Extension in social work training delayed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.ONE OF THE KEY recommendations of the Orkney inquiry report, the extension of social workers' training courses from two to three years, has effectively been put in limbo by the Government.
Lord Clyde's report examined the events surrounding the removal of nine children from South Ronaldsay after allegations of a network of child sex abuse.
His criticism of all the agencies involved in the events was followed by 194 recommendations, among them an acknowledgement that social workers lacked the necessary expertise to deal with investigations into child sex abuse. The introduction of a three-year social work qualification was called for.
However, a letter on behalf of Ian Lang, Secretary of State for Scotland, accompanied the reports that were sent to agencies throughout Scotland. As Mr Lang welcomed the report in the House of Commons and indicated his willingness to implement most of the recommendations, the accompanying letter from the Scottish Office's social work services group informed authorities that the additional training period would not happen, due to 'cost implications, which during the current financial climate cannot be accommodated'.
David Colvin, assistant general secretary of the British Association of Social Workers, said: 'This was a major recommendation in Lord Clyde's report and has been the recommendation of many previous inquiries into child abuse. The association deeply regrets the decision.'
The failures by social workers highlighted in the Orkney report, especially in the interviewing of children, have been recognised as a major deficiency.
The Royal Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, whose staff were criticised in the report, said yesterday that the comments had 'caused great concern'.
The society announced that its work in interviewing and investigating suspected victims of sexual abuse would stop, in favour of a greater emphasis on prevention work.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments