text: Rostrum October 2009 Number 98 The voice of social work in Scotland Guth obair shoisealta ann an Alba Getting to grips with GIRFEC Why we need to get it right for every child MediaWatch Caring needs of our walking wounded A giant leap forward? Forty years after lift-off for social work departments Social Workers – Taking Back Our Profession A RALLY FOR SOCIAL WORK: TIME TO CHALLENGE THE POLITICIANS The Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the leaders of all UK party political parties, including David Cameron and Nick Clegg, have been invited to speak, as well as Moira Gibb, Chair of the Social Work Taskforce 10am – 12th November 2009, London Venue: Friends Meeting House, Euston Road, London. To book your place or find out more, contact BASW directly. Email firstname.lastname@example.com, call 0121 622 3911, or visit our website for the latest details – www.basw.co.uk Rally to be followed at 1.30pm by... BASW AGM* (Additional General Meeting) To debate the following proposed changes to BASW's Council and constitution: Smaller Council – 16 people New "Ethics and Human Rights" committee to replace Standards and Ethics Board with responsibilities for forming policy on broad, UK-wide issues New Finance & HR Committee with delegated decision-making powers on business issues Additional powers for National committees to decide their structure and Council representation Remuneration for Chair and Vice Chairs Money available for negotiation of easement payments for chairs of national committees *Order papers available online from 22nd October 2009 Rostrum Production team Contents Editor 4 Make your vote count to shape BASW's future David Mitchell Additional General Meeting will propose key constitutional changes Editorial Group Ronnie Barnes, Anne Black, 5 Child protection tsar will boost standards Gordon Lockerbie, Matt New national co-ordinator to be appointed following high profile cases McGregor, Kartrina Myers, David Mitchell Ruth Stark Administration 6 Blowing our own trumpet Johan Grant Harriet L Dempster, President, ADSW Design Smallprint Services 7 Parliamentary business Ruth Stark Printing Barr Printers 8 Talking points Time for a health check BASW Scotland Jane Lindsay, Advice and Representation Officer, BASW officers 9 The GIRFEC approach Convenor James Cox describes how workers can get to grips with Getting it Graeme Rizza right for every child Vice Convenor John McGowan 10- A giant leap forward? 13 Forty years after the Social Work (Scotland) Act came into force, we Treasurer Gordon Lockerbie ask some of the professionals involved to recall the spirit of the times Professional Officer 14 On the front line Ruth Stark Alison Campbell. Welfare Rights Officer, Aberdeenshire Council Administrative Officer Johan Grant 15 A dream come true Student Social Worker of the Year Stacey Thomson describes a trip to BASW Scotland 3rd Floor, Princes House, Disneyland Paris as part of her BASW Scotland Award 5 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh, EH2 4RG 16 A week in the life of... Tel: 0131 221 9445 Sharon Ballingall, Social Worker for Young People, Children's Hospice Fax: 0131 221 9444 Association Scotland Email: email@example.com Website: 17 Obituary: David McKendrick www.basw.co.uk/rostrum Sean McKendrick, David McKendrick and Mono Chakrabarti Wanted… 18- MediaWatch Editorial Board members 19 The Walking Wounded Dispatches: Battle Scarred Would you like to join Rostrum's Nancy Campbell Editorial Board? We are keen to hear from students, front line 19 Branch News workers, basic grade and senior workers willing to help shape the voice of social work in Scotland. 20 - Book reviews Contact the Editor at: rostrum@ 22 Ruth Stark, Anne Mitchell, Moira Dunworth, Iain McDonald basw.co.uk 22 Publications for review The views expressed in Rostrum are not necessarily those of the Editor or of BASW 23 Diary Dates, BASW Scotland Committees, BASW Scotland Office Front Cover: NASA 24 BASW Scotland Social Work Awards 2009 October 2009 3 Rostrum Make your vote count to shape BASW'S future Ruth Stark AN ADDiTiONAL General Meeting of the association is to be held in London on 12 November to decide on some key constitutional changes to BASW UK that will affect how your association makes the most of its members and resources to meet the future needs of the profession in the four constituent parts of the UK (See details on Page 2). Not all members will be able to attend so it is important that you access your papers - including your proxy voting paper - online at www.basw.co.uk from 22 October 2009. This is a very tight timetable so please contact us if you need help accessing the papers or further information to help you decide about the future of the association. What changes are being among our membership of race, These issues form the basis of proposed? culture and sexual orientation. We many referrals to our Advice & also have diversity in where Representation Service when we • A smaller BASW Council - from people work - whether for local are in the spotlight after a child 22 to 16 members as the board of authorities, health service, death or abuse of a vulnerable directors of the association voluntary sector, private sector, person, or in the office struggling • A new Ethics and Human Rights education, armed forces or between several courses of action. Committee to ensure practice and independently. Every