“provides a space for practitioners to go beneath the surface of their work, to consider the emotional impact of the work, the unquestioned assumptions and biases they bring, varying perspectives (including theoretical perspectives) and ethical dilemmas inherent in social work practice. By adopting a ‘not knowing’ stance, both supervisor and supervisee explore practice situations with curiosity rather... Continue Reading →
Dr Child warned us in 2018
"If we allow our MSPs to be duped into creating this absurd legislation, it will be like giving licence for boy scouts to do open-heart surgery." That quote, from the article below was originally published in April 2018 in Scottish Review. In it, Dr Child talks about what was then "a forthcoming review" by Scottish... Continue Reading →
You did consult your own Chief Social Work Adviser, didn’t you?
Well actually, no ... or so it would seem from Simon Stockwell's reply on behalf of Scottish Ministers. On 13 August 2020 he provided a response to a Freedom of Information request seeking specific information in relation to the role of Child Welfare Reporter (formerly known as Bar Reporter). Here is the main part of... Continue Reading →
Apart from lawyers, which professions did you consult about the role of Child Welfare Reporter?
Well actually, none. Not until public consultation began in 2018 and everyone was able to offer their views on what by then had largely become a settled matter … or so it would seem from Simon Stockwell’s reply on behalf of Scottish Ministers. On 13 August 2020 he provided a response to three Freedom of... Continue Reading →
Impact Statement
As soon as the Child Welfare Reporter was appointed, I asked my solicitor what qualifications this person, a local solicitor, had to entitle her to undertake such complex & sensitive tasks involving our children. From my solicitor’s clear discomfort it was apparent I’d touched a raw nerve. As time went on I became increasingly concerned... Continue Reading →
Nagalro urges reform of the Child Welfare Reporter role
"It would be a tragedy if these inspirational reforms were to be stymied because one sector of the family justice machinery had not been given a thorough overhaul and made fit for the tasks which are now to be required of it." Only now, thanks to Nagalro (National Association for Guardians ad litem & Reporting... Continue Reading →
Letter to Ash Denham, Minister for Community Safety, Stage 3 Children (Scotland) Bill
Dear Minister Denham, We write to you as the largest Professional Association for social workers in Scotland, encouraging you to support the following amendment at Stage 3 of the Children (Scotland) Bill: Section 8 Liam McArthur In section 8, page 15, line 9, at end insert – Only a social worker registered with the Scottish... Continue Reading →