.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114090/meeting-the-needs-of-looked-after-children-from-south-asian-backgrounds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114090/meeting-the-needs-of-looked-after-children-from-south-asian-backgrounds.htmlLooked-after children from south Asian backgrounds face specific pressures. Molly Garboden reports on a home catering for all cultural backgrounds that is well placed to meet the needs of children of south Asian extraction Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114143/care-leavers-losing-out-under-benefits-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114143/care-leavers-losing-out-under-benefits-system.htmlYoung people leaving care are losing out under the UK's welfare benefits system, according to a report published by the National Care Advisory Service. The...Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114138/darling-child-poverty-strategy-focuses-on-parents-in-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114138/darling-child-poverty-strategy-focuses-on-parents-in-work.htmlGuidance for local authorities on eradicating child poverty will be in place by the summer and a national strategy will be published within a year, chancellor Alaistair Darling told MPs.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114134/budget-darling-heralds-era-of-public-services-austerity.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114134/budget-darling-heralds-era-of-public-services-austerity.htmlAlistair Darling has used his final Budget before the general election to warn of a looming era of austerity in public services.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/24/114128/referrals-rise-undermines-swansea-improvements.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/24/114128/referrals-rise-undermines-swansea-improvements.htmlTroubled Swansea Council has improved, but not enough to convince the Welsh government to remove the intervention board set in place last April.Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/24/114127/children-held-at-yarls-wood-against-social-workers-advice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/24/114127/children-held-at-yarls-wood-against-social-workers-advice.htmlChildren are being detained at Yarl's Wood immigration removal centre for up to 100 days, despite the "adverse" effect on their welfare and often against social workers' advice, an inspection has found.Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114126/asylum-seeking-children-denied-basic-rights.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114126/asylum-seeking-children-denied-basic-rights.htmlAsylum-seeking children are denied medical attention, rest and food until they have completed "oppressive and unlawful" interviews with the UK Border Agency in Dover, a damning new report has found. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114125/cafcass-accused-of-using-10m-to-embed-duty-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114125/cafcass-accused-of-using-10m-to-embed-duty-system.htmlChild protection experts have accused Cafcass of using £10m of new government funding to embed the controversial duty guardian system by the back door.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114124/quarter-of-social-workers-handling-30-cases-at-once-basw.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114124/quarter-of-social-workers-handling-30-cases-at-once-basw.htmlAbout one in four social workers are handling more than 30 cases at once, according to a survey by the British Association of Social Workers. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114111/resettlement-for-young-offenders-must-be-planned-early.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114111/resettlement-for-young-offenders-must-be-planned-early.htmlYoung offenders returning to the community are likely to reoffend without resettlement support. Camilla Pemberton looks at how help with housing and job searches is crucial http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114092/legal-update-disabled-children-and-the-law.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114092/legal-update-disabled-children-and-the-law.htmlEd Mitchell examines recent court cases involving disabled children to help councils' and practitioners' decision-making remain within the law http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114103/scr-into-babys-death-criticises-court-judgements.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114103/scr-into-babys-death-criticises-court-judgements.htmlJudges should explain their decisions to serious case review panels, according to an inquiry into the death of a baby at the hands of her violent father in Kent.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114089/john-timpson-businessman-foster-carer-adoptive-parent-attachment-disorder-expert.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114089/john-timpson-businessman-foster-carer-adoptive-parent-attachment-disorder-expert.htmlBusinessman John Timpson tells Camilla Pemberton why he wrote a practical guide for foster carers about attachment disorder http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114098/ics-15m-to-help-councils-scrap-systems-and-start-again.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114098/ics-15m-to-help-councils-scrap-systems-and-start-again.htmlCouncils whose integrated children's systems are unworkable are to be funded by the government to scrap them and start again.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114095/extra-23m-for-childrens-social-work-not-enough-says-adcs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114095/extra-23m-for-childrens-social-work-not-enough-says-adcs.html The government's £23m grant to relieve pressure on social work teams is too small to cope with the demands facing children's services, employers have warned....http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/19/114094/yjb-hails-steep-fall-in-youth-reoffending-rates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/19/114094/yjb-hails-steep-fall-in-youth-reoffending-rates.html Youth reoffending rates fell by almost 9% between 2005 and 2008, according to the...Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:49:33 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/19/114091/birmingham-childrens-services-sackings-included-managers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/19/114091/birmingham-childrens-services-sackings-included-managers.htmlThe six Birmingham social care staff members sacked over failings in the children's services department included managerial staff.Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114087/government-publishes-model-for-scr-executive-summaries.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114087/government-publishes-model-for-scr-executive-summaries.htmlThe government has published a model format for serious case review executive summaries for the first time as part of its revised version of Working Together...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114085/laming-says-lga-may-have-misinterpreted-key-proposal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114085/laming-says-lga-may-have-misinterpreted-key-proposal.htmlLord Laming has backed the government's response to his recommendation on initial assessments, claiming the LGA may have "misinterpreted" what he meant. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114084/blow-for-councils-as-family-court-fees-abolition-is-delayed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114084/blow-for-councils-as-family-court-fees-abolition-is-delayed.htmlCouncils are "disappointed" that family court fees will not be scrapped until 2011, despite an independent report recommending abolition next month.Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114040/reflective-practice-luxury-or-necessity-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114040/reflective-practice-luxury-or-necessity-for-social-workers.htmlJudy Cooper discovers that plans to train more social workers in therapeutic approaches could be thwarted by rising caseloads and overspends in children's services Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114062/basw-urges-rest-of-uk-to-copy-scottish-roles-and-tasks-model.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114062/basw-urges-rest-of-uk-to-copy-scottish-roles-and-tasks-model.htmlThe rest of the UK ought to follow Scotland in setting down enforceable guidance on the roles and tasks of social workers, according to the British Association of Social Workers.Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114078/singleton-calls-for-more-money-to-handle-rising-referrals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114078/singleton-calls-for-more-money-to-handle-rising-referrals.htmlSir Roger Singleton, the government's chief adviser on children's safety, has called for more funding to combat the steep rise in referrals to children's services.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114073/laming-recommendation-on-initial-assessments-scrapped.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114073/laming-recommendation-on-initial-assessments-scrapped.htmlThe government has scrapped a key recommendation made by Lord Laming after the death of Baby P after the LGA said it would need 6,000 extra social workers to implement it.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114067/frontline-social-work-to-be-transformed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114067/frontline-social-work-to-be-transformed.htmlThe government has set out ambitious plans to transform social work in England. This includes £48m to improve frontline social work. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114077/sector-welcomes-building-a-safe-and-confident-future.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114077/sector-welcomes-building-a-safe-and-confident-future.htmlSocial work leaders have broadly welcomed Building a Safe and Confident Future: Implementing the recommendations of the Social Work Task Force. Here, five of them give their views.Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114071/national-college-of-social-work-in-place-by-2011.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114071/national-college-of-social-work-in-place-by-2011.htmlAn independent college of social work will be established by March 2011, the government has pledged. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/16/114065/international-social-work-day-russias-orphanages.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/16/114065/international-social-work-day-russias-orphanages.htmlProvision for disabled children and those with learning disabilities in Russia is thought by many experts to be 50-60 years behind that of the West. But stability under Putin's government has seen a concerted attempt to modernise care standards, writes Howard AmosTue, 16 Mar 2010 00:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/16/114064/social-work-task-force-survey-reveals-supervision-gaps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/16/114064/social-work-task-force-survey-reveals-supervision-gaps.htmlOne in four children's social workers and one-third of adults' social workers miss out on monthly supervision, according to a survey by the Social Work Task Force.Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/16/114063/court-fees-insult-to-independent-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/16/114063/court-fees-insult-to-independent-social-workers.htmlHundreds of independent social workers could be forced to stop giving expert evidence in court, following "insulting" government plans to slash their fees.Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114054/ofsted-to-change-qualification-rules-for-social-care-inspectors.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114054/ofsted-to-change-qualification-rules-for-social-care-inspectors.htmlOfsted has bowed to pressure to require all its social care inspectors to have qualifications recognised by the GSCC or equivalent, Community Care has learned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114044/red-tape-undermining-social-workers-in-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114044/red-tape-undermining-social-workers-in-child-protection.htmlFamily lawyers say bureaucracy is undermining social workers' ability to convince courts to take action in child protection cases. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114051/maggie-atkinson-comments-anger-denise-fergus.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114051/maggie-atkinson-comments-anger-denise-fergus.html New children's commissioner Maggie Atkinson walked into a media storm at the weekend after she said the age of criminal responsibility should be raised from...Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114035/southwark-council-programme-to-coach-care-leavers-in-life-skills.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114035/southwark-council-programme-to-coach-care-leavers-in-life-skills.htmlSouthwark Council in London has launched a coaching scheme to improve the life chances of young people leaving care. Lauren Revans reportshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114036/child-benefits-for-separated-parents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114036/child-benefits-for-separated-parents.html Who receives which benefit when parents separate? The benefits entitlement of parents who share childcare after they split up is examined by Gary Vaux...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114029/news-round-up-failings-over-raped-daughters-death-tax.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114029/news-round-up-failings-over-raped-daughters-death-tax.htmlHeadlines in today’s papers include:- Litany of failures that let father rape his daughters for years; Labour refuses to rule out 'death tax' to fund care for elderly; Teacher had affair with teenager at special needs school, court told; Schoolgirl, 13, found hanged amid claims she was bullied because she was pretty. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114027/social-workers-reluctant-to-face-reality-in-incest-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114027/social-workers-reluctant-to-face-reality-in-incest-case.htmlA serious case review into two sisters repeatedly made pregnant by their abusive father over a period of 35 years has found social workers and other professionals suspected incest for many years but were reluctant to acknowledge such fears in the absence of specific allegations.Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114013/scrap-lamings-social-work-assessment-plans-says-lga.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114013/scrap-lamings-social-work-assessment-plans-says-lga.htmlThe Local Government Association has called on the government to scrap Lord Laming's recommendation that all referrals from a professional must lead to a formal initial assessment by social workers.Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114025/it-professor-says-paper-recording-better-than-electronic.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114025/it-professor-says-paper-recording-better-than-electronic.html The government's decision to replace paper files with electronic records in social care was arbitrary and ill-informed, an academic has said. The integrated...Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114022/social-workers-spend-20-hours-waiting-in-court-per-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114022/social-workers-spend-20-hours-waiting-in-court-per-case.htmlSocial workers spend more than 20 hours waiting in courtrooms for every care application made according to new research. The Local Government Association...Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114014/leeds-council-to-scrap-its-ics-after-critical-ofsted-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114014/leeds-council-to-scrap-its-ics-after-critical-ofsted-report.html Leeds Council is scrapping its Integrated Children's System (ICS) after a critical Ofsted report in January which labelled it "unfit for purpose" and "wasteful". Local...Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114015/news-round-up-jon-venables-laming-adult-care-row-election.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114015/news-round-up-jon-venables-laming-adult-care-row-election.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Parties clash ahead of elderly social care summit; Psychiatric report said Jon Venables was a 'negligible risk'; Public sector pay has risen 15% more than private since Labour came to powerWed, 10 Mar 2010 08:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114012/khyra-ishaq-labour-mp-calls-for-birmingham-officials-to-go.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/114012/khyra-ishaq-labour-mp-calls-for-birmingham-officials-to-go.htmlA Birmingham MP has called for the resignation of senior officials in the city council's children's services over the Khyra Ishaq case.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/114008/lancashire-family-support-agency-worker-admonished.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/114008/lancashire-family-support-agency-worker-admonished.htmlAn inexperienced agency social worker who failed to follow proper procedures in a complex child protection case has been admonished for misconduct. Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/114007/councils-supply-border-agency-with-too-many-asylum-details.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/114007/councils-supply-border-agency-with-too-many-asylum-details.htmlLocal authorities have been accused of supplying more information on asylum-seeking children than they should to the UK Border's Agency (UKBA), which is allegedly using the information to make decisions on deportation.Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/114003/jack-straw-venables-breach-not-due-to-new-violent-crime.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/114003/jack-straw-venables-breach-not-due-to-new-violent-crime.html camilla.pemberton@rbi.co.uk molly.garboden@rbi.co.uk Jon Venables did not kill or seriously injure anyone in breaching the terms of his life...Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113998/jack-straw-hints-he-may-give-more-detail-on-jon-venables-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113998/jack-straw-hints-he-may-give-more-detail-on-jon-venables-case.htmlJustice secretary Jack Straw has hinted that he may reveal more details about why Jon Venables has been recalled to prison. Media speculation has been...Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113997/tories-the-next-few-years-are-about-firefighting.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113997/tories-the-next-few-years-are-about-firefighting.htmlShadow children's minister Tim Loughton has admitted children's services will be "firefighting" until the recession ends and care referrals reduce.Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113996/tory-social-care-policy-emerges-from-the-shadows.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113996/tory-social-care-policy-emerges-from-the-shadows.htmlCommunity Care looks at emerging Conservative social care policyMon, 08 Mar 2010 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113994/nspcc-law-needed-to-see-children-on-their-own.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113994/nspcc-law-needed-to-see-children-on-their-own.htmlThe NSPCC is calling on all parliamentary candidates to press for legislation that would ensure social workers saw at-risk children alone on home visits.Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113983/ofsted-how-to-gain-outstanding-status.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113983/ofsted-how-to-gain-outstanding-status.htmlMolly Garboden questions Ofsted and high-performing providers on what it takes to be an "outstanding" servicehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113982/how-swindon-council-improved-its-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113982/how-swindon-council-improved-its-childrens-services.htmlIts' nearly three years since Ofsted took on the role of inspecting children's social care. Molly Garboden looks at how one council has turned their ranking around, and overleaf, asks Ofsted and providers how to be "outstanding" http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113981/workload-set-to-rise-for-doncaster-childrens-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113981/workload-set-to-rise-for-doncaster-childrens-social-workers.htmlDoncaster social workers could face extra work after the council decided to bring care leaver support in-house.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113979/adult-care-faces-cuts-as-councils-protect-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113979/adult-care-faces-cuts-as-councils-protect-childrens-services.htmlMost councils are planning savage cuts to adult social care but intend to protect children's services from financial pain, public finance chiefs have found.Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113959/basw-asked-to-step-down-from-social-work-college-talks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113959/basw-asked-to-step-down-from-social-work-college-talks.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has been asked to step down from the national college development group amid growing criticism of its decision to launch a breakaway social work college. Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113957/baby-p-nobody-spoke-for-us-say-haringey-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113957/baby-p-nobody-spoke-for-us-say-haringey-social-workers.htmlSocial workers at Haringey felt abandoned and isolated during the media outcry over the Baby P case.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113972/majority-of-abused-children-re-harmed-when-returned-home.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113972/majority-of-abused-children-re-harmed-when-returned-home.htmlNearly 60% of abused children are re-harmed within two years of being returned to their birth families, Bristol University research has found.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113956/one-third-of-foster-carers-forced-to-consider-giving-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113956/one-third-of-foster-carers-forced-to-consider-giving-up.htmlMore than one-third of foster carers have considered giving up fostering because the fees do not provide a living wage, according to a report published today.Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113955/unison-threatens-to-scupper-sandwell-practice-pilot.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113955/unison-threatens-to-scupper-sandwell-practice-pilot.htmlUnion activists have vowed to halt one of the government's social work practice pilots for looked-after children.Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113952/yjb-new-child-unit-does-not-reverse-policy-on-split-prisons.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113952/yjb-new-child-unit-does-not-reverse-policy-on-split-prisons.htmlThe Youth Justice Board (YJB) has rejected claims that plans to build a new 360-bed child prison at a young offender institution...Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113943/news-round-up-james-bulger-sarahs-law-autism-care-lottery.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113943/news-round-up-james-bulger-sarahs-law-autism-care-lottery.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- James Bulger's killer 'back where he belongs'; 'Sarah's law' pilot raises revenge fears; New focus on adults with autism; How pensioners are punished by the care lotteryWed, 03 Mar 2010 10:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/02/113934/thousands-of-social-workers-needed-to-implement-laming.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/02/113934/thousands-of-social-workers-needed-to-implement-laming.htmlAs many as 6,300 extra social workers are needed to implement just one of the recommendations made by Lord Laming (pictured) in the wake of the Baby P case, new research has found. Picture credit: PATue, 02 Mar 2010 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113928/lga-urges-social-workers-to-develop-relations-with-media.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113928/lga-urges-social-workers-to-develop-relations-with-media.htmlEmployers should support social workers to engage with the media to increase public understanding of the profession, according to new guidance from the Local Government Association.Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113931/local-approach-to-youth-justice-could-save-millions-of-pounds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113931/local-approach-to-youth-justice-could-save-millions-of-pounds.html A more localised approach to youth justice could save £60m according to a report from the new economics foundation (nef). Published today, Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113929/news-round-up-shannon-matthews-council-cuts-end-of-life-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113929/news-round-up-shannon-matthews-council-cuts-end-of-life-care.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Councils consider plans to shed 170,000 public sector jobs; Shannon Matthews kidnap report unlikely until after election; Terminally ill 'unable to die at home through lack of nursing cover'; Legal challenge over Yarl's Wood womenMon, 01 Mar 2010 09:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113921/analysing-plans-for-youth-justice-academies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113921/analysing-plans-for-youth-justice-academies.htmlThe Youth Justice Board already has plans for youth justice academies, an idea that many political parties are keen on. By Dean Woodward http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113926/basw-ditches-plan-for-joint-membership-scheme-with-unison.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113926/basw-ditches-plan-for-joint-membership-scheme-with-unison.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has dropped plans for an exclusive joint membership scheme with Unison in favour of discounted fees for members of all other organisations representing practitioners. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113924/basw-and-unison-split-over-independent-practices.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113924/basw-and-unison-split-over-independent-practices.htmlA war of words has broken out between Unison and the British Association of Social Workers over whether social workers should be encouraged to form their own independent practices.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113919/intervening-in-complex-families-to-protect-children-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113919/intervening-in-complex-families-to-protect-children-at-risk.html Head: Effective interventions for complex families where there are concerns about or evidence of a child suffering significant harm body: This...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113915/cafcass-waiting-list-figures-challenged-on-radio-4.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113915/cafcass-waiting-list-figures-challenged-on-radio-4.htmlThe credibility of Cafcass's waiting list figures has been challenged by guardians body Nagalro after a BBC radio programme reported that cases were being removed from waiting lists and allocated in bulk to managers.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113918/howard-league-questions-yjb-over-need-for-glen-parva-prison.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113918/howard-league-questions-yjb-over-need-for-glen-parva-prison.htmlThe Youth Justice Board has been urged to reconsider plans to build a 360-bed child prison at Glen Parva young offender institution in Leicestershire. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113912/judge-points-to-childrens-services-flaws-in-khyra-ishaq-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113912/judge-points-to-childrens-services-flaws-in-khyra-ishaq-case.htmlA High Court judge has concluded that Khyra Ishaq (pictured), the seven-year-old girl who starved to death at home in May 2008, would still be alive if there had been an adequate initial assessment by social services, it has been reported. (Picture: Caters News Agency)Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113913/aynsley-green-more-help-needed-for-bereaved-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113913/aynsley-green-more-help-needed-for-bereaved-children.htmlFewer than 20% of councils are recognising the specific needs of bereaved children in their strategic planning for children, according to new research.Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113917/risk-factor-a-young-offender-with-learning-disabilities-who-was-prone-to-violent-outbursts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113917/risk-factor-a-young-offender-with-learning-disabilities-who-was-prone-to-violent-outbursts.htmlWorking with young offenders is difficult at the best of times, but problems can be complicated further when an offender has learning disabilities, writes Mark Drinkwater. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113908/scotland-new-body-to-regulate-childrens-courts-proposed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113908/scotland-new-body-to-regulate-childrens-courts-proposed.htmlScotland's children's court system will be regulated by a new national body, Children's Hearings Scotland, if a bill is approved by the Holyrood parliament.Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113907/most-councils-failing-deaf-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113907/most-councils-failing-deaf-children.htmlTwo-thirds of local authorities in England are failing deaf children, according to research from the University of Manchester.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113905/wales-children-on-child-protection-register-rises-by-8.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113905/wales-children-on-child-protection-register-rises-by-8.html camilla.pemberton@rbi.co.uk The number of children on child protection registers in Wales rose by 8% in the year ending 31 March 2009, government...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113901/ofsted-to-inspect-private-fostering-arrangements.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113901/ofsted-to-inspect-private-fostering-arrangements.htmlOfsted has been asked by the government to carry out a second round of inspections of local authority private fostering arrangements over the next three years.Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113895/councils-improving-performance-on-runaways.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113895/councils-improving-performance-on-runaways.htmlLocal authorities in England have improved their information gathering and protocols on runaways but prevention work remains underdeveloped, according to figures from the Department for Children, Schools and Families.Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113892/10-years-on-from-victorias-death-whats-changed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113892/10-years-on-from-victorias-death-whats-changed.htmlCommunity Care's exclusive poll finds that information sharing has improved in the 10 years since Victoria Climbié died, despite continuing problems with computer systems.Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113893/tories-appoint-lse-professor-to-slash-social-work-bureaucracy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113893/tories-appoint-lse-professor-to-slash-social-work-bureaucracy.htmlThe Conservatives have appointed Eileen Munro, professor of social policy at the London School of Economics, to consider how bureaucracy should be slashed in social work and child protection.Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113831/taking-looked-after-children-on-holiday.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113831/taking-looked-after-children-on-holiday.htmlAs planning for summer holidays gets underway, Natalie Valios examines how residential care providers make decisions on where to take the children in their charge. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113890/sandwell-suspends-10-from-childrens-safeguarding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113890/sandwell-suspends-10-from-childrens-safeguarding.htmlSandwell Council has suspended up to 10 social workers after an unannounced Ofsted inspection of its safeguarding services.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113886/victoria-climbi-foundation-wants-scrs-published-in-full.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113886/victoria-climbi-foundation-wants-scrs-published-in-full.htmlThe day before the tenth anniversary of Victoria Climbié's death, the foundation established in her name has added its voice to those calling for the full...Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113885/unison-to-lobby-for-statutory-caseload-limit-in-wales.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113885/unison-to-lobby-for-statutory-caseload-limit-in-wales.htmlUnison plans to lobby for a legally binding caseload limit for social workers in Wales, the union's National Social Care and Home Care Conference was told. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113883/unison-calls-for-campaign-against-spending-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113883/unison-calls-for-campaign-against-spending-cuts.htmlUnion activists have called on members to campaign against spending cuts in local government, which they warned would damage communities throughout the UK.Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113882/owers-slams-councils-for-not-funding-yoi-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113882/owers-slams-councils-for-not-funding-yoi-social-workers.htmlThe chief inspector of prisons has branded councils "poor" and "disappointing" for failing to fund enough social work posts in young offender institutions.Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113877/working-together-to-safeguard-children-under-fire.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113877/working-together-to-safeguard-children-under-fire.htmlWorking Together to Safeguard Children is too long, cumbersome and unwieldy, say professional bodies and social workers.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/23/113872/haringey-director-peter-lewis-on-post-baby-p-changes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/23/113872/haringey-director-peter-lewis-on-post-baby-p-changes.htmlIn his first major media interview since children's secretary Ed Balls oversaw his appointment in December 2008, Haringey's director of children's services Peter Lewis exclusively spoke to Community Care about the changes he has introduced. Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/23/113874/ofsted-finds-extensive-safeguarding-progress-at-haringey.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/23/113874/ofsted-finds-extensive-safeguarding-progress-at-haringey.htmlOfsted has praised progress at Haringey Council since its previous inspection in July 2009 and has said no child is at immediate risk of significant harm.Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113867/respite-care-experts-slam-liberal-democrats-proposal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113867/respite-care-experts-slam-liberal-democrats-proposal.htmlSocial care experts have criticised today's proposal by the Liberal Democrats to provide additional respite care for carers.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113868/high-court-ruling-on-asylum-seeking-children-welcomed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113868/high-court-ruling-on-asylum-seeking-children-welcomed.htmlCampaigners calling for an end to the government's policy of removing asylum-seeking children from the UK without notice have welcomed a landmark High Court ruling.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113866/gscc-appoints-three-to-senior-positions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113866/gscc-appoints-three-to-senior-positions.htmlThe General Social Care Council has appointed three new senior managers as it attempts to draw a line under a damning review of its conduct function last year. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113865/ics-expert-panel-in-bid-to-simplify-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113865/ics-expert-panel-in-bid-to-simplify-system.htmlThe Integrated Children's System expert panel plans to simplify how information is recorded on the system and make future versions more user-friendly.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/22/113862/tories-co-op-plans-an-excuse-to-pass-the-buck.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/22/113862/tories-co-op-plans-an-excuse-to-pass-the-buck.htmlThe Conservatives may use social worker co-operatives to pass on responsibility for difficult spending decisions at a time when council budgets are being slashed, according to a leading academic.Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/22/113861/privately-fostered-children-report-anxiety.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/22/113861/privately-fostered-children-report-anxiety.html Nearly half of "invisible" privately fostered children experience anxiety and one-third would like support from social workers, according to research by...Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113859/does-the-uk-really-need-social-pedagogues.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113859/does-the-uk-really-need-social-pedagogues.htmlForget the pedagogy waffle, the solution is more obvious Do children in care really need social pedagogues, asks Michael Fitzpatrick, the parent of a looked-after child on the verge of transition to adult serviceshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113849/ics-panel-says-criticism-of-system-is-unfair.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113849/ics-panel-says-criticism-of-system-is-unfair.htmlThe integrated children's system (ICS) is being blamed unfairly for management problems, according to members of the ICS expert panel.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113846/cwdc-woos-graduates-to-re-train-as-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113846/cwdc-woos-graduates-to-re-train-as-social-workers.htmlA scheme offering 200 graduates to re-train as children's social workers with an annual salary of £15,000 is now inviting applications. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113845/most-suggestions-for-punishing-young-offenders-rejected.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113845/most-suggestions-for-punishing-young-offenders-rejected.htmlThe government has rejected most punishments for young offenders suggested by the public on the Youth Justice Board's Making Good website, but it remains committed to the controversial community reparation scheme.Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113842/news-round-up-national-care-service-cash-for-graduates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113842/news-round-up-national-care-service-cash-for-graduates.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Andrew Lansley: Government plans would hit 700,000 family carers; Graduates offered cash to retrain as social workers; Barnet's 'easyCouncil' to part privatise planning serviceFri, 19 Feb 2010 09:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113839/workload-unions-and-government-on-collision-course.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113839/workload-unions-and-government-on-collision-course.htmlTrade unions and the government are at loggerheads over how quickly councils should implement workload "health checks". http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113838/50000-respond-to-social-work-ads.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113838/50000-respond-to-social-work-ads.htmlA recruitment campaign in which celebrities urged the nation to consider children's social work as a career has resulted in 50,000 people expressing interest.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/18/113837/councils-and-voluntary-adoption-agencies-in-row-over-fees.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/18/113837/councils-and-voluntary-adoption-agencies-in-row-over-fees.htmlA row has broken out between local authorities and voluntary adoption agencies, with the latter claiming councils are not using them enough.Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113833/diary-of-an-emergency-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113833/diary-of-an-emergency-social-worker.htmlA couple of section 47s, a section 136 and a police PPO... plus a meeting with a manager who doesn't believe we're busy enough - all before breakfast...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113832/how-hackney-has-replaced-social-work-teams-with-units.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113832/how-hackney-has-replaced-social-work-teams-with-units.html The London Borough of Hackney has been replacing conventional social work teams with smaller units, with the aim of increasing practitioner time spent with...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113830/the-walk-a-mile-in-my-shoes-exhibition.-paintings-by-children-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113830/the-walk-a-mile-in-my-shoes-exhibition.-paintings-by-children-in-care.html The "Walk a Mile in my Shoes" exhibition in Brighton has showcased artworks from adopted and looked-after children in the area. The purpose was to increase...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113829/progress-at-evolve-yp-and-catch22-social-work-practices-for-children-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113829/progress-at-evolve-yp-and-catch22-social-work-practices-for-children-in-care.htmlThree years after they were proposed in the government's Care Matters white paper, the UK's first independent social work practices are now up and running. Kirsty McGregor reports on two areas to guage progresshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113815/haringey-under-fire-over-foster-care-fees-limits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113815/haringey-under-fire-over-foster-care-fees-limits.htmlHaringey Council has come under fire from fostering providers concerned about the implications for placements of the authority's new policy on fees, following its investment of an additional £4.3m in children's services.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113812/ics-fails-to-cope-with-rise-in-family-assessments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113812/ics-fails-to-cope-with-rise-in-family-assessments.htmlThe integrated children's system cannot cope with the push to use more familiy assessments in child protection cases, according to experts. Steve Liddicott (pictured), chair of the ICS expert panel, said this shortcoming was the main reason children's staff had had more problems with data entry than adults' services. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113825/yarls-wood-no-place-for-a-child-says-aynsley-green.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113825/yarls-wood-no-place-for-a-child-says-aynsley-green.htmlChildren in Yarl's Wood immigration removal centre are not adequately assessed for their psychological well-being and some face unacceptable delays in receiving medical treatment, according to Sir Al Aynsley-Green, England's children's commissioner (pictured).Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113822/news-round-up-assisted-dying-death-tax-edlington-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113822/news-round-up-assisted-dying-death-tax-edlington-case.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Torture boys' sentence 'not too lenient'; The confessions of a mercy killer; Seventeen million could have to pay 'death tax', Tories claim; Yarl's Wood children face 'extreme distress'Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113820/charity-puts-fall-in-prospective-adopters-down-to-money-fears.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113820/charity-puts-fall-in-prospective-adopters-down-to-money-fears.htmlA leading voluntary adoption agency has reported a rise in the number of prospective adopters deterred from adopting because...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/16/113817/work-related-stress-on-the-rise-at-cafcass.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/16/113817/work-related-stress-on-the-rise-at-cafcass.htmlStress-related sick leave among employed Cafcass guardians hit 9% as referrals rose sharply following the death of Baby P. Figures obtained under a...Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113811/nspcc-defends-local-centre-closures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113811/nspcc-defends-local-centre-closures.htmlThe NSPCC has denied reports that the jobs of many of its child protection workers are at risk and has claimed it will take on 200 extra frontline staff, most of them social workers. While the children's charity is closing some local centres in England, Wes Cuell (pictured) director of services, said this was due to redistribution of resources rather than cutbacks.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113809/blackburn-plans-to-shift-services-out-of-acute-settings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113809/blackburn-plans-to-shift-services-out-of-acute-settings.htmlNHS and council leaders in Blackburn with Darwen are ­planning to use the full integration of health and social care commissioning to shift services out of acute settings and drive efficiencies.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/15/113808/supporting-families-post-adoption.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/15/113808/supporting-families-post-adoption.htmlThe provision of mental health services to support adoption has always been patchy. However, as Camilla Pemberton finds out, sometimes the biggest problem is persuading parents to admit they need help in the first place Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/15/113801/adcs-warns-of-rush-to-complete-workload-health-checks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/15/113801/adcs-warns-of-rush-to-complete-workload-health-checks.htmlThe Association of Directors of Children's Services has warned unions against setting an unrealistic deadline for employers to complete a workload "health check" of social work teams.Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/15/113805/news-round-up-care-funding-row-nspcc-centre-closures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/15/113805/news-round-up-care-funding-row-nspcc-centre-closures.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include: Cross-party deal on elderly care in tatters after three parties engage in row live on TV; Charities demand an end to political point-scoring as care crisis looms; NSPCC to shut local centres under restructuring planMon, 15 Feb 2010 10:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113804/care-applications-rose-by-43-in-2009-says-cafcass.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113804/care-applications-rose-by-43-in-2009-says-cafcass.htmlFull-year figures from Cafcass have confirmed that care applications rose by 43% in 2009, compared with 2008, while private law cases increased by 18%.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113620/child-behaviour-disorders-linked-to-mums-drinking-while-pregnant.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113620/child-behaviour-disorders-linked-to-mums-drinking-while-pregnant.htmlSocial workers need to be aware that the cause of challenging behaviour in children could be prenatal alcohol intake. Knowing this, support can be planned. Julie Griffiths reports http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113799/childrens-homes-accept-ofsted-fee-increase.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113799/childrens-homes-accept-ofsted-fee-increase.html Ofsted has increased annual fees paid to it by children's homes by 10% from 1 April 2010. Although children's homes have admitted the increase is fair,...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113800/court-rules-fair-trial-not-possible-on-past-child-abuse-claim.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113800/court-rules-fair-trial-not-possible-on-past-child-abuse-claim.html A potentially ground-breaking judgement has been made that should help social services departments defend themselves against historical child abuse claims....http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113795/interim-cafcass-duty-system-likely-to-be-extended.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113795/interim-cafcass-duty-system-likely-to-be-extended.htmlFamily lawyers and guardians have hit out at plans to extend temporary measures to manage soaring care applications to Cafcass. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113688/can-childrens-homes-cope-with-councils-cutting-fees.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113688/can-childrens-homes-cope-with-councils-cutting-fees.htmlChildren's homes are struggling to survive as councils squeeze their funding and occupancy rates fall. Molly Garboden reports on how they can fight back and become sustainable http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113796/news-round-up-baby-p-legacy-means-more-work-suffolk-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113796/news-round-up-baby-p-legacy-means-more-work-suffolk-cuts.htmlAlso in today's papers:- Social services 'failed autistic boy' and Mandelson denies Labour abandoning pledges to increase spendingFri, 12 Feb 2010 00:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113787/birmingham-boosts-childrens-budget-at-expense-of-childrens-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113787/birmingham-boosts-childrens-budget-at-expense-of-childrens-homes.htmlBirmingham Council is putting an extra £100m into frontline social work for children and young people at the expense of children's homes and other support staff.Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113792/prioritise-early-years-spending-urges-dh-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113792/prioritise-early-years-spending-urges-dh-report.htmlA government commissioned report on health inequalities post 2010 has recommended early years spending should be prioritised above other children's services. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113784/young-people-in-care-assess-looked-after-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113784/young-people-in-care-assess-looked-after-services.html Young people with experience of looked-after services are now assessing them in a programme piloted by charity A National Voice. Louise Tickle reports ver...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/11/113773/c4eo-and-the-adcs-act-to-protect-preventive-services-from-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/11/113773/c4eo-and-the-adcs-act-to-protect-preventive-services-from-cuts.htmlThe first push to protect early intervention and preventive children's services from the effects of forecast public spending cuts has come from the Association...Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113772/andy-burnham-approves-care-trust-for-blackburn-with-darwen.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113772/andy-burnham-approves-care-trust-for-blackburn-with-darwen.htmlHealth secretary Andy Burnham has approved the creation of a "care trust plus" to integrate health and social care commissioning in Blackburn with Darwen.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113769/london-refuge-centre-may-be-forced-to-close.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113769/london-refuge-centre-may-be-forced-to-close.htmlOne of only three refuges for young runaways in the UK is in danger of closing after councils in London axed their funding.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113766/news-round-up-care-plan-row-inheritance-tax-playgroup-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113766/news-round-up-care-plan-row-inheritance-tax-playgroup-probe.htmlMore than 70 leaders of social care throughout England are warning that the Government’s plans to provide free home care are flawed, unfunded and will force cuts to current services.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113767/care-plan-row-inheritance-tax-playgroup-sex-assault-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113767/care-plan-row-inheritance-tax-playgroup-sex-assault-probe.htmlMore than 70 leaders of social care throughout England are warning that the Government’s plans to provide free home care are flawed, unfunded and will force cuts to current services.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113733/young-carer-not-allowed-to-socialise-with-her-friends-experts-advise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113733/young-carer-not-allowed-to-socialise-with-her-friends-experts-advise.htmlSocial workers and a service user offer advice on a case involving a girl of 13 who has had to take on her parents' caring responsibilities Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113762/funding-short-breaks-saves-174m-report-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113762/funding-short-breaks-saves-174m-report-finds.htmlSustained funding of short breaks for disabled children and their families can save the state £174m, according to a new report.Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113736/how-to-get-gps-on-board-with-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113736/how-to-get-gps-on-board-with-child-protection.htmlPersuading GPs to become properly involved in child protection strategies can leave social workers feeling frustrated. Yet GPs have a key role in identifying signs of abuse or neglect. What can frontline staff do to improve matters, asks Julie Griffiths Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113758/news-round-up-assisted-dying-care-levy-asylum-hunger-strike.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113758/news-round-up-assisted-dying-care-levy-asylum-hunger-strike.htmlOther headlines in today's papers:- Inheritance levy to fund social care being considered by ministers; Margo MacDonald's Bill 'would encourage suicide tourism to Scotland'; Hunger strike at detention centreTue, 09 Feb 2010 08:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113756/ofsted-finds-mixed-progress-at-doncaster-council.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113756/ofsted-finds-mixed-progress-at-doncaster-council.htmlOfsted has noted a number of improvements to Doncaster’s troubled children’s services, but said delayed decisions about safeguarding children at risk of significan harm were of major concern.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113750/ex-basw-officer-reprimanded-for-giving-misleading-evidence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113750/ex-basw-officer-reprimanded-for-giving-misleading-evidence.html A former professional officer for the British Association of Social Workers has been reprimanded for giving "inaccurate and misleading" evidence in a family...Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113746/norfolk-cuts-1m-from-budget-for-voluntary-sector-contracts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113746/norfolk-cuts-1m-from-budget-for-voluntary-sector-contracts.html Molly Garboden Norfolk Council has cut £1m from its budget for purchasing services from the voluntary sector due to pressures caused by the current...Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113747/news-round-up-elderly-care-costs-vetting-scheme-budget-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113747/news-round-up-elderly-care-costs-vetting-scheme-budget-cuts.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Iain Duncan Smith warns of elderly care costs for public finances; McKellen speaks out against vetting scheme; Union: 3000 jobs will go with cuts from council budgetsMon, 08 Feb 2010 09:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113744/government-admits-scr-action-plans-should-be-made-public.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113744/government-admits-scr-action-plans-should-be-made-public.html The government has softened its stance on the publication of serious case reviews (SCRs), agreeing that action plans should now be included in every executive...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/05/113740/social-workers-practice-helps-half-rate-of-child-abuse-deaths.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/05/113740/social-workers-practice-helps-half-rate-of-child-abuse-deaths.htmlImproved practice by social workers has contributed to a near-halving of the number of child abuse-related deaths in England and Wales since 1974, according to a report from Bournemouth University.Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/04/113732/bill-may-discourage-vulnerable-children-from-seeking-advice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/04/113732/bill-may-discourage-vulnerable-children-from-seeking-advice.html A leading children's rights charity has said the Children, Schools and Families Bill could discourage vulnerable children from seeking much needed advice,...Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/04/113738/government-admits-scr-action-plans-should-be-public.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/04/113738/government-admits-scr-action-plans-should-be-public.htmlThe government has softened its stance on the publication of serious case reviews (SCRs), agreeing that action plans should now be included in every executive summary.Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113721/surrey-looks-to-younger-parents-fo-fill-foster-carer-gap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113721/surrey-looks-to-younger-parents-fo-fill-foster-carer-gap.htmlSurrey council has launched a foster carer recruitment drive in schools to address a shortage of placements in the area. Carers from some of the council's...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113719/rainsbrook-staff-member-in-restraint-case-claims-damages.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113719/rainsbrook-staff-member-in-restraint-case-claims-damages.htmlA staff member involved in restraining a teenager at Rainsbrook secure training centre who later died is seeking damages from the Ministry of Justice, claiming she has been left traumatised.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/03/113723/the-sentencing-of-serious-young-offenders-legal-update.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/03/113723/the-sentencing-of-serious-young-offenders-legal-update.htmlSentencing decisions of the higher courts illustrate the ultimate consequence of offending behaviour. This means they can provide useful material for workers...Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/03/113715/local-complaints-spark-stockport-mps-childrens-home-demand.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/03/113715/local-complaints-spark-stockport-mps-childrens-home-demand.htmlAll new children's homes should have to apply for planning permission according to former social worker and Labour MP for Stockport, Ann Coffey. Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113709/calderdale-suspends-childrens-staff-after-critical-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113709/calderdale-suspends-childrens-staff-after-critical-report.htmlCalderdale Council, West Yorkshire, has suspended a number of staff from its children's services department following the publication of an independent review...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113706/short-breaks-for-disabled-children-may-be-statutory.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113706/short-breaks-for-disabled-children-may-be-statutory.htmlLocal authorities could face specific statutory duties on providing short-break services for families of disabled children and young people after ring-fenced funding ends in 2011.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113695/ofsted-rates-leeds-councils-child-safeguarding-as-inadequate.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113695/ofsted-rates-leeds-councils-child-safeguarding-as-inadequate.htmlLeeds Council's safeguarding and looked-after children services have been rated as "inadequate" by Ofsted. The inspectorate found that the cost of...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113693/more-than-1000-unallocated-children-in-need-cases-in-essex.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113693/more-than-1000-unallocated-children-in-need-cases-in-essex.htmlEssex Council has established an emergency team of 21 social workers to help clear a backlog of more than 1,000 unallocated cases of children in need.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113692/ofsted-unhappy-with-councils-ics-child-protection-systems.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113692/ofsted-unhappy-with-councils-ics-child-protection-systems.htmlProblems with the Integrated Children's System (ICS) have cropped up as a common theme in many of the recent unannounced children's safeguarding inspections...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/01/113699/courts-to-make-own-assessments-of-child-asylum-seekers-age.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/01/113699/courts-to-make-own-assessments-of-child-asylum-seekers-age.html camilla.pemberton@rbi.co.uk Councils could have to defend themselves in hundreds of cases where...Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113686/bolton-council-and-unison-lock-horns-over-plans-for-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113686/bolton-council-and-unison-lock-horns-over-plans-for-cuts.htmlA row has broken out between Unison and Bolton Council over cuts to the borough's children's services.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113679/ceops-safeguarding-head-zoe-hilton.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113679/ceops-safeguarding-head-zoe-hilton.htmlCeop head of safeguarding Zoe Hilton aims to put children's safety on the internet at the heart of the child protection system. Camilla Pemberton spoke to her http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113677/widening-access-to-positive-activities-for-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113677/widening-access-to-positive-activities-for-disabled-children.htmlThe Centre for Excellence and Outcomes highlights best practice in widening access to positive activities for disabled children Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113666/edlington-scr-summary-vague-says-deputy-childrens-tsar.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113666/edlington-scr-summary-vague-says-deputy-childrens-tsar.htmlDeputy Children's Commissioner Sue Berelowitz has questioned Ofsted's inspection of serious case reviews after labelling the executive summary of the Edlington attack report as "vague".Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113670/engaging-with-children-and-parents-to-prevent-child-exploitation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113670/engaging-with-children-and-parents-to-prevent-child-exploitation.html case study usan's* 14-year-old daughter, Alison*, was targeted by groomers last year. Susan was unaware at first but then noticed extreme changes in...Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113668/lga-councils-should-control-primary-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113668/lga-councils-should-control-primary-health.html Councils should have greater control over the running of health services, the Local Government Association said today. In a consultative document,...Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/28/113662/social-worker-faces-misconduct-charge-over-gary-glitter-email.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/28/113662/social-worker-faces-misconduct-charge-over-gary-glitter-email.htmlA children's social worker from Scotland who allegedly sent an e-mail to colleagues containing a fake image of Gary Glitter kidnapping a child is facing...Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113659/the-case-for-reforms-to-englands-care-system-views-from-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113659/the-case-for-reforms-to-englands-care-system-views-from-experts.htmlWith the care system and family courts under huge str ain, we ask experts from across the children's sector what changes are needed to relieve the pressurehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113653/edlington-audit-commission-to-inspect-doncaster-council.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113653/edlington-audit-commission-to-inspect-doncaster-council.htmlThe Audit Commission will carry out an in-depth inspection of Doncaster Council after a serious case review found a brutal attack by two brothers in Edlington could have been prevented.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113650/former-darlington-social-worker-struck-off-over-us-child-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113650/former-darlington-social-worker-struck-off-over-us-child-abuse.htmlA children's social worker who sexually abused a six-year-old girl in the US more than 20 years ago has been struck off the social care register.Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113644/doncaster-scr-causes-publication-debate-to-flare-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113644/doncaster-scr-causes-publication-debate-to-flare-up.htmlThe debate over whether serious case reviews into child deaths and serious injuries should be published in full has intensified after Doncaster Council refused to publish the full account of events leading to the violent attack on two young boys in Edlington last April by two brothers. Tim Loughton (pictured) has led Conservative Party demands to have SCRs published in full.Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113649/ray-jones-and-bronagh-miskelly-debate-publishing-scrs-in-full.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113649/ray-jones-and-bronagh-miskelly-debate-publishing-scrs-in-full.htmlThe debate over publishing SCRs Ray Jones: Community Care and David Cameron argue that the publication of full serious case review reports will increase confidence in social workers by showing what they do and will increase accountability. Bronagh Miskelly: Le'ts publish anonymised, detailed reportsTue, 26 Jan 2010 11:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113643/sandwell-puts-practice-pilot-on-hold-after-ofsted-blow.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113643/sandwell-puts-practice-pilot-on-hold-after-ofsted-blow.htmlSandwell Council has delayed the launch of its social work practice pilot after an unannounced Ofsted inspection uncovered significant problems in its safeguarding services. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113641/government-rewards-council-that-rejected-ics-grant.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113641/government-rewards-council-that-rejected-ics-grant.htmlThe London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has won an award from the government for its own version of the integrated children's system.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113640/sixty-child-sex-abuse-cases-recorded-every-day-last-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113640/sixty-child-sex-abuse-cases-recorded-every-day-last-year.html camilla.pemberton@rbi.co.uk More than 21,000 sex offences against children - an average of 60 a day - were recorded last year, according to figures...Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113635/council-cost-cutting-doncaster-cover-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113635/council-cost-cutting-doncaster-cover-up.htmlOther headlines include:- Sarah's Law to go nationwide; 60 sex crimes on kids a day and Ambidextrous children ‘at more risk of having learning difficulties’Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113632/assault-on-two-boys-in-edlington-was-preventable-says-scr.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113632/assault-on-two-boys-in-edlington-was-preventable-says-scr.htmlThe violent assault of two boys by two brothers in Edlington was a preventable incident, according to the serious case review. Doncaster's interim children's director Nick Jarman (pictured) said he agreed with the SCR's findings, adding “we did not need a serious case review to tell us what was broken about Doncaster children's services” Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113634/news-round-up-council-cost-cutting-doncaster-cover-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113634/news-round-up-council-cost-cutting-doncaster-cover-up.htmlOther headlines include:- Sarah's Law to go nationwide; 60 sex crimes on kids a day and Ambidextrous children ‘at more risk of having learning difficulties’Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113628/basw-threatens-to-launch-breakaway-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113628/basw-threatens-to-launch-breakaway-college.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers may launch its own breakaway college for the profession after becoming "disillusioned" by talks held by the official steering group. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113629/children-opposed-to-media-reporting-of-family-courts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113629/children-opposed-to-media-reporting-of-family-courts.htmlPlans to open the family courts to the media have been rejected by children and young people who remain "unconvinced" of the power of the law to protect their privacy, according to the interim findings of a study by the children's commissioner for England.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/22/113624/damning-nagalro-survey-blasts-cafcass-management.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/22/113624/damning-nagalro-survey-blasts-cafcass-management.htmlCafcass has been accused of putting safeguarding at risk because of poor management and high paperwork demands, in a survey of children's guardians.Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113618/maria-carey-stars-as-a-social-worker-in-precious.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113618/maria-carey-stars-as-a-social-worker-in-precious.htmlMariah Carey might not spring to mind as someone who might convincingly play a social worker, but that is what she has just done in the movie Precious, writes Camilla Pemberton http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113613/good-practice-a-social-worker-operates-on-site-at-a-school.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113613/good-practice-a-social-worker-operates-on-site-at-a-school.htmlA school in Staffordshire has seen pupil exclusions fall after hiring an on-site social worker. Camilla Pemberton reportshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/21/113619/baaf-chief-executive-calls-for-rethink-on-inter-agency-fees.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/21/113619/baaf-chief-executive-calls-for-rethink-on-inter-agency-fees.htmlBAAF chief executive David Holmes has called for renewed debate on inter-agency adoption fees, suggesting that the fee could be replaced by a system in which money follows the child. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/21/113605/denise-platt-highlights-flaws-in-transfer-from-csci-to-ofsted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/21/113605/denise-platt-highlights-flaws-in-transfer-from-csci-to-ofsted.htmlOfsted's reported shortcomings in inspecting children's services are the result of the problematic transfer of responsibility from the Commission for Social Care Inspection, according to the CSCI's former chair.Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113603/new-focus-on-kinship-care-in-families-green-paper.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113603/new-focus-on-kinship-care-in-families-green-paper.htmlKinship carers will get training, development and financial support in line with other foster carers the government announced today in its green paper on families.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113602/martin-narey-dont-delay-adoption-because-of-ethnic-matching.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113602/martin-narey-dont-delay-adoption-because-of-ethnic-matching.htmlAdoption placements should not be "unduly delayed" by trying to find an exact ethnic match for a child in care, the chief executive of Barnardo's Martin Narey said today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113604/social-care-workers-face-pay-freeze-from-april.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113604/social-care-workers-face-pay-freeze-from-april.htmlUnions have reacted angrily to the decision by employers to freeze pay for more than a million local government workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2010-11. Unison's Heather Wakefield (pictured) joins in the chorus of protestWed, 20 Jan 2010 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113598/news-round-up-grandparents-rights-unemployment-smacking.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113598/news-round-up-grandparents-rights-unemployment-smacking.htmlHeadlines in today’s papers include:- Unemployment could hit 2.5m today; Balls orders urgent inquiry into smacking of children; Families face years of pain, says Bank; Grandparents get easier route to see children in family splitsWed, 20 Jan 2010 09:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113597/douglas-adams-struck-off-gscc-register.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113597/douglas-adams-struck-off-gscc-register.htmlAn assistant director of children's services who made a series of offensive remarks to female colleagues, including likening one to "Miss Whiplash", has been struck off. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113594/cost-of-increased-care-referrals-estimated-at-226m.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113594/cost-of-increased-care-referrals-estimated-at-226m.htmlThe cost of taking children into care will rise by £226m this financial year, according to the Local Government Association (LGA).http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113590/conservatives-would-publish-serious-case-reviews-in-full.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113590/conservatives-would-publish-serious-case-reviews-in-full.htmlShadow children's minister Tim Loughton last night confirmed that a future Conservative administration would publish serious case reviews in full. Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113585/cafcass-facing-unprecedented-levels-of-referrals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113585/cafcass-facing-unprecedented-levels-of-referrals.htmlCare order referrals to Cafcass remain at "unprecedentedly high levels" in the wake of the Baby P case and look likely to stabilise at record highs, reports the family courts body's chief executive, Anthony Douglas (pictured).Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113589/news-round-up-doncaster-child-services-mum-helps-daughter-die.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113589/news-round-up-doncaster-child-services-mum-helps-daughter-die.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Heads criticise Tory plans for residential units in schools; Darling sharpens axe on spending; Conservatives target child poverty strategy; 'Smoking' baby Facebook picture sparks investigation into teenage motherTue, 19 Jan 2010 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113593/news-round-up-doncaster-child-services-mum-helps-daughter-die.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113593/news-round-up-doncaster-child-services-mum-helps-daughter-die.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Heads criticise Tory plans for residential units in schools; Darling sharpens axe on spending; Conservatives target child poverty strategy; 'Smoking' baby Facebook picture sparks investigation into teenage motherTue, 19 Jan 2010 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113591/gscc-over-using-powers-to-suspend-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113591/gscc-over-using-powers-to-suspend-social-workers.htmlThe General Social Care Council is overusing its powers to issue temporary bans against social workers who are the subject of complaints in a knee-jerk response to public safety concerns, a lawyer has claimed. Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113587/most-post-baby-p-care-cases-appropriately-timed-survey-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113587/most-post-baby-p-care-cases-appropriately-timed-survey-finds.htmlAlthough the increase in section 31 applications can be attributed to the 'Baby Peter effect',...Tue, 19 Jan 2010 09:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113539/safeguarding-boards-most-scrs-adequate-reports-ofsted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113539/safeguarding-boards-most-scrs-adequate-reports-ofsted.htmlThe majority local safeguarding children boards' serious case reviews were deemed adequate by Ofsted, which has published its evaluation of the reviews from April 2007 to December 2009 today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113584/youth-justice-campaigners-round-on-crime-and-security-bill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113584/youth-justice-campaigners-round-on-crime-and-security-bill.htmlProposed laws which would allow the fingerprints and DNA profiles of young offenders to be held on record indefinitely would violate human rights and marginalise vulnerable young people, according to campaigners.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/18/113579/news-round-up-care-funding-cuts-social-worker-dies-from-swine-flu.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/18/113579/news-round-up-care-funding-cuts-social-worker-dies-from-swine-flu.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Scarborough care funding cuts concerns; Swine flu leads to social worker's deathMon, 18 Jan 2010 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113576/report-into-childs-death-highlights-social-work-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113576/report-into-childs-death-highlights-social-work-failings.htmlThe family of a five-year-old killed by her mother found their involvement with social services to be a "bruising and disenchanting encounter", according to a new report on the case.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113571/social-workers-hit-back-at-nspcc-over-skills-gap-claim.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113571/social-workers-hit-back-at-nspcc-over-skills-gap-claim.htmlSocial workers have reacted angrily to a claim by the NSPCC that their sector is beleaguered by a skills gap when dealing with neglect.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113570/how-can-caseloads-be-contained.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113570/how-can-caseloads-be-contained.htmlThe Social Work Task Force steered clear of calling for a cap on caseloads, claiming good supervision was the best way to limit them. But are managers willing and able to properly support staff, asks Molly Garboden Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113555/mps-call-for-end-to-over-use-of-custody.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113555/mps-call-for-end-to-over-use-of-custody.htmlGovernment plans to build more prisons and YOIs would be a "costly mistake", according to a group of MPs, who say the budgets should be reinvested directly into communities.Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113505/poetry-by-young-offenders-fills-a-book.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113505/poetry-by-young-offenders-fills-a-book.htmlMedway STC's enrichment officer, Nathan Ward, tells Judy Cooper how he discovered some untapped poetry talent in the secure estateFri, 15 Jan 2010 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113561/basw-to-join-national-college-group-after-all.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113561/basw-to-join-national-college-group-after-all.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers will join the development group for a national college of social work despite its initial concerns about government interference.Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113559/news-round-up-loan-sharks-tories-want-more-disabled-mps-family-spending-falls.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113559/news-round-up-loan-sharks-tories-want-more-disabled-mps-family-spending-falls.htmlThousands of households have taken out loans with interest rates averaging 825% during "the worst Christmas in a generation" for illegal doorstep lending, according to a new report. Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113556/no-extra-funding-to-meet-impact-of-southwark-judgement.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113556/no-extra-funding-to-meet-impact-of-southwark-judgement.html Councils will not receive any additional government money to help cope with the recently imposed Southwark...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113551/drama-workshops-for-young-offenders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113551/drama-workshops-for-young-offenders.htmlRecre8's workshops help cut youth re-offending rates, reports Camilla Pemberton http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113546/childrens-chief-told-colleague-to-have-an-abortion.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113546/childrens-chief-told-colleague-to-have-an-abortion.htmlAn assistant director of children's services who allegedly told a pregnant colleague to have an abortion and asked another woman if she enjoyed anal sex is facing removal from the register.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113540/ofsted-spells-out-flaws-in-cafcasss-london-service.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113540/ofsted-spells-out-flaws-in-cafcasss-london-service.htmlCafcass's London service, which covers 33 local authorities, has been rated as inadequate by Ofsted in six key areas, including its overall effectiveness. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113538/derbyshire-social-care-staff-face-sack-over-pay-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113538/derbyshire-social-care-staff-face-sack-over-pay-cuts.htmlNearly 400 social care staff at Derbyshire Council have been threatened with the sack after refusing to accept pay cuts of up to £4,000. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113536/news-round-up-louise-casey-pensioner-deaths-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113536/news-round-up-louise-casey-pensioner-deaths-cuts.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Public service cuts to target middle classes; It's none of your business: What Age Concern told neighbour who phoned fearing for older couple later found dead in their home; 'Problem' families should be put into care, says crime adviserWed, 13 Jan 2010 09:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113531/the-challenge-of-witchcraft-to-child-protection-social-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113531/the-challenge-of-witchcraft-to-child-protection-social-services.htmlSeveral African children in the UK have been abused by their carers after being accused of witchcraft. But how can social workers be aware of potential problems, asks Rowenna Davis http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/12/113527/yjb-appeals-decision-to-make-restraint-manual-public.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/12/113527/yjb-appeals-decision-to-make-restraint-manual-public.htmlThe Youth Justice Board is appealing against a decision by the Information Commissioner which would see details of controversial restraint techniques currently used in secure training centres being made public. Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/12/113528/news-round-up-parky-bridgend-suicides-cold-deaths-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/12/113528/news-round-up-parky-bridgend-suicides-cold-deaths-probe.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Michael Parkinson says care of elderly downright unacceptable; Pensioners found dead in their own home at peak of UK's Big Freeze spark inquiry; Bridgend: Double hanging in town rocked by young suicidesTue, 12 Jan 2010 09:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113526/adopters-out-of-pocket-in-income-support-muddle.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113526/adopters-out-of-pocket-in-income-support-muddle.htmlFamilies in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, have lost out on up to £37,000 each because their adoption allowances were erroneously taken into account when calculating income support.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113520/northumberland-backs-down-on-pay-freeze-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113520/northumberland-backs-down-on-pay-freeze-plan.htmlNorthumberland Council has withdrawn a plan to freeze pay for social care staff from April because of pressure from trade unions. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/11/113516/news-round-up-neglect-secret-child-punishment-manual-forced-marriage.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/11/113516/news-round-up-neglect-secret-child-punishment-manual-forced-marriage.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- More children at risk as cases of neglect soar, charity warns; Release of secret child punishment manual ordered; Social workers failing women facing forced marriage, says reportMon, 11 Jan 2010 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113511/the-best-and-worst-decisions-ive-made.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113511/the-best-and-worst-decisions-ive-made.htmlFor Sandra Gilfillan working in a school with families and children was ideal. But then it was time to move on http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113508/news-round-up-8-january-2010.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113508/news-round-up-8-january-2010.html ‘Unless we sound the alarm, what little we have will disappear’ Councils across the country are already facing tough decisions as the pressure on budgets takes its toll, even before the arrival of the Personal Care at Home Bill. In Liverpool, children’s services are reported to be the first victims of the proposed £11m budget cuts. Grants for disadvantaged households are due to be scrapped, and a children’s respite home is threatened with closure. Read more on this story in The Times Plans for elderly care put essential services ‘at risk’ Frontline services such as social work, meals on wheels and road maintenance may have to be cut to cover the cost of controversial plans for elderly care at home, local authority leaders have warned. The £670 million required to provide free care for those most in need in their own homes — a key government policy — will add pressure to councils already trying to find multimillion-pound savings. A rise in council tax of between...Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113506/parenting-skills-for-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113506/parenting-skills-for-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmlCamilla Pemberton reports on a Family Action service that helps parents with learning disabilities gain the skills to enable them to look after their children successfullyFri, 08 Jan 2010 00:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113499/pledge-to-camhs-lacks-commitment-says-youngminds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113499/pledge-to-camhs-lacks-commitment-says-youngminds.htmlMental health charity YoungMinds has said the government's pledge to support local delivery of child and adolescent mental health services (Camhs), announced today, lacks the commitment necessary to make a difference.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113501/mps-warn-ofsted-to-keep-a-steady-course.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113501/mps-warn-ofsted-to-keep-a-steady-course.htmlOfsted could become "unwieldy and unco-ordinated" if it does not keep on top of its increased responsibilities, according to a report by MPs on the House of Commons' children, schools and families committee, published today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113498/ofsted-slammed-by-howard-league-chief-over-inspection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113498/ofsted-slammed-by-howard-league-chief-over-inspection.htmlThe Howard League for Penal Reform has accused Ofsted of being "naïve" and "blithely uncritical" in its inspection of a secure training centre (STC) in Kent.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113496/social-worker-who-shouted-homophobic-abuse-at-boy-struck-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113496/social-worker-who-shouted-homophobic-abuse-at-boy-struck-off.htmlA senior social worker who shouted homophobic abuse at a cross-dressing teenager and threatened to have him put in care has become the fiftieth practitioner...Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113492/news-round-up-gary-mckinnon-vetting-and-barring-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113492/news-round-up-gary-mckinnon-vetting-and-barring-cuts.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Abusers could slip through, admits vetting scheme boss; Extradition of Gary McKinnon 'breaches Bill of Rights'; The Saga manifesto: Over-50s tell party leaders what they want from the governmentThu, 07 Jan 2010 08:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113491/ed-mitchell-councils-duties-to-children-in-care-are-many-and-diverse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113491/ed-mitchell-councils-duties-to-children-in-care-are-many-and-diverse.htmlEd Mitchell examines the latest decisions on local authorities' responsibilities towards looked-after children, particularly those who arrived seeking asylumhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113485/birmingham-councillor-slams-director-tucker-on-staff-absences.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113485/birmingham-councillor-slams-director-tucker-on-staff-absences.htmlThe man brought in to fix Birmingham Council's troubled children's services has been told to "stop making excuses" after blaming stress levels for high absence rates among social workers. Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113471/labour-tory-spending-plans-have-34bn-black-hole.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113471/labour-tory-spending-plans-have-34bn-black-hole.htmlLabour today accused the Conservatives of having a £34bn hole in their spending plans as the Tories outlined their election platform for health and social care.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/04/113469/news-round-up-public-spending-brian-moore-abuse-recession.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/04/113469/news-round-up-public-spending-brian-moore-abuse-recession.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Brown insists big cuts are not inevitable; Recession will lead to 'lost generation' of young people; Why I told about my abuse, by England rugby star Brian MooreMon, 04 Jan 2010 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113465/cash-constraints-threaten-taskforce-proposals-say-academics.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113465/cash-constraints-threaten-taskforce-proposals-say-academics.htmlThe New Year will see the government publish its detailed action plan on how the Social Work Task Force reforms will be implemented. But already academics are warning that cash constraints could threaten the taskforce’s proposals. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/22/113463/decade-of-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/22/113463/decade-of-social-care.htmlSome of the key policy movements that have defined the past 10 years in social work Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113464/unison-claims-doncaster-is-to-axe-jobs-in-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113464/unison-claims-doncaster-is-to-axe-jobs-in-childrens-services.htmlA spat has broken out between Unison and Doncaster Council after the union claimed the local authority was about to cut 70 jobs in children and young people's services.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113460/best-practice-in-providing-health-checks-for-looked-after-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113460/best-practice-in-providing-health-checks-for-looked-after-children.htmlSome areas are leading the way when it comes to providing health checks for looked-after children, reports Joe Lepper http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113459/londons-domestic-violence-matrix-model.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113459/londons-domestic-violence-matrix-model.htmlFourteen London boroughs have adopted a matrix system to assess the risk of domestic violence. Molly Garboden reportshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113457/letters-to-community-care-7-january-2010.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113457/letters-to-community-care-7-january-2010.htmlI was appalled that the advice to social workers struggling with anxiety and depression ("The road to recovery") did not include the obvious advice of "resign and find a less stressful job". http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/21/113455/spring-2010-deadline-for-training-scr-chairs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/21/113455/spring-2010-deadline-for-training-scr-chairs.htmlThe government has pledged to overhaul the recruitment and training of serious case review chairs by spring 2010.Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/21/113453/news-round-up-missing-toddler-found-suspicious-care-home-death-fostering-agency-to-close.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/21/113453/news-round-up-missing-toddler-found-suspicious-care-home-death-fostering-agency-to-close.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include: Toddler Audrey Nyanor given by police to the wrong person is found; Woman, 84, arrested on suspicion of murdering fellow care home resident; Independent adoption agencies count the cost of the recessionMon, 21 Dec 2009 11:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/21/113451/foster-carers-in-scotland-demand-minimum-allowance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/21/113451/foster-carers-in-scotland-demand-minimum-allowance.htmlScottish foster carers have criticised the Scottish government's failure to introduce a national minimum allowance, as many are using their own money to...Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113452/vetting-scheme-could-damage-safety-of-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113452/vetting-scheme-could-damage-safety-of-children.htmlA leading social work academic has warned that the stringent nature of the government's new vetting and barring scheme is "potentially deeply damaging" to the safety of children.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113445/social-worker-left-colleague-in-tears-after-kissing-her.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113445/social-worker-left-colleague-in-tears-after-kissing-her.htmlAn approved social worker has been warned about his conduct for leaving a female colleague in tears after kissing her on the cheek.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/17/113422/taskforce-report-were-not-out-of-touch-say-lecturers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/17/113422/taskforce-report-were-not-out-of-touch-say-lecturers.htmlSocial work lecturers have rejected claims made in the Social Work Task Force's final report that they are out of touch with the realities of frontline practice. (Picture: Alamy)Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/17/113443/children-in-care-need-more-help-to-keep-in-touch-with-families.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/17/113443/children-in-care-need-more-help-to-keep-in-touch-with-families.htmlChildren's minister Delyth Morgan (pictured) has called for more concerted efforts by councils to ensure that children in care benefit from more contact with their birth families. She was responding to the launch of the children's rights director's report Keeping in Touch.Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/16/113435/quality-in-practice-latest-guidance-on-home-visits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/16/113435/quality-in-practice-latest-guidance-on-home-visits.htmlAcademics Karen Broadhurst and Chris Hall continue our regular series of practice guidance by looking at home visits in children's social workWed, 16 Dec 2009 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/16/113430/increasing-the-number-of-care-leavers-in-settled-safe-accommodation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/16/113430/increasing-the-number-of-care-leavers-in-settled-safe-accommodation.htmlThe Centre for Excellence and Outcomes highlights ways to achieve successful transitions to independent living for young care leavers Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113428/jeanette-farrows-outstanding-work-at-care-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113428/jeanette-farrows-outstanding-work-at-care-homes.htmlJeanette Farrow manages two children's homes for Hertfordshire Council. Both have been rated as "outstanding" by Ofsted. Here she describes why she feels so fulfilled working with teenagers http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/15/113424/news-round-up-children-in-asylum-vetting-and-barring-female-prisoners-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/15/113424/news-round-up-children-in-asylum-vetting-and-barring-female-prisoners-abuse.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Brown attacked for not scrapping asylum policy; Child protection worries over lack of powers to vet foreigners; Female prisoner numbers to be cut by 400Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113420/scotland-social-care-dishonesty-conduct-cases-rising.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113420/scotland-social-care-dishonesty-conduct-cases-rising.htmlA growing proportion of cases involving dishonest behaviour by social care workers in Scotland are coming before the Scottish Social Services Council.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113419/vetting-safeguarding-registration-rules-scaled-down.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113419/vetting-safeguarding-registration-rules-scaled-down.htmlSocial care staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will only have to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority if they come into contact with service users at least once a week, ministers said today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113418/research-realities-safeguarding-trafficked-children-research-by-nspcc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113418/research-realities-safeguarding-trafficked-children-research-by-nspcc.htmlAcademic Anna Gupta examines findings that point the way towards better services for trafficked children http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/14/113417/health-and-social-care-volunteering-fund-launched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/14/113417/health-and-social-care-volunteering-fund-launched.htmlA new funding model designed to broaden and strengthen investment in volunteering in health and social care was unveiled today. Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/11/113414/tool-to-gauge-childrens-experiences-of-mental-health-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/11/113414/tool-to-gauge-childrens-experiences-of-mental-health-services.htmlThe experiences of children and young people using mental health services may soon be measurable, thanks to a tool being developed at King's College, London.Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113413/cap-on-public-sector-pay-fails-to-plug-financial-hole.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113413/cap-on-public-sector-pay-fails-to-plug-financial-hole.htmlThe 1% pay rise cap for social workers and other public sector staff will save the government £3.4bn, but it will still leave a £15bn gap to be filled by further cuts, the Institute of Fiscal Studies revealed today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113411/child-protection-certificate-launched-to-aid-recruitment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113411/child-protection-certificate-launched-to-aid-recruitment.htmlBath Spa University is tackling recruitment and retention issues with a new child protection qualification for non-graduate social care workers.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/10/113406/news-round-up-salford-dcs-sacked-pre-budget-report-immigration-centres.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/10/113406/news-round-up-salford-dcs-sacked-pre-budget-report-immigration-centres.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Head of Salford council children's services sacked for failings over murder of toddler Demi Leigh Mahon; Public sector pays with fiercest cuts; Move children out of migrant centres, say medical expertsThu, 10 Dec 2009 10:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/10/113407/alistair-darling-signals-cuts-in-childrens-services-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/10/113407/alistair-darling-signals-cuts-in-childrens-services-funding.htmlThe first sign of budget cuts in children's services has been heralded in the government's pre-budget report with the Department for Children, Schools and Families told to save £350m.Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113400/inspectors-in-wales-highlight-child-protection-flaws.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113400/inspectors-in-wales-highlight-child-protection-flaws.htmlInequality in service provision and standards persist across Wales, according to a report by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate in Wales.Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113398/six-councils-receive-red-flags-for-poor-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113398/six-councils-receive-red-flags-for-poor-childrens-services.htmlSix local authority children's services have been given red flags, indicating serious concerns, under the Audit Commission's new comprehensive area assessments (CAAs). But it's not all bad news says Ofsted chief inspector Christine Gilbert (pictured).Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113396/news-round-up-haringey-social-services-whitehall-cuts-oneplace.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113396/news-round-up-haringey-social-services-whitehall-cuts-oneplace.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Haringey social services still 'poor', says Ofsted a year after Baby P; Chancellor warns Whitehall of ‘real cuts’; Councils named and shamed by online audit of public services from bins to jails; Prison ministers accused over action on heroin; Darling is forced to delay pension boost.Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113395/healthy-children-safer-communities-strategy-launched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113395/healthy-children-safer-communities-strategy-launched.htmlYouth offending teams will receive more training to ensure they can pick up emerging health and mental health needs of young offenders, according to a cross-government...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113394/alistair-darling-prepares-for-pre-budget-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113394/alistair-darling-prepares-for-pre-budget-report.htmlChancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling will be revealing the state of the economy and the country's finances during the pre-budget report - the last before the general election.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113388/doctors-at-baby-p-hospital-faced-excessive-workloads.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113388/doctors-at-baby-p-hospital-faced-excessive-workloads.htmlDoctors at the hospital where Baby Peter was seen two days before he died were struggling with excessive workloads, management difficulties and budget cuts at the time, according to NHS London. Picture: Rex Featureshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/08/113387/adcs-and-adass-pledge-to-meet-needs-of-young-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/08/113387/adcs-and-adass-pledge-to-meet-needs-of-young-carers.htmlDirectors of children's and adults' services have promised to ensure that the needs of young carers are also met when referrals are made about parents with disabilities, dependency or illness.Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/08/113385/vacuum-at-the-top-as-baroness-young-quits-cqc-say-tories.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/08/113385/vacuum-at-the-top-as-baroness-young-quits-cqc-say-tories.htmlThe departure of the Care Quality Commission's first chair after 21 months will leave a "vacuum of leadership" at the regulator, according to the Conservatives. Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113381/gordon-brown-to-cull-ring-fenced-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113381/gordon-brown-to-cull-ring-fenced-budgets.html Prime minister Gordon Brown plans to cut waste in local government by reducing ring-fenced budgets and simplifying funding streams, as part of an ambition...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113380/adoption-call-to-look-again-at-inter-agency-fees.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113380/adoption-call-to-look-again-at-inter-agency-fees.htmlThe government has been urged to look again at the structure of inter-agency adoption fees amid fears that more voluntary agencies could follow Manchester Adoption Society in closing.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113379/napo-threatens-industrial-action-over-cafcass-crisis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113379/napo-threatens-industrial-action-over-cafcass-crisis.htmlFamily court union Napo has threatened industrial action unless Cafcass resolves issues of "soaring workloads, management bullying and low morale". http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113377/mental-health-bodies-welcome-new-horizons.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113377/mental-health-bodies-welcome-new-horizons.htmlCharities and mental health bodies have welcomed the launch of the government's New Horizons strategy, but want more guidance on its practicalities.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/07/113374/government-launches-10-year-mental-health-strategy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/07/113374/government-launches-10-year-mental-health-strategy.htmlA 10-year mental health strategy centring on depression has been launched by the government today. Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/07/113372/news-round-up-cqc-head-to-resign-at-risk-children-crb-checks-welfare-services-stretched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/07/113372/news-round-up-cqc-head-to-resign-at-risk-children-crb-checks-welfare-services-stretched.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Baroness Young to resign from CQC; Nearly 127,000 children forced to have criminal record checks each year; Welfare services will struggle to cope with ‘epidemic’ of stress and loneliness Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113368/government-details-next-steps-for-failing-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113368/government-details-next-steps-for-failing-childrens-services.htmlThe Department for Children, Schools and Families has provided an update on its intentions towards failing children's services in Cornwall and Doncaster...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113367/gps-to-be-encouraged-to-be-more-involved-in-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113367/gps-to-be-encouraged-to-be-more-involved-in-child-protection.htmlGP attendance at child protection case conferences should be audited by primary care trusts (PCT's) to ensure GPs are more involved in child safeguarding...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/04/113364/news-round-up-childcare-tax-relief-cocaine-addiction-local-govt-spending-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/04/113364/news-round-up-childcare-tax-relief-cocaine-addiction-local-govt-spending-cuts.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include: Ministers retreat over tax relief on childcare; More young cocaine addicts being treatedFri, 04 Dec 2009 09:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113357/how-care-home-job-changed-tameside-practitioners-life.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113357/how-care-home-job-changed-tameside-practitioners-life.htmlJadwiga Leigh is an out-of-hours children's social worker for Tameside Council http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113350/manchester-adoption-agency-first-casualty-of-fees.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113350/manchester-adoption-agency-first-casualty-of-fees.htmlA Manchester adoption agency is feared to be the first of many to close amid claims that distorted inter-agency fees are deterring local authorities from using voluntary organisations to place children.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113349/research-will-study-links-between-looked-after-children-and-crime.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113349/research-will-study-links-between-looked-after-children-and-crime.htmlThe fractious relationship between looked-after children and the criminal justice system will be the subject of a new research project by The...Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113337/taskforce-pay-social-workers-to-reflect-their-standing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113337/taskforce-pay-social-workers-to-reflect-their-standing.htmlA new national career structure for social workers in England will ensure their pay more accurately reflects their skills and experience, under plans laid out by the Social Work Task Force.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113346/children-in-residential-homes-say-they-are-improving.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113346/children-in-residential-homes-say-they-are-improving.htmlThe number of children in residential homes who rate their care as good or very good has jumped by 12% in the last year, according to a report from the...Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113343/news-round-up-care-ratings-hate-crime-probe-poverty-up-child-protection-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113343/news-round-up-care-ratings-hate-crime-probe-poverty-up-child-protection-row.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Nearly 4,000 adult social services criticised over level of care provided; Boy, two, is snatched by social workers after refusing doctor's advice to feed him junk food; Action on disability hate crimesThu, 03 Dec 2009 08:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113339/childrens-views-on-kinship-care-sought.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113339/childrens-views-on-kinship-care-sought.htmlA study investigating children's views of informal kinship care arrangements in the UK has been commissioned by the Frank Buttle Trust.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113328/funding-doubts-raised-at-social-work-task-force-proposals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113328/funding-doubts-raised-at-social-work-task-force-proposals.htmlThe Social Work Task Force's recommendations on a probationary year, a college of social work and a binding standard for employers on caseloads and continuing professional development (CPD) have been welcomed by academics, charities and social workers. But there are concerns about how the recommendations will be funded.Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113345/resources-barrier-to-taskforces-practice-based-masters-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113345/resources-barrier-to-taskforces-practice-based-masters-plan.htmlThe practice-based masters degree proposed in the taskforce will need dedicated time and money from local authorities if it is to materialise, a member of...Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113332/news-round-up-shoesmith-trial-care-workers-social-work-taskforce.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113332/news-round-up-shoesmith-trial-care-workers-social-work-taskforce.htmlBaby P emails: judge demands explanation from Ofsted Newly disclosed court documents suggest Ofsted inspectors who wrote a damning report on Haringey children's services were ordered to delete emails relating to Baby Peter and the council, a high court judge disclosed today. Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113331/taskforce-case-complexity-should-decide-caseload-caps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113331/taskforce-case-complexity-should-decide-caseload-caps.htmlIndividual employers should be responsible for capping social workers' caseloads according to the complexity of cases, the chair of the Social Work Task...Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113310/taskforce-calls-for-media-drive-to-boost-image-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113310/taskforce-calls-for-media-drive-to-boost-image-of-social-work.htmlThe Social Work Task Force has called on the sector to launch media campaigns to improve public understanding and highlight the importance of the social work role. Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113340/taskforce-tories-and-lib-dems-would-go-further.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113340/taskforce-tories-and-lib-dems-would-go-further.htmlThe main opposition parties have backed the Social Work Task Force's recommendations, but say they would go even further if they win next year's general election. However, both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats remain vague as to how the recommendations should be funded. Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113330/welsh-social-services-directors-told-to-boost-joint-working.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113330/welsh-social-services-directors-told-to-boost-joint-working.htmlWelsh social services directors have been challenged to improve collaboration both between councils and with health partners by Welsh deputy minister for social services Gwenda Thomas.Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113326/haringey-recruits-us-social-workers-to-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113326/haringey-recruits-us-social-workers-to-childrens-services.htmlHaringey Council has recruited social workers from America to boost the quality of children's services and rely less on agency staff.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113325/news-round-up-skunk-risk-of-psychosis-marriage-policy-clash.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113325/news-round-up-skunk-risk-of-psychosis-marriage-policy-clash.htmlSacked for fighting...the expert in handling aggressive children; Tories and Labour clash over marriage policy and Cash-strapped council lavishes £100,000 on 'bin police' to make sure people recycle correctly Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113324/news-round-up-skunk-risk-of-psychosis-marriage-policy-clash.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113324/news-round-up-skunk-risk-of-psychosis-marriage-policy-clash.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Sacked for fighting...the expert in handling aggressive children; Tories and Labour clash over marriage policy and Cash-strapped council lavishes £100,000 on 'bin police' to make sure people recycle correctly Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113307/ministers-back-taskforce-plan-to-overhaul-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113307/ministers-back-taskforce-plan-to-overhaul-social-work.htmlSocial workers will gain a stronger collective voice through the first ever national college for the profession, after the government accepted all of the recommendations in a 10-year reform programme proposed by the Social Work Task Force today.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113309/adcs-and-adass-social-work-task-force-plan-must-be-resourced.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113309/adcs-and-adass-social-work-task-force-plan-must-be-resourced.htmlFunding the Social Work Task Force's reforms will not be possible from current budgets the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS) and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (Adass) have warned.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113327/ed-balls-no-ringfenced-cash-for-taskforce-proposals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113327/ed-balls-no-ringfenced-cash-for-taskforce-proposals.htmlAdditional public funding to implement the recommendations outlined by the Social Work Task Force will not be ring-fenced, children's secretary Ed Balls told a press conference today.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113303/right-to-fair-trial-undermined-for-disabled-and-child-defendants.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113303/right-to-fair-trial-undermined-for-disabled-and-child-defendants.htmlThe treatment of child defendants and adult suspects with learning disabilities in court is in breach of their human rights according to a report released today by the Prison Reform Trust.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113315/social-work-task-force-career-progression-and-development.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113315/social-work-task-force-career-progression-and-development.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on continuing professional development.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113318/social-work-task-force-initial-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113318/social-work-task-force-initial-training.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on initial training.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113317/social-work-task-force-employer-support-for-practitioners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113317/social-work-task-force-employer-support-for-practitioners.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on employer support for social workers, supervision and workload management.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113311/social-work-task-force-pay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113311/social-work-task-force-pay.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on pay.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113312/social-work-task-force-past-reviews-of-the-profession.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113312/social-work-task-force-past-reviews-of-the-profession.htmlThe social work profession has been subject to many wide-ranging reviews over the past 40 years but, after landing on ministers' desks, they do not always have the impact on policy intended by the reports' authors. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113308/social-work-task-force-how-would-a-licence-to-practise-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113308/social-work-task-force-how-would-a-licence-to-practise-work.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's to require social workers to obtain a licence to practise, drawing on experience from the medical profession.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113313/social-work-task-force-workforce-planning.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113313/social-work-task-force-workforce-planning.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on workforce planning.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113314/social-work-task-force-national-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113314/social-work-task-force-national-college-of-social-work.htmlBackground on Social Work Task Force's proposal to create a national college of social work.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113319/social-work-task-force-timeline.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113319/social-work-task-force-timeline.htmlTimeline of key events leading up to the final report of the Social Work Task Force.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113285/how-senior-managers-think-the-recession-will-affect-social-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113285/how-senior-managers-think-the-recession-will-affect-social-services.htmlCouncil leaders and the YJB's chief reveal where pressure is building and how they plan to cope with impending cutshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113272/recession-time-to-build-on-early-intervention-and-prevention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113272/recession-time-to-build-on-early-intervention-and-prevention.htmlAs budgets tighten and demand for services rises, local authorities that build on early intervention and prevention will come out of the recession stronger, writes Molly Garbodenhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113301/the-recession-social-cares-tough-choices-ahead.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113301/the-recession-social-cares-tough-choices-ahead.htmlSocial care faces tough choices on funding as the recession prompts a growth in demand for serviceshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/30/113299/youth-justice-scaled-approach-and-yro-launch.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/30/113299/youth-justice-scaled-approach-and-yro-launch.htmlYouth offending teams (YOTs) fear today's launch of an intervention system, which the Youth Justice Board describes as "ground-breaking", will add to their workload.Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/30/113295/yjb-launches-new-community-reparation-scheme.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/30/113295/yjb-launches-new-community-reparation-scheme.htmlA community reparation scheme in which members of the public will be able to suggest the activities young offenders on community sentences should carry out has been launched by the Youth Justice Board (YJB) todayMon, 30 Nov 2009 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/30/113292/news-round-up-baby-p-latest-family-courts-cuts-ed-balls-gscc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/30/113292/news-round-up-baby-p-latest-family-courts-cuts-ed-balls-gscc.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Cuts warning over family courts; Stable relationships are key to tackling family breakdown, says Ed Balls; Ofsted ‘destroyed Baby P files’ Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113288/special-guardianship-not-helping-foster-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113288/special-guardianship-not-helping-foster-carers.html There is little evidence to show that unaccompanied asylum seeking children are benefiting from special guardianship arrangements according to a new...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/27/113280/news-round-up-gary-mckinnon-extradition-branded-disgusting-gps-told-to-step-up-the-swine-flu-vaccination-second-hospital-exposed-for-failing-patients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/27/113280/news-round-up-gary-mckinnon-extradition-branded-disgusting-gps-told-to-step-up-the-swine-flu-vaccination-second-hospital-exposed-for-failing-patients.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include: NHS rating system should be scrapped, says inspection chief; Young teacher, 26, hanged herself after being accused of helping pupils cheat in GCSEsFri, 27 Nov 2009 00:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/27/113286/gscc-wants-to-link-funding-to-quality-of-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/27/113286/gscc-wants-to-link-funding-to-quality-of-training.htmlUniversities and employers in England which provide high-quality placements for social work students could be rewarded with extra funding from next year.Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/27/113284/common-assessment-framework-allows-early-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/27/113284/common-assessment-framework-allows-early-intervention.htmlIf all things are cyclical, this recession should bear some of the same traits as the dip in the 1990s....Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/27/113279/councils-save-130000-households-from-homelessness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/27/113279/councils-save-130000-households-from-homelessness.htmlSome 130,000 households in England have been saved from homelessness or provided with alternative accommodation by their local council in the past year.Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113277/east-midlands-councils-follow-london-and-seek-2-fee-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113277/east-midlands-councils-follow-london-and-seek-2-fee-cut.htmlCouncils in the East Midlands have followed London's lead and asked providers of foster care and residential care to drop their fees by 2%. The East...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113261/social-work-taskforce-to-unveil-plans-on-tuesday.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113261/social-work-taskforce-to-unveil-plans-on-tuesday.htmlThe Social Work Task Force will announce on Tuesday its recommendations for building a stronger future for the profession in England.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113268/gscc-rejects-claim-that-social-worker-had-sex-with-16-year-old.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113268/gscc-rejects-claim-that-social-worker-had-sex-with-16-year-old.htmlAllegations that a social worker had sex with a 16-year-old service user in a hotel in Amsterdam in 1985 have been dismissed by the General Social Care Council's conduct committee.