organisation They are the factors that each of policy in social work services fit needs to think about refreshing the us struggles with in our with the principles in our Code of way it works and we are now at professional practice. Ethics to which every member that time. Most people will be faced at must adhere least once with a serious ethical • A new Finance and Human BASW Council priorities dilemma and this is the glue that Resources Committee to take care joins us together. Historically, we of business To build on that progress, we have never been able to make the • Additional powers for the need: Standards and Ethics Board work National Committees to decide • To promote policy into practice as a proactive support for our their structure and Council reflecting research, knowledge, members yet standards and ethics experience and the Code of Ethics are key to our work. Members, representation • More members to increase our users of services, employers, • Remuneration for the Chair and credibility to speak for practitioners politicians, educators and other Vice Chairs of BASW UK • Better services for our members key professionals should be able • Money available for negotiation and the people with whom we to see that this is what we are of easement payments for Chairs work about - high standards in practice. of National Committees. Some of the motions are • Greater influence in the proposing substantial changes in development of practice and policy Payment of honorary the way that you run your based on what we know helps officers association and they need to be people find better quality of life. considered by every member who One consideration is payment to has a right to shape the future of Code of Ethics colleagues who have hitherto BASW. volunteered their time and energy The glue that brings us together is (expenses are paid) in serving as our Code of Ethics, search for high honorary officers. Some of the Why do we need these standards and commitment to motions on the 12 November will changes now? making a difference - helping be about the principle and practice people to help others. The issues of whether BASW should continue Over the past 10 years BASW has that bind us together in the with this or move to some form of grown in membership, staff and international profession are the payment for honorary officers of resources, and undergone same - our Codes of Ethics and the association. significant devolution in parallel our common professional role. We Would, for example, a payment with political changes in the UK. meet need, assess and work with to you or your employer make it Each country has produced risk and through our working easier to consider being strategic priorities on an annual relationships respect people and nominated for such a position or basis and activity has grown their rights. We spend a great deal do you think that payment may politically, in public relations work, of time balancing need, risk and cloud the issues between staff and member services and vision. protecting human rights. honorary officers? These issues We have diversity not only Often these factors are in have been debated in Council and between but within the four competition with not only at the Scotland Committee and countries - from rural, urban and individuals but families, now have to be considered by all island communities as well as communities and wider society. the membership. 4 Rostrum Child protection tsar Briefly will boost standards Do Deaf children and adults need specialist social work services? This question will be David Mitchell examined at a Ministerial summit organised by heads of A NEW national child protection to be fatal could not have been deaf services, ADSW and co-ordinator is to be appointed to anticipated, there were BASW in Edinburgh on 27 drive up standards of care and weaknesses in both interagency October. A full report will appear support for vulnerable children. working and practice at that time." in the next issue of Rostrum. The move Ms Hyslop said that following an was earlier critical report from HMiE, A CD-Rom of Preparing for announced Change, the national Citizen the Scottish Government would be by Education Leadership training programme, "closely monitoring" child protection is being sent out to social work Secretary improvements in the city. departments. The 11-day Fiona Hyslop She added: "Nationally, we have course is for people who use in the wake made clear that we will work services, family carers, support of two reports together with local authorities and workers, social workers, into the death partners to continue to strengthen managers and commissioners. of Dundee procedures for children who may Also available at: www.vimeo. Fiona Hyslop: toddler be at risk." com/channels/citizenleadership Strengthen Brandon Muir The reviews' recommendations procedures at the hands include: of drug addict • improving recording and sharing Robert Cunningham. of information between agencies Working with Scotland's 30 child • Full background checks on all protection committees, the co- household members in child ordinator will be charged with protection cases implementing best practice on • Domestic violence referrals to child protection, building stronger clearly show if children were in the local professional networks and house at the time. improving joint working. An Alan Baird, Chairman of Dundee appointment is due later this year. Children and Young Persons An independent review by Protection Committee, said: former Fife Chief Constable Peter "Robert Cunningham was only Wilson and a significant case involved with the family for less review by social work consultant than three weeks but events Jimmy Hawthorn concluded that escalated very quickly. Heather Clark, a 51-year-old Brandon's death could not have "During that time the response former social worker with been predicted. by the various agencies concerned Aberdeen City Council, has But Mr Hawthorn said: "While was swift but i acknowledge that been struck off by the Scottish the assault which we now know change needs to be made and give Social Services Council for took place on Brandon and proved my total commitment to doing that." repeatedly failing to follow procedures in cases involving vulnerable children. The council Outgoing BASW dismissed Ms Clark for gross Chief Executive misconduct in March this year. Ian Johnston and his wife Would you like to become Carol after he more involved in the way your was presented professional association with a whisky represents you and your bottle holder, colleagues? Why not consider special whisky putting your name forward to be glass and bottle elected by Scottish members to of Talisker BASW's Scotland Committee? during his recent Contact Ruth Stark at: r.stark@ basw.co.uk or complete the Homecoming nomination forms in the next Party in Rostrum. Edinburgh October 2009 5 Rostrum Blowing our own trumpet Harriet L Dempster, Director of Social Work, Highland Council and President, ADSW i DON'T know why i am surprised to protect this child?" but i am. i am surprised at the The Getting it right for every child disappointment expressed by some pathfinder projects in Highland and journalists and commentators about other areas offer a positive way the conclusions of the serious forward. it is critical that the incident report into the death of opportunity is not lost to incorporate Brandon Muir. The report the learning from these projects into concluded that Brandon's tragic the review of child protection death was not predictable and guidance currently underway in the perhaps this is at the heart of the Scottish Government. disappointment. i know there is much frustration Neither the public nor the press about the fact that the public get a want to grapple with the reality of very one-sided view of social work child abuse: it is hugely complex as we are only in the press when and no professional system is 100 things go wrong. A cynic would say per cent safe. Every time there is that's because good news doesn't an enquiry into the tragic death of a sell papers. That may be true in part child at the hands of a parent Harriet Dempster: One-sided view but it's not the whole story. We need or other adult in the home, there was described as the last defence to be better at telling our stories or are calls that this must not be for children who are not getting the enabling people who use our allowed to happen again. love attention and protection they services to tell theirs. it's interesting The inevitability that there will be need from the family. But if we are that ADSW has recently had a further child deaths is unpalatable going to be effective as the goalie in number of requests from the press to many and the very thought takes the child protection world we need for good news items and it has people out of their comfort zones. strong midfield and forward players proved very difficult to encourage Why? Because they have to face in the team. staff to come forward. up to the fact that some very Messages from the Government it's time we learned to blow our dangerous and violent men who report It's everyone's job to make own trumpet about what we do and sometimes act in the most sure I'm alright must be heeded. how we do it. if you are interested in predatory of ways are living in our Every professional - teacher, police helping to support the ADSW PR communities, often under the radar officer, health visitor, voluntary campaign "Social Work Changes of the statutory agencies. sector worker or social worker - has Lives", then contact Jane Devine at: in one article i read, social work to ask "have i done everything i can email@example.com Statutes and OVER THE years the BASW Scotland MHO Forum has proved an extremely worthwhile event for MHO practitioners and this year was no exception. The forum was chaired by Gordon Lockerbie, a past BASW Wellbeing: Two Scotland Convenor and member of the MHO Forum, who introduced the guest speakers. Sides of the First up was Russell Hunter, a Solicitor and Legal Secretary to the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland since December 2008. As Legal Secretary, he is the principal legal adviser to the tribunal and its president, Same Coin defends appeals to the sheriff principal and instructs the tribunal in appeals to the Court of Session. Russell gave an interesting and informative delivery on the BASW Scotland development of the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland which was well received by delegates. MHO Forum Next was Joanna Keating, Head of the Policy & Legislation Team at the Scottish Government's Mental Health Division. Joanna's ongoing interest Perth Concert Hall, 26 June in mental health issues led her to take up the post in January 2009. This