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113260/fostering-providers-hit-back-at-london-councils-fee-cut-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113260/fostering-providers-hit-back-at-london-councils-fee-cut-plan.htmlA consortium of foster care providers have sent a letter to London Councils slamming a proposed 2% cut in providers' fees as "unrealistic and unachievable".http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113266/case-recording-quality-in-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113266/case-recording-quality-in-practice.htmlHelen Donnellan and Gordon Jack offer tips for newly qualified social workers on case...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113263/first-time-young-offender-rate-drops-by-20-in-a-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113263/first-time-young-offender-rate-drops-by-20-in-a-year.htmlThe number of first-time young offenders in England has dropped by more than 20% according to new government figures published today. The drop applies...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/26/113258/domestic-violence-early-intervention-strategy-announced.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/26/113258/domestic-violence-early-intervention-strategy-announced.htmlThe Department for Children, Schools and Families' launch of a consultation on early intervention is due in December 2009 and will emphasise the need to...Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113252/de-professionalise-parenting-michael-fitzpatrick-gp.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113252/de-professionalise-parenting-michael-fitzpatrick-gp.htmlParents need to accept full responsibility for bringing up their children, because professionals, in truth, can't help them, argues Michael FitzpatrickWed, 25 Nov 2009 00:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113230/i-want-to-change-perceptions-of-ofsted-john-goldup.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113230/i-want-to-change-perceptions-of-ofsted-john-goldup.htmlOfsted's John Goldup hopes that his background as a social services director will help him turn around social work's perception of the agency as being too education-oriented. He spoke to Judy Cooper Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113248/abolish-short-sentences-for-non-violent-young-offenders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113248/abolish-short-sentences-for-non-violent-young-offenders.htmlShort sentences, of less than six months, should be abolished for 18 to 24 year old non-violent offenders according to a manifesto from charities and academics,...Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113246/news-round-up-care-bill-child-death-probe-domestic-violence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113246/news-round-up-care-bill-child-death-probe-domestic-violence.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Cancer research at risk in scramble for care funds; Domestic violence victims need targeted support; Fuel bills blamed for 50% rise in deaths; MPs back calls to scrap short prison terms for young adultsWed, 25 Nov 2009 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113243/domestic-violence-independent-advisers-help-cut-abuse-levels.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113243/domestic-violence-independent-advisers-help-cut-abuse-levels.htmlLevels of severe domestic violence can be cut significantly and big savings made in public resources through investment in independent domestic violence advisers (IDVAs), research has found.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113242/ofsted-rejects-tick-box-view-of-caseload-limits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113242/ofsted-rejects-tick-box-view-of-caseload-limits.html Ofsted does not intend to do any work around setting limits on social worker caseloads according to its new director of development for social care. Speaking...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113231/gap-between-children-in-care-and-peers-widens-says-ofsted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113231/gap-between-children-in-care-and-peers-widens-says-ofsted.htmlLooked-after children are slipping further behind their peers in employment and education, Ofsted's annual report has shown.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113233/news-round-up-ofsted-under-fire-baby-p-latest.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113233/news-round-up-ofsted-under-fire-baby-p-latest.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Ofsted attacked over child protection; Baby P pair face more 'charges'; Tim Loughton: Ticking boxes doesn't protect childrenTue, 24 Nov 2009 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113236/social-pedagogy-courses-to-be-launched-next-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113236/social-pedagogy-courses-to-be-launched-next-year.htmlA series of qualifications in social pedagogy, including a Level 3 certificate and masters degree, are being developed in the UK.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113222/row-between-directors-and-ofsted-escalates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113222/row-between-directors-and-ofsted-escalates.htmlThe row between directors and Ofsted escalated today, with directors (led by Kim Bromley-Derry, pictured) challenging the watchdog to radically change its inspection models. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/23/113219/news-round-up-ofsted-failures-and-child-death-threats.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/23/113219/news-round-up-ofsted-failures-and-child-death-threats.htmlOther headlines in today's papers:- Teenagers risk kidney failure in drug craze; Row over plans to provide free marriage guidance counselling on NHS and Assisted suicide proposals ‘unacceptable in a civilised society’ – Roman Catholic bishopsMon, 23 Nov 2009 09:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/23/113221/news-round-up-ofsted-failures-and-child-death-threats.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/23/113221/news-round-up-ofsted-failures-and-child-death-threats.htmlOther headlines in today's papers:- Teenagers risk kidney failure in drug craze; Row over plans to provide free marriage guidance counselling on NHS and Assisted suicide proposals ‘unacceptable in a civilised society’ – Roman Catholic bishopsMon, 23 Nov 2009 09:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113213/bill-will-see-expert-witnesses-identified-in-family-courts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113213/bill-will-see-expert-witnesses-identified-in-family-courts.htmlExpert witnesses in family courts will be identified under new legislation the government is proposing to put through the last parliament before a general...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/20/113202/news-round-up-the-un-gave-children-rights-its-time-we-consulted-them.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/20/113202/news-round-up-the-un-gave-children-rights-its-time-we-consulted-them.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Sadistic mother-of-eight battered her children with belt, meat mallet and even a garlic crusher; Free NHS from politics former chief says; Grandmother wins Supreme Court ruling on care of three-year-old boy Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/20/113208/the-un-gave-children-rights-its-time-we-consulted-them.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/20/113208/the-un-gave-children-rights-its-time-we-consulted-them.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Sadistic mother-of-eight battered her children with belt, meat mallet and even a garlic crusher; Free NHS from politics former chief says; Grandmother wins Supreme Court ruling on care of three-year-old boy Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/20/113201/aynsley-green-invest-more-in-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/20/113201/aynsley-green-invest-more-in-childrens-services.htmlThe children's commissioner has called on the government and all political parties to commit to continued investment in children's services to safeguard...Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113196/social-worker-who-lied-about-her-childs-injuries-is-struck-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113196/social-worker-who-lied-about-her-childs-injuries-is-struck-off.html A heroin-addicted social worker who placed her 13-month-old daughter's life at risk by lying to doctors about injuries caused by the girl's father has been struck offhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113193/news-round-up-free-care-swine-flu-youth-unemployment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113193/news-round-up-free-care-swine-flu-youth-unemployment.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Gordon Brown's bid to defuse youth unemployment timebomb; Swine flu surge among UK children may lead to intensive care bed shortage; Labour peers savage Brown's free care planThu, 19 Nov 2009 08:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113194/free-care-swine-flu-youth-unemployment-social-enterprise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113194/free-care-swine-flu-youth-unemployment-social-enterprise.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Gordon Brown's bid to defuse youth unemployment timebomb; Swine flu surge among UK children may lead to intensive care bed shortage; Labour peers savage Brown's free care planThu, 19 Nov 2009 08:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113190/government-pledges-swift-response-to-taskforce-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113190/government-pledges-swift-response-to-taskforce-report.htmlThe government has pledged to respond to the Social Work Task Force's report in a similar manner to its swift response to Lord Laming's report on child protection. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/18/113188/care-uk-profits-up-25.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/18/113188/care-uk-profits-up-25.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Queen's speech 2009: child poverty bill; Facebook 'fails to protect children'; Free care at home for 'all who need it': Brown pledges £670million Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/18/113187/news-round-up-care-uk-profits-up-25.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/18/113187/news-round-up-care-uk-profits-up-25.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Queen's speech 2009: child poverty bill; Facebook 'fails to protect children'; Free care at home for 'all who need it': Brown pledges £670million Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/17/113183/government-backs-down-on-named-guardians-law-change.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/17/113183/government-backs-down-on-named-guardians-law-change.html The government has backed down on changing the law on named guardians in family court proceedings. Ministers had been considering using parliamentary...Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113181/one-in-five-children-in-care-say-their-situation-has-worsened.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113181/one-in-five-children-in-care-say-their-situation-has-worsened.htmlOne in five children in care feel things have gotten worse for them and others in care according to the government's ...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113180/home-office-will-repeal-ban-on-help-for-failed-asylum-seekers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113180/home-office-will-repeal-ban-on-help-for-failed-asylum-seekers.htmlAsylum campaigners have hailed government proposals to repeal a controversial law that withdrew support from failed asylum ­seekers. Lisa Nandy, chair...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113178/councils-asked-to-report-impact-of-swine-flu-on-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113178/councils-asked-to-report-impact-of-swine-flu-on-social-care.htmlEnglish councils are being asked to provide weekly reports on how social services in their areas are coping with pandemic flu.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113172/baby-p-social-workers-gscc-yet-to-decide-on-conduct-proceedings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113172/baby-p-social-workers-gscc-yet-to-decide-on-conduct-proceedings.htmlThe General Social Care Council is yet to decide whether to bring conduct proceedings against social workers involved in the baby Peter case, one year after...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113174/dcsf-produces-consultation-on-childrens-trust-guidance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113174/dcsf-produces-consultation-on-childrens-trust-guidance.htmlThe Department for Children, Schools and Families has published its long-awaited consultation on children's trust guidance and the new Children and Young People's Plan regulations (CYPP).Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113155/newly-qualified-social-worker-wendy-lowe-stays-positive.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113155/newly-qualified-social-worker-wendy-lowe-stays-positive.htmlNothing, not even a media hammering, could put newly qualified social worker Wendy Lowe off her career choice, writes Karen Higginbottom http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113153/professional-boundaries-in-childrens-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113153/professional-boundaries-in-childrens-homes.htmlHow far should social workers go in building relationships with children in residential care? Camilla Pemberton looks at where the limits should be set and whether befriending is possible in some circumstances http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113162/letters-to-community-care-19-november-2009.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113162/letters-to-community-care-19-november-2009.htmlBASW has misunderstood the purpose of the ICS Improvement Guidance issued by the DCSF ( "BASW...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113163/charity-accuses-government-of-u-turn-on-asylum-welfare.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113163/charity-accuses-government-of-u-turn-on-asylum-welfare.htmlThe Refugee Council has accused the government of making a "mockery" of its commitment on the welfare of children in the asylum system by proposing to limit access to benefits for their families.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/13/113161/catalogue-of-failures-led-to-liam-mcmanus-death.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/13/113161/catalogue-of-failures-led-to-liam-mcmanus-death.htmlThe Youth Justice Board and St Helens Council's social services have been slammed by jurors at an inquest into the death...Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113121/lga-baby-peter-case-hits-social-worker-retention-rates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113121/lga-baby-peter-case-hits-social-worker-retention-rates.htmlCouncils are finding it increasingly difficult to hold on to children's social workers in the wake of the baby Peter case, according to a Local Government Association survey.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113143/differentiated-services-for-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113143/differentiated-services-for-disabled-children.htmlThe Centre for Excellence and Outcomes presents the latest guidance on the importance of 'differentiated' services for disabled childrenhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113138/services-threatened-by-london-councils-fees-cut-proposal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113138/services-threatened-by-london-councils-fees-cut-proposal.htmlFoster care and children's homes providers have reacted angrily to London Councils' request to cut their fees because of the recession.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113135/funding-boost-for-wokingham-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113135/funding-boost-for-wokingham-childrens-services.htmlWokingham children's services has received £1.1m of one-off funding to put towards social worker recruitment and the implementation of the integrated children's system (ICS).Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113134/news-round-up-public-sector-local-authorities-unemployment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113134/news-round-up-public-sector-local-authorities-unemployment.htmlLabour's plan for 'John Lewis' public services Hospitals and schools would be transformed into John Lewis-style partnerships under radical plans that could form a central plank of Labour's general election manifesto.Public sector bodies, which would also include leisure centres, housing organisations and social care providers, would be allowed to take control of their own affairs if staff and users voted in favour.Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113133/failings-in-transition-support-blight-lives-of-disabled-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113133/failings-in-transition-support-blight-lives-of-disabled-people.htmlDisabled teenagers are being held back by a lack of sufficient support during the transition from child to adult services, according to a new study. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113142/social-workers-advise-on-a-case-involving-a-mother-with-mental-health-problems.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113142/social-workers-advise-on-a-case-involving-a-mother-with-mental-health-problems.htmlPractitioners and experts comment on a case in which a young man has alerted the NSPCC to his mother's paranoid and potentially dangerous behaviour Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/11/113119/ofsted-only-now-discovers-vital-shoesmith-evidence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/11/113119/ofsted-only-now-discovers-vital-shoesmith-evidence.htmlOfsted has "discovered" vital evidence relating to the judicial review hearing for Sharon Shoesmith, the sacked former director of children's services at Haringey. Picture credit: Rex FeaturesWed, 11 Nov 2009 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113115/ofsted-to-revise-childrens-inspection-frameworks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113115/ofsted-to-revise-childrens-inspection-frameworks.htmlOfsted plans to revise its frameworks for inspection of children's social care remits over the next 12 to 18 months.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113114/adopters-urged-to-take-on-more-than-one-child.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113114/adopters-urged-to-take-on-more-than-one-child.htmlProspective adoptive parents should be urged to consider sibling group placements, Action for Children says.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113113/swansea-social-worker-wins-compensation-after-conduct-reversal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113113/swansea-social-worker-wins-compensation-after-conduct-reversal.htmlA social worker sacked after being wrongly struck off the register for misconduct has accepted £8,800 in compensation from the council that employed her. Swansea...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/09/113106/tireless-commitment-of-social-worker-of-the-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/09/113106/tireless-commitment-of-social-worker-of-the-year.htmlSocial worker of the year Dee Jethwa tells Daniel Lombard about her commitment to social work, which the judges described as "tireless" Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/09/113105/unison-scottish-childrens-home-workers-face-training-crisis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/09/113105/unison-scottish-childrens-home-workers-face-training-crisis.htmlScottish children's home workers may struggle to meet new minimum qualification requirements because of possible cuts in training budgets caused by the recession, Unison has warned.Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/09/113104/news-round-up-sex-abuse-by-women-alzheimers-and-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/09/113104/news-round-up-sex-abuse-by-women-alzheimers-and-carers.htmlThe number of children reporting sexual abuse by women to helpline service ChildLine has more than doubled over the past five years, it was revealed today. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113100/basw-and-adcs-call-for-less-blame-in-serious-case-reviews.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113100/basw-and-adcs-call-for-less-blame-in-serious-case-reviews.htmlSocial workers and directors of children's services have called for serious case reviews to use a no-blame "systems approach" as developed by the Social...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113097/legacy-of-tragedy-baby-p-one-year-on.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113097/legacy-of-tragedy-baby-p-one-year-on.htmlChild protection services have come under unprecedented pressure in the year since the death of Peter Connelly entered the public arena. Molly Garboden reports http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113091/successful-multi-agency-working-in-wolverhampton.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113091/successful-multi-agency-working-in-wolverhampton.htmlA multi-agency group in Wolverhampton has pooled resources and solved the tricky problem of finding local placements for children with complex needs. Camilla Pemberton reportshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/06/113088/drug-and-alcohol-teams-to-share-more-information-on-clients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/06/113088/drug-and-alcohol-teams-to-share-more-information-on-clients.htmlDrug and alcohol treatment services should be auditing caseloads to establish how many of their patients are parents or have responsibility for children, new guidance recommends.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113068/news-round-up-social-work-row-parents-reunited-with-baby.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113068/news-round-up-social-work-row-parents-reunited-with-baby.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Daughter of couple who committed suicide calls for assisted dying debate; Managers 'one of the biggest threats to workers’ mental health' Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113075/mind-slams-mental-health-provision-for-asylum-seekers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113075/mind-slams-mental-health-provision-for-asylum-seekers.html Mindasylum The UK asylum system is triggering and exacerbating mental health problems in people seeking...Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113072/basw-brands-integrated-childrens-system-a-failure.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113072/basw-brands-integrated-childrens-system-a-failure.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has branded the implementation of the computerised integrated children's system (ICS), which records details of children receiving social care, a "systematic failure".Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113070/too-fat-social-work-row-parents-reunited-with-baby.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113070/too-fat-social-work-row-parents-reunited-with-baby.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Daughter of couple who committed suicide calls for assisted dying debate; Managers 'one of the biggest threats to workers’ mental health' Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113063/budget-fears-lead-nottingham-to-cut-number-of-children-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113063/budget-fears-lead-nottingham-to-cut-number-of-children-in-care.html Molly Garboden Nottingham Council wants to reduce the number of 16- to 18-year-olds in care in order to ease pressure on a tightening budget. Councillor...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113053/dcsf-outlines-funding-for-more-fips.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113053/dcsf-outlines-funding-for-more-fips.htmlThe government today announced new grant money for local authorities to help recruit and train frontline workers to meet the government's expanded targets for family intervention projects (FIP's).http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113055/mps-reject-return-to-ring-fencing-for-supporting-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113055/mps-reject-return-to-ring-fencing-for-supporting-people.htmlMPs today rejected calls to reinstate the ring fence for Supporting People but warned action must be taken to protect funding for vulnerable people receiving housing-related support.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/03/113052/dcsf-committed-to-budget-holding-professionals-despite-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/03/113052/dcsf-committed-to-budget-holding-professionals-despite-report.htmlThe government is pressing ahead with plans for professionals working with children in need to hold budgets, despite pilot schemes being rated as ineffective.Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113030/social-workers-lack-skills-to-identify-trafficked-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113030/social-workers-lack-skills-to-identify-trafficked-children.htmlTrafficked children are suffering because social workers lack the skills to identify and intervene on their behalf according to the Children's Society.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113039/ukba-will-now-safeguard-asylum-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113039/ukba-will-now-safeguard-asylum-children.htmlThe UK Borders Agency (UKBA) has done a u-turn and issued guidance to its employees on their duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children caught in the immigration, asylum and customs systems.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113043/social-worker-of-the-year-award-winner-announced.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113043/social-worker-of-the-year-award-winner-announced.htmlAn independent trainer credited with raising safeguarding standards among thousands of practitioners has been named UK social worker of the year. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/02/113037/adcs-and-ofsted-lock-horns-on-inspections.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/02/113037/adcs-and-ofsted-lock-horns-on-inspections.htmlThe president of the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS) has intensified his criticism of Ofsted's unannounced inspections.Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/02/113040/concurrent-planning-birth-parent-contact-can-distress-babies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/02/113040/concurrent-planning-birth-parent-contact-can-distress-babies.htmlHigh levels of contact between birth parents and babies in concurrent planning placements should be discouraged due to the stress it causes the babies, finds research by children's charity Coram.Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/02/113047/scotland-sees-further-rise-in-compulsory-interventions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/02/113047/scotland-sees-further-rise-in-compulsory-interventions.htmlMore children in Scotland were subject to compulsory intervention last year despite a fall in the number referred to the country’s children’s reporter.Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113019/what-form-should-a-national-social-work-college-take.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113019/what-form-should-a-national-social-work-college-take.htmlThe profession is firmly behind a new national college for social work, but the exact model it should adopt is still open to debate. Kirsty McGregor examines the options Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113016/revenue-and-customs-takes-harsh-line-on-tax-credit-overpayments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113016/revenue-and-customs-takes-harsh-line-on-tax-credit-overpayments.htmlSorting out notional overpayments of tax credits can cause a lot of worry but, although there are guidelines, the rules are not friendly, writes Gary VauxFri, 30 Oct 2009 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113015/person-centred-planning-for-young-people-with-autism.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113015/person-centred-planning-for-young-people-with-autism.htmlMolly Garboden reports on how person-centred planning can be adapted to benefit people with autism Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113012/news-round-upboys-10-held-over-girls-rape.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113012/news-round-upboys-10-held-over-girls-rape.htmlAlso in today's papers:- Baby's abusers are jailed for life, Tai Chi 'can ease the pain of arthritis', Nursery monster Vanessa George torments families from jail by naming victims in cynical bid to cut her sentenceFri, 30 Oct 2009 09:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113013/copy-of-news-round-upboys-10-held-over-girls-rape.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113013/copy-of-news-round-upboys-10-held-over-girls-rape.htmlAlso in today's papers:- Baby's abusers are jailed for life, Tai Chi 'can ease the pain of arthritis', Nursery monster Vanessa George torments families from jail by naming victims in cynical bid to cut her sentenceFri, 30 Oct 2009 09:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113007/the-impact-of-technology-on-supervised-contact.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/113007/the-impact-of-technology-on-supervised-contact.htmlWith the rise in mobile phone usage and social networking websites, how far should young people in foster care be monitored to thwart manipulative birth parents, asks Jo Stephenson http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/29/112963/councils-not-using-caf-because-of-increased-referrals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/29/112963/councils-not-using-caf-because-of-increased-referrals.htmlCouncils are shying away from implementing the common assessment framework (CAF) because in some areas it has resulted in increased referrals to already beleagued care services it has emerged. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/29/113004/young-offenders-should-face-victims-says-prison-reform-trust.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/29/113004/young-offenders-should-face-victims-says-prison-reform-trust.htmlRestorative justice, where offenders face their victims, has a greater impact on youth reoffending rates than custodial sentencing and satisfies 89% of victims according to a new report from the Prison Reform Trust. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/29/113005/news-round-up-suicide-bid-girl-released-from-immigration-centre.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/29/113005/news-round-up-suicide-bid-girl-released-from-immigration-centre.htmlA 10-year-old Nigerian girl who attempted suicide after being detained for a second time in an immigration removal centre has been released with her mother on the orders of Home Secretary Alan Johnson, the High Court was told today. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112998/new-centre-pledges-to-drive-up-standards-of-case-inquiries.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112998/new-centre-pledges-to-drive-up-standards-of-case-inquiries.htmlA new centre for inquiries into the deaths of children and vulnerable adults is being launched by two universities to help services learn lessons from serious cases.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/28/112977/children-act-20-years-on-the-lord-laming-verdict.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/28/112977/children-act-20-years-on-the-lord-laming-verdict.htmlBy any standard the Children Act 1989 was a landmark piece of legislation. It continues to be a credit to the parliamentarians and officials who successfully negotiated it on to the statute bookWed, 28 Oct 2009 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/28/112987/ministers-moot-changes-to-named-guardians-law.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/28/112987/ministers-moot-changes-to-named-guardians-law.htmlThe Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has admitted ministers are considering changing the law around the role of named guardians to represent children in court. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/27/112976/children-act-20-years-on-views-from-sector-leaders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/27/112976/children-act-20-years-on-views-from-sector-leaders.htmlChildren Act: has it worked? We asked four senior figures from the children's sector if the Children Act has fulfilled its potential to transform...Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/27/112969/children-act-20-years-on-is-the-defintion-of-children-in-need-too-restrictive.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/27/112969/children-act-20-years-on-is-the-defintion-of-children-in-need-too-restrictive.htmlDespite the good intentions on supporting children defined as 'in need', many practitioners are finding the bar set too high,...Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/27/112988/doubts-over-councils-commitment-to-children-act-1989.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/27/112988/doubts-over-councils-commitment-to-children-act-1989.htmlMost social workers believe the Children Act 1989 is still fit for purpose, according to a survey conducted by Community Care to mark the Act's 20th anniversary. But many are concerned about local authorities' adherence to the laws.Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/27/112986/baby-ps-mother-drops-appeal-against-sentence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/27/112986/baby-ps-mother-drops-appeal-against-sentence.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Children of prisoners not considered by 90% of local authorities; Jail release 'cover-up' as 48 criminals are freed to murder and rape in a single yearTue, 27 Oct 2009 09:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/27/112985/news-round-up-baby-ps-mother-drops-appeal-against-sentence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/27/112985/news-round-up-baby-ps-mother-drops-appeal-against-sentence.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Children of prisoners not considered by 90% of local authorities; Jail release 'cover-up' as 48 criminals are freed to murder and rape in a single yearTue, 27 Oct 2009 09:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112965/ed-ballshilton-dawson-spat-the-sector-responds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112965/ed-ballshilton-dawson-spat-the-sector-responds.htmlNational children and adult services conference delegates respond to the bust up between Ed Balls and Hilton Dawson over social workers' record keeping.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112971/lets-not-publicise-all-negative-inspections-says-care-regulator.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112971/lets-not-publicise-all-negative-inspections-says-care-regulator.htmlNegative inspection findings should not be routinely released to the press, the chief executive of the Care Quality Commission has said.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112966/childrens-act-20-years-on-fathers-rights-under-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112966/childrens-act-20-years-on-fathers-rights-under-review.htmlCampaigners want reforms to the Children's Act to better reflect modern parenting and the growing role of fathers. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112957/cornwall-failing-to-protect-children-says-ofsted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112957/cornwall-failing-to-protect-children-says-ofsted.htmlCornwall's children's services are failing to ensure children and young people are safe and the council has failed to address or make improvements to problems recognised in a 2008 joint area review, according to Ofsted. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112951/honor-rhodes-why-i-love-the-children-act-1989.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112951/honor-rhodes-why-i-love-the-children-act-1989.htmlI love the Children Act 1989: its creation with cross party support, its elegant drafting, its very architecture. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112946/autism-bill-becomes-englands-first-law-for-specific-disability.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112946/autism-bill-becomes-englands-first-law-for-specific-disability.htmlThe Autism Bill has become England's first law covering a specific disability, after the House of Lords joined the Commons in backing the legislation. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112940/ombudsman-raps-bury-over-disabled-childrens-accommodation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112940/ombudsman-raps-bury-over-disabled-childrens-accommodation.htmlTwo seriously disabled children spent three years in unsuitable accommodation as a result of failures by Bury Council, a local government ombudsman found today.Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112942/radical-change-needed-to-protect-frontline-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112942/radical-change-needed-to-protect-frontline-services.htmlThere will have to be radical change in the way public services are delivered if frontline services are to be protected, the chair of the Local Government Association (LGA) has said. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112936/idea-joint-childrens-workforce-initiatives-bear-fruit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112936/idea-joint-childrens-workforce-initiatives-bear-fruit.htmlJoint training courses and cross-sector strategies are among the ingredients for effective integration in developing the children's workforce, a study has found. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112938/news-digest-nhs-bans-ageism.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112938/news-digest-nhs-bans-ageism.htmlAgeism in the NHS, which turns elderly patients into second-class citizens, is to be outlawed.Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112935/dh-bids-to-strengthen-learning-disability-partnership-boards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112935/dh-bids-to-strengthen-learning-disability-partnership-boards.htmlThe Department of Health launched guidance today to help improve the performance of learning disability partnership boards.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112934/influence-of-alcohol-on-families-is-rising-say-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112934/influence-of-alcohol-on-families-is-rising-say-social-workers.htmlMost social workers believe family problems related to parental alcohol misuse are on the rise but don’t feel they have enough training to tackle the problem, according to a new survey.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112933/career-clinic-sickness-absences-are-overwhelming-my-team.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112933/career-clinic-sickness-absences-are-overwhelming-my-team.html Q: I am a manager of a children and families referral unit in a local authority that has seen a sharp rise in referrals in the last six months. Staff have...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112930/childrens-act-hits-its-20th-birthday-sir-roger-singletons-views.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112930/childrens-act-hits-its-20th-birthday-sir-roger-singletons-views.htmlIt is often believed that the Children Act 1989 was principally a response to the enquiry into child sexual...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/21/112921/news-round-up-thousands-more-children-put-in-care-as-staff-fear-another-baby-p.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/21/112921/news-round-up-thousands-more-children-put-in-care-as-staff-fear-another-baby-p.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Girl, 16, died from heroin overdose despite mother's pleas for social services to save her daughter; Labour drive to make services more efficient Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/21/112922/thousands-more-children-put-in-care-as-staff-fear-another-baby-p.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/21/112922/thousands-more-children-put-in-care-as-staff-fear-another-baby-p.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Girl, 16, died from heroin overdose despite mother's pleas for social services to save her daughter; Labour drive to make services more efficient Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112920/long-awaited-dementia-drugs-review-published-next-month.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112920/long-awaited-dementia-drugs-review-published-next-month.htmlThe long-awaited review into the prescribing of antipsychotic drugs for people with dementia will report next month, the government has announced.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112916/head-of-basw-to-meet-with-troubled-cornwall-council.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112916/head-of-basw-to-meet-with-troubled-cornwall-council.htmlHilton Dawson, chief executive of the British Association of Social Workers, is visiting Cornwall’s troubled social services department next week for a meeting with the council’s deputy director and social workers. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/20/112907/care-applications-to-cafcass-continue-to-soar.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/20/112907/care-applications-to-cafcass-continue-to-soar.htmlThe continuing increase in care applications by England's local authorities, following the Baby Peter case, could cause a "catastrophe" in children's services unless central and local government put in place joined-up strategies to deal with its impact. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112908/cornwall-childrens-director-quits-over-ofsted-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112908/cornwall-childrens-director-quits-over-ofsted-probe.htmlCornwall’s director for children, schools and families, Dean Ashton, has resigned in anticipation of a highly critical Ofsted report.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112910/mps-wait-on-shoesmith-verdict-before-questioning-ofsted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112910/mps-wait-on-shoesmith-verdict-before-questioning-ofsted.htmlMPs have been told they must wait for judgement in the Sharon Shoesmith case before they can question Ofsted over claims it “manipulated” performance data in its report on Haringey’s children’s services. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112906/dh-tells-adult-care-directors-to-get-ready-for-swine-flu-vaccine.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112906/dh-tells-adult-care-directors-to-get-ready-for-swine-flu-vaccine.htmlThe Department of Health has written to adult social care directors urging them to finalise plans to vaccinate frontline social care staff against swine flu, with the inoculation programme due to begin this month.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112901/ed-balls-accused-of-being-a-bit-of-a-bully.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112901/ed-balls-accused-of-being-a-bit-of-a-bully.htmlThe children's secretary Ed Balls has been branded "a bit of a bully" by the chair of the children's, schools and families select committee after appointing Maggie Atkinson as England's new children's commissioner. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112902/news-round-up-prisoners-children-ignored-by-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112902/news-round-up-prisoners-children-ignored-by-councils.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Searching google can help delay dementia; Dozens of teachers with criminal convictions remain in classroom; Surge in children taken into care as recession stress takes toll on parents Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112905/prisoners-children-ignored-by-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112905/prisoners-children-ignored-by-councils.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Searching google can help delay dementia; Dozens of teachers with criminal convictions remain in classroom; Surge in children taken into care as recession stress takes toll on parents Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112895/fostering-a-childs-recovery-by-mike-thomas-and-terry-philpot.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112895/fostering-a-childs-recovery-by-mike-thomas-and-terry-philpot.htmlThis book, the last in a series, is intended to be practical and practice-based, writes Carolyn Cousinshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112892/adopion-and-fostering-agencies-worried-about-management-qualifications.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112892/adopion-and-fostering-agencies-worried-about-management-qualifications.htmlRecruiting managers could become more difficult for England's children's homes and fostering and adoption agencies, if new standards are brought in. Corin Williams reports http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112883/news-round-up-cot-death-bed-sharing-warning-misinterpreted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112883/news-round-up-cot-death-bed-sharing-warning-misinterpreted.htmlOther headliens in today's papers include:- End of bedtime stories is wrecking our children's speech, warns Government's new 'communications champion'; Urban residents living near parks are healthier and less depressed.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112890/cot-death-warning-on-sharing-bed-with-baby-misinterpreted-expert.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112890/cot-death-warning-on-sharing-bed-with-baby-misinterpreted-expert.htmlOther headliens in today's papers include:- End of bedtime stories is wrecking our children's speech, warns Government's new 'communications champion'; Urban residents living near parks are healthier and less depressed.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/16/112891/the-risk-factor-young-offender-disowned-by-mother.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/16/112891/the-risk-factor-young-offender-disowned-by-mother.html Weighing up the risks ● Multi-agency approach allows expert input There is always a risk of Kyle re-offending, but with several sources...Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/16/112884/news-round-up-child-protection-system-is-still-failing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/16/112884/news-round-up-child-protection-system-is-still-failing.htmlOther headliens in today's papers include:- Boy, 8, has 'sex change'; Shadowmancer author Graham Taylor stops writing to care for sick daughter; Urban residents living near parks are healthier and less depressed.Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112875/scrs-boards-driving-improvements-and-learning-lessons.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112875/scrs-boards-driving-improvements-and-learning-lessons.htmlLocal safeguarding children's boards (LSCBs) are driving improvements in serious case reviews Ofsted's second report, ‘Learning lessons from serious case reviews: Year 2’, has found. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112878/deidre-sanders-tells-gscc-conference-tide-has-turned.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112878/deidre-sanders-tells-gscc-conference-tide-has-turned.htmlThe “tide has turned” in media reporting of social work, according to The Sun’s agony aunt Deidre Sanders.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112803/ofsted-serious-case-reviews-still-need-improvement.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112803/ofsted-serious-case-reviews-still-need-improvement.htmlFigures published by Ofsted today revealed an increase in the number of serious case reviews rated as good since January 2008, but a proportion of inadequate serious case reviews which remains "too high".http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/15/112859/adoption-placements-down-by-11-this-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/15/112859/adoption-placements-down-by-11-this-year.htmlThe number of looked-after children being placed for adoption has fallen by 11% since March 2008, according to statistics published by the Department for Children, Schools and Families. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/15/112873/watchdog-finds-child-protection-system-is-still-failing-to-safeguard.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/15/112873/watchdog-finds-child-protection-system-is-still-failing-to-safeguard.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Father arrested after two children found dead in Manchester; Adult autism sufferers 'cast adrift'; NHS review to 'prevent any more Baby P deaths'Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/15/112872/news-round-up-ofsted-finds-serious-case-review-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/15/112872/news-round-up-ofsted-finds-serious-case-review-failings.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Father arrested after two children found dead in Manchester; Adult autism sufferers 'cast adrift'; NHS review to 'prevent any more Baby P deaths'Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/15/112869/mental-health-trusts-must-improve-on-learning-disabilitycamhs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/15/112869/mental-health-trusts-must-improve-on-learning-disabilitycamhs.htmlMental health trusts must improve services for people with learning disabilities and children and young people, a sector leader has admitted as the Care Quality Commission identified problems in both areas in its annual health check, published today.Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/14/112857/stephen-fry-and-alastair-campbell-join-mental-health-campaign.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/14/112857/stephen-fry-and-alastair-campbell-join-mental-health-campaign.htmlAlastair Campbell and Stephen Fry have joined leading scientists and campaigners in calling for a near trebling of mental health research spending over the next five years.Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112851/government-accused-of-abuse-over-immigration-centres.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112851/government-accused-of-abuse-over-immigration-centres.htmlThe government has been accused of 'state-sanctioned neglect' over its policy of detaining children in immigration removal centres after a report found it harmed children's mental and physical well-being. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112861/dcsf-moves-to-ease-adoptions-from-other-countries.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112861/dcsf-moves-to-ease-adoptions-from-other-countries.htmlProspective adopters of children living overseas may no longer have to travel to the child's country of origin to meet the child before being approved for adoption. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/13/112849/news-roundup-abuser-vanessa-george-admits-crimes-were-vile.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/13/112849/news-roundup-abuser-vanessa-george-admits-crimes-were-vile.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Children made 'sick with fear' in UK immigration detention centres; Heavily pregnant mother of eight held by nursery paedophile ring detectives; High Court reinstates nurse who exposed neglect; Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/13/112850/child-abuser-vanessa-george-admits-crimes-were-vile.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/13/112850/child-abuser-vanessa-george-admits-crimes-were-vile.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Children made 'sick with fear' in UK immigration detention centres; Heavily pregnant mother of eight held by nursery paedophile ring detectives; High Court reinstates nurse who exposed neglect; Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/13/112816/child-neglect-on-the-increase-says-action-for-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/13/112816/child-neglect-on-the-increase-says-action-for-children.htmlAction for Children has warned of an alarming rise in the number of child neglect cases in a survey released today.Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112844/care-commission-to-investigate-good-shepherd-centre.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112844/care-commission-to-investigate-good-shepherd-centre.htmlScotland’s Care Commission is to investigate the residential home from which two teenage girls absconded before apparently committing suicide.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/12/112837/birmingham-to-spend-2m-to-transform-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/12/112837/birmingham-to-spend-2m-to-transform-social-work.htmlBirmingham City Council is spending more than £2m to transform its troubled children’s services team, Community Care has learned. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/12/112840/coping-with-the-increase-in-demand-for-foster-care-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/12/112840/coping-with-the-increase-in-demand-for-foster-care-services.htmlFostering agencies are under severe pressure to meet referral demands in the wake of the baby Peter case. By Sally Gillen Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112813/shoesmith-appeal-haringey-council-hearing-a-farce.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112813/shoesmith-appeal-haringey-council-hearing-a-farce.htmlSharon Shoesmith, the former director of Haringey’s children’s services sacked over the Baby Peter case, has claimed the council hearing into her dismissal was a “farce”. (Pic credit: Rex Features)http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112823/police-referrals-swamped-haringey.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112823/police-referrals-swamped-haringey.htmlHaringey social workers were facing a deluge of "unnecessary" referrals from local police at the time of the Baby Peter case, the High Court was told yesterday.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112827/exposing-the-vetting-and-barring-scheme-myths.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112827/exposing-the-vetting-and-barring-scheme-myths.htmlThe Vetting and Barring Scheme launches this week after a wave of public criticism and occasional hysteria. Corin Williams looks at its workings http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/09/112821/we-must-learn-to-appreciate-the-less-gifted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/09/112821/we-must-learn-to-appreciate-the-less-gifted.htmlHeadteacher Dawn Forshaw is concerned that young people's adulation of celebrities might diminish the...Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/09/112820/changing-the-behaviour-of-boys-from-ethnic-minority-communities-in-south-london.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/09/112820/changing-the-behaviour-of-boys-from-ethnic-minority-communities-in-south-london.htmlAn Action for Children project to support ethnic minority boys affected by absent fathers has brought huge improvements in behaviour and family relationships,...Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/09/112817/top-welsh-official-social-care-commissioning-inconsistent.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/09/112817/top-welsh-official-social-care-commissioning-inconsistent.htmlA top Welsh government official has said social care commissioning in the country is inconsistent and that new standards will provide an "important benchmark" for evaluating council performance in future.Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112809/shoesmith-received-supportive-emails-high-court-hears.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112809/shoesmith-received-supportive-emails-high-court-hears.htmlSharon Shoesmith received supportive emails from senior children’s professionals after the notorious press conference on Baby Peter’s death, it emerged in court yesterday. (Pic: Rex Features)Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112805/news-round-up-sharon-shoesmith-seeks-compensation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112805/news-round-up-sharon-shoesmith-seeks-compensation.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Daughter sees father jailed for three decades of sexual abuse; Scots could get pay rise while England freeze; Mother of suicide girl Neve Lafferty speaks about her lossThu, 08 Oct 2009 08:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112806/sharon-shoesmith-seeks-compensation-for-sacking-over-baby-p.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112806/sharon-shoesmith-seeks-compensation-for-sacking-over-baby-p.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Daughter sees father jailed for three decades of sexual abuse; Scots could get pay rise while England freeze; Mother of suicide girl Neve Lafferty speaks about her lossThu, 08 Oct 2009 08:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112804/unions-slam-tory-proposals-to-freeze-social-workers-pay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112804/unions-slam-tory-proposals-to-freeze-social-workers-pay.htmlTrade unions have slammed Tory proposals to freeze pay for local authority social workers and care staff in 2011. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112802/too-many-children-being-taken-into-care-says-social-services-chief.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112802/too-many-children-being-taken-into-care-says-social-services-chief.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Shoesmith launches legal challenge against Ed Balls; New child safety unit to help social workers; Vaccine may help treatment for cocaine addiction, study findshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112798/news-round-up-too-many-children-being-taken-into-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112798/news-round-up-too-many-children-being-taken-into-care.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Shoesmith launches legal challenge against Ed Balls; New child safety unit to help social workers; Vaccine may help treatment for cocaine addiction, study findshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/06/112791/inquiry-into-care-home-girls-who-leapt-to-their-deaths.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/06/112791/inquiry-into-care-home-girls-who-leapt-to-their-deaths.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Teenage mother who stubbed out cigarette on her baby daughter's back because she was 'stressed out' is jailed; Study reveals alarming level of drug errors in care homesTue, 06 Oct 2009 10:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/06/112790/news-round-up-inquiry-into-care-home-girls-who-leapt-to-their-deaths.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/06/112790/news-round-up-inquiry-into-care-home-girls-who-leapt-to-their-deaths.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Teenage mother who stubbed out cigarette on her baby daughter's back because she was 'stressed out' is jailed; Study reveals alarming level of drug errors in care homesTue, 06 Oct 2009 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112788/birmingham-childrens-services-slated-in-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112788/birmingham-childrens-services-slated-in-report.html Birmingham children's services slated in report judy.cooper@rbi.co.uk Birmingham Council's scrutiny committee has detailed a catalogue of faults...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112786/childrens-champion-at-the-local-government-association.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112786/childrens-champion-at-the-local-government-association.htmlShireen Ritchie is best known as the step mum of Madonna’s ex-husband Guy Ritchie. Less well known is the fact that her own mother was adopted, all of which gives her first hand experience of the complexities of modern family life. This should stand her in good stead as the new chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112766/good-practice-multi-agency-child-protection-in-wimbledon.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112766/good-practice-multi-agency-child-protection-in-wimbledon.htmlThe relationship between child protection social workers and local police is key. In Wimbledon better joint working is producing tangible improvements, writes Andrew Mickel http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112764/can-all-families-be-worked-with.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112764/can-all-families-be-worked-with.htmlBarnardo's head Martin Narey (below) has suggested that we are not taking enough children into care and that professionals are under too much pressure to continue working with families who "can't be fixed". Here, sector leaders join the debate http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/02/112751/news-round-up-child-abuse-trio-plead-guilty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/02/112751/news-round-up-child-abuse-trio-plead-guilty.htmlOthers headlines in today's papers include:- Cut NHS costs to pay off debt, IMF warns Britain; Vanessa George and Angela Allen abused toddlers for Facebook 'friend' they never met; Parents arrested over death of girl, 8, found hanged in bedroom; Treatments helping addicts, says drug study Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/02/112752/child-abuse-trio-plead-guilty-but-parents-pain-goes-on.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/02/112752/child-abuse-trio-plead-guilty-but-parents-pain-goes-on.htmlOthers headlines in today's papers include:- Cut NHS costs to pay off debt, IMF warns Britain; Vanessa George and Angela Allen abused toddlers for Facebook 'friend' they never met; Parents arrested over death of girl, 8, found hanged in bedroom; Treatments helping addicts, says drug study Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/01/112740/experts-blast-lack-of-alzheimers-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/01/112740/experts-blast-lack-of-alzheimers-support.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Media accused of scaremongering on cancer jab death; Aging population heralds rise of the 'supercentenarian' and Older People's Day marks start of hunt for inspirational Britons.Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/01/112739/news-round-up-experts-blast-lack-of-alzheimers-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/01/112739/news-round-up-experts-blast-lack-of-alzheimers-support.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Media accused of scaremongering on cancer jab death; Aging population heralds rise of the 'supercentenarian' and Older People's Day marks start of hunt for inspirational Britons.Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/01/112702/fostering-network-campaign-seeks-more-status-for-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/01/112702/fostering-network-campaign-seeks-more-status-for-carers.htmlThe Fostering Network today launched a campaign - backed by 12 other children's charities - for more support and recognition for the UK's foster carers to "revive the struggling care system".Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/30/112728/confusion-and-concern-over-labours-plan-to-house-young-mothers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/30/112728/confusion-and-concern-over-labours-plan-to-house-young-mothers.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- 'Billions could be saved' in public services revamp, Total Place finds; Enhance foster care to lift children's prospects, says Fostering NetworkWed, 30 Sep 2009 08:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/30/112727/news-round-up-confusion-over-plan-to-house-young-mothers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/30/112727/news-round-up-confusion-over-plan-to-house-young-mothers.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- 'Billions could be saved' in public services revamp, Total Place finds; Enhance foster care to lift children's prospects, says Fostering NetworkWed, 30 Sep 2009 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/29/112703/ed-balls-announces-measures-to-boost-sen-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/29/112703/ed-balls-announces-measures-to-boost-sen-support.htmlDisabled children and pupils with special educational needs (SEN) should receive more educational support under proposals announced yesterday by children's secretary Ed Balls. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/29/112706/scottish-labour-reiterates-call-to-increase-care-population.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/29/112706/scottish-labour-reiterates-call-to-increase-care-population.htmlThe Scottish Labour Party has reiterated calls for more children to be taken into care in a debate on child protection in the Scottish Parliament last week.Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112704/liverpool-unveils-1.7m-restructure-of-social-work-teams.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112704/liverpool-unveils-1.7m-restructure-of-social-work-teams.htmlLiverpool Council has announced plans to recruit 31 more social workers and managers as part of a £1.7m restructure of its children and families teams. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/27/112447/legal-update-why-are-parents-allowed-to-harm-their-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/27/112447/legal-update-why-are-parents-allowed-to-harm-their-children.html Why do the courts allow parents to harm children? Ed Mitchell describes a case in which the High Court turned down a council's bid to take children...Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112687/inside-the-child-exploitation-and-online-protection-centre.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112687/inside-the-child-exploitation-and-online-protection-centre.htmlChild abusers have grown increasingly adept at exploiting the internet to disseminate child pornography andgroom children but the fightback is well under way and producing results, writes Andrew Mickel http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112686/cafcass-cuts-jobs-to-tackle-post-baby-p-budget-crisis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112686/cafcass-cuts-jobs-to-tackle-post-baby-p-budget-crisis.htmlCafcass is cutting almost 70 jobs, including those of three corporate directors who report directly to chief executive Anthony Douglas (pictured), as it looks to balance its budget following huge extra pressures caused by a surge in care applications.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/25/112685/hammersmith-fulham-deadline-nears-on-new-staff-terms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/25/112685/hammersmith-fulham-deadline-nears-on-new-staff-terms.htmlHammersmith and Fulham Council insists it will be able to deliver all statutory services, including social work and mental health, as a deadline looms for staff to accept reduced terms and conditions.Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112675/panel-swayed-by-childs-death-in-barring-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112675/panel-swayed-by-childs-death-in-barring-social-worker.htmlA Care Council for Wales conduct committee has been accused of being overly influenced by a child's death in its decision to bar a Swansea social worker in relation to the case.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/24/112668/ombudsman-croydon-failed-family-due-to-poor-joint-working.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/24/112668/ombudsman-croydon-failed-family-due-to-poor-joint-working.htmlCroydon Council has agreed to pay £20,000 to a family whose needs it failed to meet due to a lack of joint working between education and social services.Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/24/112658/faint-praise-for-social-workers-from-foster-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/24/112658/faint-praise-for-social-workers-from-foster-carers.html looked-after children Social work training in fostering 'must improve' Lack of support from children's commissioners is foster carers'...Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112670/family-nurse-partnership-boosts-outcomes-for-vulnerable.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112670/family-nurse-partnership-boosts-outcomes-for-vulnerable.htmlThe family nurse partnership (FNP) programme is improving outcomes for vulnerable families by helping young mothers improve their babies’ health and involving more fathers in their children's early years.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112672/supporting-care-leavers-into-higher-education.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112672/supporting-care-leavers-into-higher-education.html Charities such as Break in Norfolk, and many universities are pointing the way forward when it comes to helping care leavers enter higher education. Camilla...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/23/112674/legal-update-when-information-can-and-cannot-be-disclosed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/23/112674/legal-update-when-information-can-and-cannot-be-disclosed.htmlEd Mitchell considers the complex area of when information can and cannot be disclosed in...Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/23/112666/fiona-pilkington-bullies-still-causing-problems.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/23/112666/fiona-pilkington-bullies-still-causing-problems.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Study finds no evidence of autism surge in children; British paedophiles escape justice; Families may face assisted suicide chargesWed, 23 Sep 2009 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/23/112664/news-round-up-fiona-pilkington-bullies-still-causing-problems.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/23/112664/news-round-up-fiona-pilkington-bullies-still-causing-problems.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Study finds no evidence of autism surge in children; British paedophiles escape justice; Families may face assisted suicide chargesWed, 23 Sep 2009 10:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/23/112645/catholic-church-faces-increase-in-abuse-allegations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/23/112645/catholic-church-faces-increase-in-abuse-allegations.htmlThe Catholic Church faced an increase in abuse allegations in 2008 compared with the previous year, the church's safeguarding watchdog said in its first annual report today.Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112662/mother-who-killed-teenage-daughters-sentenced-to-33-years.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112662/mother-who-killed-teenage-daughters-sentenced-to-33-years.htmlA mother who stabbed her two teenage daughters to death after her marriage broke down was today sentenced to serve a minimum of 33 years in prison. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112661/cwdc-launches-peer-support-for-childrens-services-managers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112661/cwdc-launches-peer-support-for-childrens-services-managers.htmlThe Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) is launching a scheme to enable managers in children’s social work to share best practice through regular meetings and dialogue.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112648/gscc-strikes-off-social-worker-over-sex-abuse-claims.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112648/gscc-strikes-off-social-worker-over-sex-abuse-claims.htmlA social worker from Kent has been struck off the General Social Care Council’s (GSCC) register over allegations of sexual abuse dating back more than 20 years.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/21/112647/dementia-cases-to-double-in-next-20-years.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/21/112647/dementia-cases-to-double-in-next-20-years.htmlOther headlines in today's paper include: - Nick Clegg tries to talk his way out of trouble after call for ‘savage’ cuts; Two three-year-old boys investigated for vandalism become youngest criminal suspects in British historyMon, 21 Sep 2009 00:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/21/112643/news-round-up-dementia-cases-to-double-in-next-20-years.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/21/112643/news-round-up-dementia-cases-to-double-in-next-20-years.htmlOther headlines in today's paper include: - Nick Clegg tries to talk his way out of trouble after call for ‘savage’ cuts; Two three-year-old boys investigated for vandalism become youngest criminal suspects in British historyMon, 21 Sep 2009 00:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112639/when-child-protection-professionals-are-confronted-by-new-information-about-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112639/when-child-protection-professionals-are-confronted-by-new-information-about-cases.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence asks how professionals, particularly those dealing with child protection cases, can respond to new and challenging information http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112633/scottish-budget-hits-social-care-workforce-spending.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112633/scottish-budget-hits-social-care-workforce-spending.htmlDirect Scottish government spending on the development of the country’s social care workforce and capacity will fall next year, finance secretary John Swinney announced yesterday in his draft budget for 2010-11.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112632/web-review-family-intervention-projects.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112632/web-review-family-intervention-projects.htmlThis summer saw a media kerfuffle around the announced expansion of family intervention projects, focused mainly on the alleged use of CCTV in problem families' homes.Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112624/rise-of-the-social-enterprise-model-in-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112624/rise-of-the-social-enterprise-model-in-social-care.htmlSocial enterprises have their origins in the 19th century co-operative movement, but their ethos fits perfectly with that of modern-day social care, writes Mark Hunter Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112631/book-review-war-child.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112631/book-review-war-child.htmlWar Child is the harrowing account of Emmanuel Jal's time spent as a child soldier in the Sudanese civil war during the 1990s.Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112630/book-review-promoting-social-interaction-for-individuals-with-communicative-impairments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112630/book-review-promoting-social-interaction-for-individuals-with-communicative-impairments.htmlThis book takes its starting point from the premise that all people seek to share meaning with others through communication. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112628/book-review-being-interprofessional.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112628/book-review-being-interprofessional.htmlCalls for better working across professions are commonplace, but resources to help professionals to achieve this are not. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112625/ofsted-identifies-safeguarding-concerns-at-three-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112625/ofsted-identifies-safeguarding-concerns-at-three-councils.htmlOfsted has listed areas for priority action in three of five reports on unannounced inspections of local authority safeguarding services published this week.Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112638/age-assessment-dispute-leaves-young-afghan-asylum-seeker-destitute.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112638/age-assessment-dispute-leaves-young-afghan-asylum-seeker-destitute.htmlSocial workers and a service user comment on a case involving a young Afghan asylum seeker made destitute after a dispute over his age Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112621/surrey-chief-hails-social-workers-after-positive-ofsted-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112621/surrey-chief-hails-social-workers-after-positive-ofsted-report.htmlSurrey children's director Andy Roberts has praised social workers after an Ofsted report today highlighted big improvements in the council’s safeguarding services since a critical joint area review (JAR) last year. (Pic: Tom Parkes)Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112610/psychiatrists-call-for-crackdown-on-pro-eating-disorder-sites.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112610/psychiatrists-call-for-crackdown-on-pro-eating-disorder-sites.htmlThe Royal College of Psychiatrists has called for government action to protect young people from the influence of pro-eating disorder websites.Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112619/dcsf-5-rise-in-child-protection-plans-from-2007-8.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112619/dcsf-5-rise-in-child-protection-plans-from-2007-8.htmlThe number of children subject to child protection plans rose by almost 5% from 2007-8, according to Department for Children, Schools and Families figures released today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/17/112611/youth-justice-board-chair-review-independence-in-no-doubt.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/17/112611/youth-justice-board-chair-review-independence-in-no-doubt.htmlThe chair of the Youth Justice Board, Frances Done, has insisted that the first major review of the organisation will be subject to fully independent scrutiny, despite the fact she is its co-chair.Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/17/112601/childrens-society-end-detention-of-asylum-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/17/112601/childrens-society-end-detention-of-asylum-children.htmlThe detention of children in the immigration system should end because of the trauma it causes them, a Children’s Society manager told MPs yesterday.Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/17/112612/birmingham-journalist-shadows-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/17/112612/birmingham-journalist-shadows-social-worker.htmlJournalists are vociferous armchair experts who consistently lead the battle cry against social workers whenever a child dies in unexplained circumstances. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/17/112600/birmingham-journalist-spends-a-day-with-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/17/112600/birmingham-journalist-spends-a-day-with-social-worker.htmlJournalists are vociferous armchair experts who consistently lead the battle cry against social workers whenever a child dies in unexplained circumstances. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112594/action-for-children-early-intervention-would-save-486bn.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112594/action-for-children-early-intervention-would-save-486bn.htmlInvesting in early intervention and universal services for children and families would save the UK economy £486bn over the next 20 years and improve child well-being, it is claimed.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112599/implications-of-the-brandon-muir-case-for-scottish-child-protection-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112599/implications-of-the-brandon-muir-case-for-scottish-child-protection-services.htmlThe high rate of parental substance misuse is a cause for concern for child protection practitioners in Scotland. But how should services respond, asks Gordon Carson http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/16/112598/youth-justice-board-to-face-major-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/16/112598/youth-justice-board-to-face-major-review.htmlThe Youth Justice Board’s powers, accountability and operational capacity will be the subject of a major review over the next five months. Chair Frances Done (pictured) will lead the review along with Dame Sue StreetWed, 16 Sep 2009 00:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/16/112585/lack-of-policies-leaves-kinship-carers-support-in-jeopardy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/16/112585/lack-of-policies-leaves-kinship-carers-support-in-jeopardy.htmlFamily Rights Group chief Cathy Ashley wants local authorities to be forced to make explicit commitments to kinship carers after finding many councils have no policy on the care of children by family and friends. Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/16/112597/shocking-sickness-rates-in-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/16/112597/shocking-sickness-rates-in-social-work.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Three brothers arrested over sadistic attack on boys; Dementia may have been caused by the Second World War; Iain Duncan Smith urges welfare reform Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/16/112596/news-round-up-shocking-sickness-rates-in-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/16/112596/news-round-up-shocking-sickness-rates-in-social-work.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Three brothers arrested over sadistic attack on boys; Dementia may have been caused by the Second World War; Iain Duncan Smith urges welfare reform Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/16/112581/doncaster-strike-threat-over-unison-officials-suspension.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/16/112581/doncaster-strike-threat-over-unison-officials-suspension.htmlMore than 5,000 Doncaster Council staff could be balloted for industrial action over the suspension of Unison branch secretary Jim Board.Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112589/voice-uk-to-use-hate-crime-funds-to-extend-helpline.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112589/voice-uk-to-use-hate-crime-funds-to-extend-helpline.htmlVoice UK, the charity that supports learning disabled crime or abuse victims, will extend the opening hours of its helpline after receiving £50,000 as part of government plans to tackle hate crime.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112575/salford-suspends-childrens-services-chief.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112575/salford-suspends-childrens-services-chief.htmlSalford Council has suspended its children’s services chief, Jill Baker, following months of criticism over a child death and calls from opposition councillors for her to step down.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/15/112574/news-roundup-inquiry-into-hanged-girl-8.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/15/112574/news-roundup-inquiry-into-hanged-girl-8.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Ministers retreat on child database; Tories target state pension in battle to balance books; Foster mother 'was not told of risk to Down's syndrome children'.Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/15/112576/inquiry-into-hanged-girl-8.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/15/112576/inquiry-into-hanged-girl-8.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Ministers retreat on child database; Tories target state pension in battle to balance books; Foster mother 'was not told of risk to Down's syndrome children'.Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/15/112566/government-issues-proposals-to-tackle-disability-hate-crime.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/15/112566/government-issues-proposals-to-tackle-disability-hate-crime.htmlThe government aims to tackle hate crimes against disabled people and other groups of vulnerable people more vigorously with a range of new laws and policy actions set out in its Hate Crime Action Plan, published yesterday.Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/15/112561/promising-start-for-court-in-tackling-parental-substance-misuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/15/112561/promising-start-for-court-in-tackling-parental-substance-misuse.htmlA court designed to help families stay together by diverting substance misusing parents into treatment during care proceedings has the potential to improve children's lives, an independent evaluation has found.Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112573/ed-balls-announces-review-of-vetting-and-barring-scheme.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112573/ed-balls-announces-review-of-vetting-and-barring-scheme.htmlChildren's secretary Ed Balls has announced a review of the vetting and barring scheme for people working with children and vulnerable adults following widespread concerns that people will have to register unnecessarily.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/14/112565/essex-commissioning-manager-stands-up-for-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/14/112565/essex-commissioning-manager-stands-up-for-social-work.htmlChris Martin has worked in children's and adults' services and is now a commissioning manager at Essex Council. Here, he explains why social work is such a fulfilling career Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/14/112563/girl-found-hanged-in-bedroom-was-known-to-social-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/14/112563/girl-found-hanged-in-bedroom-was-known-to-social-services.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Parents protest at Ofsted inspections for children taught at home; Clamour grows for heroin on the NHS; Ministers 'must act' over child internet safetyMon, 14 Sep 2009 07:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/14/112562/news-round-up-girl-found-hanged-known-to-social-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/14/112562/news-round-up-girl-found-hanged-known-to-social-services.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Parents protest at Ofsted inspections for children taught at home; Clamour grows for heroin on the NHS; Ministers 'must act' over child internet safetyMon, 14 Sep 2009 07:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/10/112538/lga-highlights-best-practice-in-care-of-high-need-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/10/112538/lga-highlights-best-practice-in-care-of-high-need-children.htmlThe Local Government Association has teamed up with independent children’s services providers to produce a best practice guide to commissioning care and education for children with complex needs. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/10/112539/news-round-up-arrests-at-nursery-over-injuries-to-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/10/112539/news-round-up-arrests-at-nursery-over-injuries-to-children.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Tories to cut rate of spending on NHS; Schools 'cannot cope' with extreme povertyThu, 10 Sep 2009 08:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/10/112541/arrests-at-nursery-over-injuries-to-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/10/112541/arrests-at-nursery-over-injuries-to-children.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Tories to cut rate of spending on NHS; Schools 'cannot cope' with extreme povertyThu, 10 Sep 2009 08:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112532/news-round-up-andy-burnham-calls-for-better-care-worker-pay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112532/news-round-up-andy-burnham-calls-for-better-care-worker-pay.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include: - Government spending: Tories launch battle of the cuts; Prisoners promised 'real wages' under the Tories; MPs say complex rules deprive carers of benefits; "I want social work to be valued".http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112535/naomi-hill-murder-scr-finds-killing-was-not-predictable.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112535/naomi-hill-murder-scr-finds-killing-was-not-predictable.htmlA serious case review into the death of four-year-old Naomi Hill, who was drowned in the bath by her mother in 2007, has concluded that there were “no serious failings” by agencies.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/09/112533/andy-burnham-calls-for-better-pay-for-care-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/09/112533/andy-burnham-calls-for-better-pay-for-care-workers.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include: - Government spending: Tories launch battle of the cuts; Prisoners promised 'real wages' under the Tories; MPs say complex rules deprive carers of benefits; "I want social work to be valued"; Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/09/112531/pcts-given-guidance-on-delivering-for-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/09/112531/pcts-given-guidance-on-delivering-for-disabled-children.htmlCampaign group Every Disabled Child Matters has given its backing to a new guide for primary care trusts in England on improving NHS provision for disabled children.Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/09/112529/staffordshire-social-work-practice-evolve-yp-ready-to-launch.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/09/112529/staffordshire-social-work-practice-evolve-yp-ready-to-launch.html New social work practice motivated by autonomy Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112520/welsh-government-sets-out-care-commissioning-standards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112520/welsh-government-sets-out-care-commissioning-standards.htmlThe Welsh government has developed draft guidance to help local authorities improve social care commissioning.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/08/112524/practice-teachers-urge-streamlining-of-graduate-schemes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/08/112524/practice-teachers-urge-streamlining-of-graduate-schemes.htmlEmployers face problems in implementing "complicated and bureaucratic" support schemes for newly qualified social workers which are being launched across England this month, a group of practice teachers has warned. (Pictured: practice teacher Liz Bord)Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112519/baaf-nareys-care-at-birth-call-poses-adoption-challenge.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112519/baaf-nareys-care-at-birth-call-poses-adoption-challenge.htmlBarnardo's chief executive Martin Narey's proposal to have more children taken into care and adopted at birth would cause added pressures for adoption services, an expert has said.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112516/ncvo-sounds-alarm-over-cuts-in-charities-state-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112516/ncvo-sounds-alarm-over-cuts-in-charities-state-funding.htmlLooming government funding cuts could spell disaster for vital local services provided by the voluntary sector, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has warned.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/07/112506/sandwell-rapped-for-child-protection-data-loss.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/07/112506/sandwell-rapped-for-child-protection-data-loss.htmlSandwell Council has promised to improve data security after an employee lost a memory stick containing unprotected information on families subject to child protection measures. (Pic: Jusben, morgueFile)Mon, 07 Sep 2009 11:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/07/112515/stop-trying-to-fix-families-we-cant-fix-barnardos-head.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/07/112515/stop-trying-to-fix-families-we-cant-fix-barnardos-head.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- 200,000 elderly will lose their home care: Weak and vulnerable pay price of bank bailout; Youth restraint pledge 'broken', say prison reform campaignersMon, 07 Sep 2009 07:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/07/112514/news-round-up-stop-trying-to-fix-families-we-cant-fix.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/07/112514/news-round-up-stop-trying-to-fix-families-we-cant-fix.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- 200,000 elderly will lose their home care: Weak and vulnerable pay price of bank bailout; Youth restraint pledge 'broken', say prison reform campaignersMon, 07 Sep 2009 07:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112513/welfare-rights-more-parents-to-receive-help-with-their-rent-and-council-tax-from-november-2009.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112513/welfare-rights-more-parents-to-receive-help-with-their-rent-and-council-tax-from-november-2009.htmlExtra help is at hand for lower income families thanks to changes to housing and council tax benefits. Gary Vaux considers who will be affectedhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112508/do-bonuses-have-a-place-in-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112508/do-bonuses-have-a-place-in-social-work.htmlAlthough six practice pilots are proposing to pay social workers bonuses, many professionals are opposed to embracing an ethos that has spawned accusations of greed, writes Andrew Mickel http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112507/therapeutic-care-for-kids-in-essex-schools.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112507/therapeutic-care-for-kids-in-essex-schools.html Therapeutic service Kids Inspire has won many admirers, not least among the young people who use it. Andrew Mickel reports http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/04/112503/news-round-up-doncaster-torture-case-brothers-admit-attack.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/04/112503/news-round-up-doncaster-torture-case-brothers-admit-attack.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Edlington reveals new failings by social workers; NHS drug blunders 'may kill hundreds every year'Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/04/112504/doncaster-torture-case-brothers-aged-10-and-12-admit-attack.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/04/112504/doncaster-torture-case-brothers-aged-10-and-12-admit-attack.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Edlington reveals new failings by social workers; NHS drug blunders 'may kill hundreds every year'Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/04/112501/staff-report-safeguarding-concerns-to-ofsted-hotline.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/04/112501/staff-report-safeguarding-concerns-to-ofsted-hotline.htmlRegulator Ofsted received 27 calls from staff blowing the whistle on problems around the safeguarding of children in the four months since the launch of a new hotline for reporting concerns.Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/04/112488/unison-set-for-strike-ballot-of-surrey-child-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/04/112488/unison-set-for-strike-ballot-of-surrey-child-social-workers.htmlUnison looks set to ballot children's social workers at Surrey Council for strike action over claims of excessive workloads and management bullying at the struggling authority.Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112495/ministers-must-look-abroad-to-help-cut-youth-custody.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112495/ministers-must-look-abroad-to-help-cut-youth-custody.htmlThe high rates of youth custody in England and Wales could be reduced by learning lessons from policies used abroad, a Prison Reform Trust-commissioned report said today.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/03/112485/children-in-care-system-buckling-under-the-strain.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/03/112485/children-in-care-system-buckling-under-the-strain.htmlCafcass, councils and family courts have been under severe stress in the wake of the baby Peter case. Photo: Rex FeaturesThu, 03 Sep 2009 11:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112486/how-child-abusers-dupe-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112486/how-child-abusers-dupe-social-workers.htmlOne factor common to the Victoria Climbié and baby Peter cases was the ability of each child's carers to mislead social workers. Natalie Valios looks at the dark art of disguised compliance http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112482/councils-struggle-for-fair-hearing-at-press-watchdog.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112482/councils-struggle-for-fair-hearing-at-press-watchdog.html Councils 'struggle for fair hearing' at press watchdog Media experts says Edinburgh-Daily Mail case highlights difficulties local authorities face daniel.lombard@rbi.co.uk Councils...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/01/112473/nspcc-third-of-girls-face-sexual-coercion-in-relationships.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/01/112473/nspcc-third-of-girls-face-sexual-coercion-in-relationships.htmlA third of teenage girls report suffering unwanted sexual acts in a relationship and a quarter have been physically assaulted by their boyfriends, an NSPCC survey revealed today.Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112472/dcsf-virtual-heads-boost-attainment-of-children-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112472/dcsf-virtual-heads-boost-attainment-of-children-in-care.htmlVirtual school headteachers have improved the educational outcomes of children in care and are a valuable new role, an evaluation of the government pilot scheme has concluded. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112470/social-work-task-force-seeks-views-on-national-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112470/social-work-task-force-seeks-views-on-national-college.htmlThe Social Work Task Force is seeking practitioners' views on the formation of a national college for social work. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/28/112446/cafcass-post-baby-peter-hike-in-care-cases-continues.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/28/112446/cafcass-post-baby-peter-hike-in-care-cases-continues.htmlCafcass has revealed that the increase in care order applications to the family courts in the wake of the baby Peter case shows no sign of slowing, with July’s total just below the record high of June.Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/28/112469/does-the-revised-guidance-on-serious-case-reviews-go-far-enough.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/28/112469/does-the-revised-guidance-on-serious-case-reviews-go-far-enough.htmlChanges to the serious case review system are welcome but until the reports are published in full there will be limited opportunities for learning from mistakes, writes Amy Taylor Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/28/112462/news-round-up-brown-plans-to-take-cash-from-poorest-families.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/28/112462/news-round-up-brown-plans-to-take-cash-from-poorest-families.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Tax credits may be cut in Conservative reforms; Middle class face bigger bills for care: Labour's sliding scale would make savers pay moreFri, 28 Aug 2009 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/28/112463/brown-plans-to-take-cash-from-poorest-families.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/28/112463/brown-plans-to-take-cash-from-poorest-families.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Tax credits may be cut in Conservative reforms; Middle class face bigger bills for care: Labour's sliding scale would make savers pay moreFri, 28 Aug 2009 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/28/112445/catch-22-finds-public-unfairly-demonises-young-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/28/112445/catch-22-finds-public-unfairly-demonises-young-people.htmlNearly two-thirds of adults in the UK overestimate the number of young people involved in crime, according to research launched today by Catch22.Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112461/the-linx-project-tackling-the-link-between-domestic-violence-and-youth-offending.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112461/the-linx-project-tackling-the-link-between-domestic-violence-and-youth-offending.html The Linx project is looking to improve the behaviour of young offenders through helping them come to terms with the domestic violence they have experienced....http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112438/alcohol-concern-quizzes-social-workers-about-parental-drinking.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112438/alcohol-concern-quizzes-social-workers-about-parental-drinking.htmlSocial workers are being asked to give their views on how parental alcohol misuse affects child protection in a survey launched today by Alcohol Concern.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/27/112451/news-round-up-nhs-attacked-for-cruel-treatment-of-elderly.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/27/112451/news-round-up-nhs-attacked-for-cruel-treatment-of-elderly.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Stronger beer and wine prompts fear of stealth drinking; Children as young as 10 feel pressure to have a 'perfect' body; Workless rate jumps as Labour benefit bill reaches £350bnThu, 27 Aug 2009 00:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/27/112452/nhs-nurses-attacked-for-cruel-treatment-of-elderly-patients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/27/112452/nhs-nurses-attacked-for-cruel-treatment-of-elderly-patients.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Stronger beer and wine prompts fear of stealth drinking; Children as young as 10 feel pressure to have a 'perfect' body; Workless rate jumps as Labour benefit bill reaches £350bnThu, 27 Aug 2009 00:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/27/112442/councils-offered-guide-on-helping-care-leavers-with-housing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/27/112442/councils-offered-guide-on-helping-care-leavers-with-housing.htmlThe National Care Advisory Service today launched a guide for local authorities to supporting care leavers to live independently.Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/27/112443/murdered-toddler-sanam-navsarka-failed-by-care-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/27/112443/murdered-toddler-sanam-navsarka-failed-by-care-staff.htmlThe murder of two-year-old toddler Sanam Navsarka may have been prevented if not for the failure of Kirklees looked-after children's staff to refer concerns received four weeks before her death to child protection colleagues. (Pic: Rex Features)Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112425/media-training-in-crisis-management-for-children-services-chiefs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112425/media-training-in-crisis-management-for-children-services-chiefs.html Media management course set up Children's services leaders can receive media training in how to handle crises, including child deaths, through a new...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/26/112434/bankers-least-likely-to-employ-mentally-ill-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/26/112434/bankers-least-likely-to-employ-mentally-ill-people.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Tories step up 'broken Britain' attack on Labour Party; Crunch time for council workers' golden pensionsWed, 26 Aug 2009 09:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/26/112433/news-round-up-bankers-least-likely-to-employ-mentally-ill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/26/112433/news-round-up-bankers-least-likely-to-employ-mentally-ill.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Tories step up 'broken Britain' attack on Labour Party; Crunch time for council workers' golden pensionsWed, 26 Aug 2009 09:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112431/yjb-defends-offender-supervision-scheme-following-attack.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112431/yjb-defends-offender-supervision-scheme-following-attack.htmlThe Youth Justice Board has reacted angrily over claims today that a high-profile alternative to custody for the most serious young offenders is failing and constitutes "soft treatment".http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/25/112419/lib-dems-back-full-publication-of-most-serious-case-reviews.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/25/112419/lib-dems-back-full-publication-of-most-serious-case-reviews.htmlThe Liberal Democrats have joined the Conservatives in proposing publication of serious case reviews in full, in a paper setting out policy on safeguarding children.Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/25/112428/excessive-caseloads-dog-councils-ofsted-inspections-reveal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/25/112428/excessive-caseloads-dog-councils-ofsted-inspections-reveal.htmlLarge caseloads for social workers are a problem in most of the councils told by Ofsted to take urgent action to improve child protection after its first round of unannounced inspections. (Illustration: Bill Greenhead)Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/25/112427/experts-criticise-cwdc-roles-and-tasks-statement.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/25/112427/experts-criticise-cwdc-roles-and-tasks-statement.html A draft statement on the roles and tasks of children's social workers fails to reflect the social factors affecting communities, experts have said. The...Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/25/112429/fostering-information-gap-puts-families-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/25/112429/fostering-information-gap-puts-families-at-risk.htmlCouncils are still not giving foster carers the information they need to care safely despite two court rulings, finds Gordon Carson Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/25/112424/brandon-muir-basw-urges-more-resources-not-new-care-law.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/25/112424/brandon-muir-basw-urges-more-resources-not-new-care-law.htmlA Scottish social work leader has rejected calls to make it easier to take children into care, saying a better resourced service will do more to protect children, following the Brandon Muir case.Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/25/112423/youth-rehabilitation-scheme-not-helping-offenders-says-study.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/25/112423/youth-rehabilitation-scheme-not-helping-offenders-says-study.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Brown: I will cut spending; Children with learning disabilities lose out as LSC ends contract with collegeTue, 25 Aug 2009 08:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/25/112422/news-round-up-call-to-scrap-youth-rehabilitation-scheme.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/25/112422/news-round-up-call-to-scrap-youth-rehabilitation-scheme.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Brown: I will cut spending; Children with learning disabilities lose out as LSC ends contract with collegeTue, 25 Aug 2009 08:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112420/sutton-council-lost-file-with-data-on-social-care-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112420/sutton-council-lost-file-with-data-on-social-care-users.htmlSutton Council has pledged to tighten up on data security after it lost a file containing the personal data of 73 social care users and had an unencrypted laptop stolen containing unencrypted data on 39 care users.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112418/welsh-government-selects-family-support-team-pilots.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112418/welsh-government-selects-family-support-team-pilots.htmlThe Welsh government has selected three councils to pilot a scheme to provide integrated support to families where parents have complex needs and children are at potential risk, through multi-agency teams.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112396/a-fast-track-to-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112396/a-fast-track-to-social-work.htmlCraig Kenny gauges the arguments surrounding the plan for professionals to switch careers and become social workers (Pic: AGB Photo Library/Rex Features) http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/24/112417/safety-concerns-over-chronic-shortage-of-nhs-health-visitors.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/24/112417/safety-concerns-over-chronic-shortage-of-nhs-health-visitors.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Shortage of medicines sees patients being admitted to hospital; Romanian fraudsters use trafficked babies and children for multi-million pound UK benefit scamMon, 24 Aug 2009 08:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/24/112416/news-round-up-safety-concerns-over-health-visitor-shortage.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/24/112416/news-round-up-safety-concerns-over-health-visitor-shortage.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Shortage of medicines sees patients being admitted to hospital; Romanian fraudsters use trafficked babies and children for multi-million pound UK benefit scamMon, 24 Aug 2009 08:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/24/112413/muscular-dystrophy-patients-failed-by-nhs-find-mps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/24/112413/muscular-dystrophy-patients-failed-by-nhs-find-mps.htmlMPs and peers have accused the NHS of failing people with muscular dystrophy after an inquiry uncovered a postcode lottery in life expectancy and access to provision, and uncertain funding for services.Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/21/112410/ofsted-identifies-child-protection-concerns-in-leeds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/21/112410/ofsted-identifies-child-protection-concerns-in-leeds.htmlLeeds Council’s child protection services have been slammed by Ofsted following an unannounced inspection last month that identified two issues requiring urgent improvement.Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/21/112409/government-seeks-social-workers-to-join-ics-expert-panel.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/21/112409/government-seeks-social-workers-to-join-ics-expert-panel.htmlThe government is looking for social workers to join an expert panel designed to help reform the Integrated Children's System to ensure it supports rather than hinders practitioners.Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/21/112406/recession-and-baby-p-fuelling-abuse-claims-against-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/21/112406/recession-and-baby-p-fuelling-abuse-claims-against-councils.htmlThe recession and the baby Peter case have led to a sharp increase in the number of compensation claims lodged against councils for historic child abuse, law firm Browne Jacobson has said.Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/21/112408/jersey-carer-convicted-of-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/21/112408/jersey-carer-convicted-of-abuse.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- David Cameron backs NHS with memory of his late son Ivan; Barristers' fees slashed in government sqeeze on legal aid billFri, 21 Aug 2009 08:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/21/112407/news-round-up-jersey-carer-convicted-of-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/21/112407/news-round-up-jersey-carer-convicted-of-abuse.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- David Cameron backs NHS with memory of his late son Ivan; Barristers' fees slashed in government sqeeze on legal aid billFri, 21 Aug 2009 08:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112404/snp-rebuffs-labour-calls-to-take-more-children-into-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112404/snp-rebuffs-labour-calls-to-take-more-children-into-care.html The Scottish government has rebuffed calls to make it easier to take children into care in the wake of yesterday's two reports into the Brandon Muir case. The country's Labour Party – the main opposition to the Scottish National Party minority government – had called for a national inquiry into the child protection system, and legislation to "change the balance" of the care system towards removing children at risk more quickly. And yesterday, Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie also questioned whether there should be a "shift in onus so that parents must prove they are fit and proper, rather than on the state to prove they are not". The Tories also called for "an independent appraisal of social work services in Scotland to assess whether the system is fit for purpose". Both parties have focused on children at risk from parental susbstance misuse, of which Gray claimed there were 20,000 across Scotland. More children going into care In response, children's...http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/20/112390/mps-and-social-work-task-force-propose-overhaul-of-social-work-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/20/112390/mps-and-social-work-task-force-propose-overhaul-of-social-work-training.htmlThe case for better training for social workers is gathering momentum. Amy Taylor examines what changes the Social Work Task Force and MPs believe are needed Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/20/112402/scie-on-how-early-years-interventions-can-benefit-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/20/112402/scie-on-how-early-years-interventions-can-benefit-disabled-children.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence looks at how early years interventions can benefit disabled under-eights and their families Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/20/112399/dcsf-reports-reveal-care-drought-for-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/20/112399/dcsf-reports-reveal-care-drought-for-disabled-children.htmlMost families with disabled children are not accessing care and family support services in the thirty English areas that have made a priority of improving provision for the group, Every Disabled Child Matters has said.Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112386/brandon-muir-review-slams-information-sharing-and-recording.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112386/brandon-muir-review-slams-information-sharing-and-recording.htmlThe killing of Brandon Muir by his mother's partner could not have been predicted by child protection agencies in Dundee, although their ability to investigate concerns was undermined by poor information-sharing and recording.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112394/tam-baillie-rights-of-offenders-children-must-influence-courts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112394/tam-baillie-rights-of-offenders-children-must-influence-courts.htmlTam Baillie, Scotland’s new children’s commissioner, wants the country’s courts to consider the “overall costs to society” when sentencing parents by taking the rights of their children into account.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/19/112393/new-director-for-the-learning-disability-coalition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/19/112393/new-director-for-the-learning-disability-coalition.htmlThe Learning Disability Coalition has appointed Anthea Cox as its new director.Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/19/112391/youth-crime-action-plan-success-in-lambeth.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/19/112391/youth-crime-action-plan-success-in-lambeth.htmlDean Woodward (pictured) explains how a programme in London intervenes with young people identified as at risk of offending Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/19/112392/risk-factor-using-animals-to-help-a-young-person-with-challenging-behaviour.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/19/112392/risk-factor-using-animals-to-help-a-young-person-with-challenging-behaviour.htmlYoung offender case study and risksWed, 19 Aug 2009 10:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/19/112384/cwdc-urges-fostering-services-to-access-training-funds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/19/112384/cwdc-urges-fostering-services-to-access-training-funds.htmlFostering services are being urged to make use of funding for training foster carers from the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC).Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/18/112381/news-round-up-six-million-britons-to-claim-benefits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/18/112381/news-round-up-six-million-britons-to-claim-benefits.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Social housing plans to be abandoned as government cuts tenants' rent; Heath Ledger's Joker 'exacerbates stereotypes about mental health'Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/18/112382/six-million-britons-to-claim-benefits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/18/112382/six-million-britons-to-claim-benefits.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Social housing plans to be abandoned as government cuts tenants' rent; Heath Ledger's Joker 'exacerbates stereotypes about mental health'Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/18/112379/4children-third-of-children-have-never-had-family-day-out.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/18/112379/4children-third-of-children-have-never-had-family-day-out.htmlOne in three children has never experienced a traditional family day out because they are too expensive, according to a 4Children survey published today.Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112377/parents-of-disabled-children-bemoan-summer-childcare-options.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112377/parents-of-disabled-children-bemoan-summer-childcare-options.htmlTwo-thirds of parents of disabled children are dissatisfied with the summer holiday care that is available, resulting in a serious impact on their ability to work, according to a survey by Working Families.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112374/howard-league-for-penal-reform-slams-dire-conditions-in-yois.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112374/howard-league-for-penal-reform-slams-dire-conditions-in-yois.htmlAn audit published today by the Howard League for Prison Reform has exposed the "dire" conditions experienced by children in young offender institutions.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/17/112368/blackburn-care-trust-plan-wins-council-approval.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/17/112368/blackburn-care-trust-plan-wins-council-approval.htmlBlackburn with Darwen Council leaders have approved plans to merge their adult and children's social care commissioning functions with the local primary care trust. Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/14/112366/ecpatbody-shop-expose-ignorance-about-child-trafficking.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/14/112366/ecpatbody-shop-expose-ignorance-about-child-trafficking.htmlChild protection charity Ecpat UK today revealed that there is widespread ignorance about child trafficking among Britons as it launched a campaign with The Body Shop to tackle the scourge.Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/14/112364/news-round-up-disabled-worker-wins-dismissal-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/14/112364/news-round-up-disabled-worker-wins-dismissal-case.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Britons may be aiding child trafficking; ; Most children will be forced to wait for swine flu vaccineFri, 14 Aug 2009 08:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/14/112365/britons-may-be-aiding-child-trafficking.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/14/112365/britons-may-be-aiding-child-trafficking.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Disabled worker wins dismissal case; Most children will be forced to wait for swine flu vaccineFri, 14 Aug 2009 08:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/14/112327/contact-a-family-starts-facebook-campaign-for-benefit-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/14/112327/contact-a-family-starts-facebook-campaign-for-benefit-reform.htmlContact a Family is calling for changes to benefits rules that can stop Carers Allowance payments to parents whose disabled children are admitted to hospital for long periods.Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/13/112345/survey-reveals-media-ignorance-about-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/13/112345/survey-reveals-media-ignorance-about-social-work.htmlFewer than half of journalists surveyed by Community Care know that social workers must have a degree in order to practise. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/13/112361/birmingham-backtracks-on-pledge-to-publish-full-scrs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/13/112361/birmingham-backtracks-on-pledge-to-publish-full-scrs.htmlShadow children's minister Tim Loughton has criticised Birmingham Safeguarding Children Board's failure to publish serious case reviews in full despite an apparent pledge to do so from a leading local councillor.Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/13/112355/fostering-information-gap-puts-children-and-families-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/13/112355/fostering-information-gap-puts-children-and-families-at-risk.htmlChildren in care and foster families are being put at risk because of councils' failure to provide carers with sufficient information about children placed with them, the Fostering Network warned today.Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112350/cafcass-hit-by-double-whammy-as-private-law-referrals-soar.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112350/cafcass-hit-by-double-whammy-as-private-law-referrals-soar.htmlCafcass has been hit with a major rise in referrals of private family law cases, such as contact and residence arrangements when parents separate, at a time when it is already dealing with a surge in care applications following the baby Peter case.http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/12/112344/rochdale-chief-denies-skewing-yot-data.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/12/112344/rochdale-chief-denies-skewing-yot-data.htmlRochdale Youth Offending Team has denied misrepresenting data to inspectors by making last-minute changes to case files. Rochdale Council's children's services director, Terry Piggott (pictured), rejected allegations that at least one manager had instructed staff to prepare files for inspection before the visit.Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/12/112346/audit-commission-social-care-demand-to-rise-further.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/12/112346/audit-commission-social-care-demand-to-rise-further.htmlDemand for mental health and children's services will continue to rise as the longer-term effects of the recession and unemployment become evident, the Audit Commission has warned.Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112335/douglas-struggling-cafcass-team-should-have-faced-scrutiny.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112335/douglas-struggling-cafcass-team-should-have-faced-scrutiny.htmlCafcass chief Anthony Douglas has admitted that he and other senior managers should have kept a closer eye on its North Yorkshire and Humberside service, which has been rated as “inadequate” by Ofsted inspectors. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/11/112333/bonuses-for-social-workers-who-help-looked-after-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/11/112333/bonuses-for-social-workers-who-help-looked-after-children.htmlSocial workers will receive ­bonuses for helping looked-after children reach goals linked to educational attainment, stability of placements and finding jobs, in one of the government's social work practice pilots.Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/11/112330/baby-peters-mother-and-step-father-named.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/11/112330/baby-peters-mother-and-step-father-named.htmlBaby Peter's mother and step-father were named last night as Tracey Connelly and Steven Barker, after an order protecting their identities expired.Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/11/112324/national-aids-trust-issues-warning-over-future-of-hiv-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/11/112324/national-aids-trust-issues-warning-over-future-of-hiv-services.htmlMany authorities could reduce their social care spending on people with HIV/Aids if the Department of Health (DH) removes ring-fencing from a grant targeted at the client group, the National Aids Trust revealed today.Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112325/staffordshire-says-new-ofsted-regime-is-tough-but-fair.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/05/17/112325/staffordshire-says-new-ofsted-regime-is-tough-but-fair.htmlChildren’s services in England face a “heavyweight” process of announced inspections under the new Ofsted regime, but the exercise is fair and transparent. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/10/112320/cafcass-and-nagalro-in-care-case-priority-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/10/112320/cafcass-and-nagalro-in-care-case-priority-row.htmlThe professional body for children’s guardians has hit out at Cafcass for saying it could prioritise care applications involving children living at home over those who are in foster care. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 07:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/10/112322/conservatives-aim-to-freeze-town-hall-pay-amid-concerns-over-1-rise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/10/112322/conservatives-aim-to-freeze-town-hall-pay-amid-concerns-over-1-rise.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- 500 children a year abducted from UKMon, 10 Aug 2009 07:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/10/112321/news-round-up-conservatives-aim-to-freeze-town-hall-pay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/10/112321/news-round-up-conservatives-aim-to-freeze-town-hall-pay.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- 500 children a year abducted from UKMon, 10 Aug 2009 07:27:00 GMT