remit includes all areas of mental health policy that either lead to Matt McGregor or are influenced by legislation. One of her main projects is the ongoing review of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and she gave an informative presentation on this. 6 Rostrum Parliamentary business Ruth Stark, BASW Professional Officer PARLiAMENT resumed work a hearings in anticipation of a Court little earlier this session due to the of Session case that has yet to be early release on compassionate published but to comply with the grounds of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi European Convention of Human and the difficulty people had Rights (9 September). This is a key understanding what was a Scottish area about competing rights within Justice Minister's decision in our family life will be a welcome judicial system and what were balance to ensure that all rights are separate UK considerations for carefully considered. debate. The early discharge of prisoners There was also a question This brought into perspective was part of Question Time on 10 raised about mental health what devolution means and where September. Justice Secretary services provided by the third people in Scotland want to be in Kenny MacAskill said: "Between sector and the cuts that have had terms of independence. it also 2006, when the scheme was to be made in services across the paved the way for the First Minister introduced, and 4 September 2009, country. to suggest it is now time for a 6,248 offenders sentenced to less The other significant debate has referendum on independence. This than four years were granted home been on the National Dementia will give us in Scotland much to detention curfew. Eight hundred Strategy and the five work streams think about, not only our personal and forty-one of them -13 per cent currently taking place. The fourth opinions but what would be best - moved to home detention curfew work stream might be of most for us professionally and as part of after serving a quarter of their interest to social service workers BASW UK. sentence in custody." and was the one Cathy Jamieson The first few days of formal He went on to say: "The MSP picked up on in her response session were very busy with social statistics show clearly that over 75 to the debate. This centres on work issues. There was the per cent of prisoners successfully dignity for service users and carers withdrawal of the Children's completed home detention curfew. and how to achieve personalised Hearing Bill which is to be revised Between July 2006 and 30 August services without warehousing and re-presented in the spring. 2009, 5,993 low-risk offenders people in their own homes. There were also lengthy were released on licence under The work of the Committees is discussions about whether HDC, of whom 23 per cent - 1,386 another aspect of Parliamentary parents, particularly those with - have been returned to custody, business and on 1 September i learning disabilities, should be with fewer than 1 per cent being gave evidence on behalf of BASW legally represented in children's reconvicted of a further offence." Scotland to the Education, Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee, one of two committees scrutinising the Public Services Reform Five excellent workshops were also given by a (Scotland) Bill. variety of highly experienced and knowledgeable This Bill will in essence simplify practitioners. Subjects included considering the the number of inspection bodies sometimes complex interface between the Adults with that we will be subject to - an issue incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000, the Mental Health very close to the hearts of (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and the practitioners who spend too much Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 and time at present trying to satisfy their appropriateness in given scenarios. inspectors' expectations rather Other topics included Caring for mentally disordered than providing a snapshot of offenders in the community; SCRs - When do they universally good services. serve little or no practical purpose?; Which of the You may remember that when above Acts to apply and in what circumstances. The the Regulation of Care Bill was challenge was which to choose. Russell Hunter being processed we did argue that But what of the future? The feedback from those fieldwork and residential and day attending will provide some pointers about where MHO practitioners would care services should be part of the like to go. For example, there may be an increase in the number of telephone same inspection agency. Well this conferences over the year. should now happen! Finally, those involved in organising the forum would like to express their All of these debates are worth sincere thanks to Joanna Keating for funding this year's event - an reading. You can find them on the arrangement we hope will continue in future years. Official Report section at: www.scottish.parliament.uk October 2009 7 Rostrum Talking points Time for a health check Jane Lindsay iT WiLL BE no surprise that social and feeling overloaded often given workers and social care workers as the main reason. BASW and have been identified by the Health UNiSON are acutely aware that and Safety Executive as one of the we must address these if our most stressed-out professions. social workers are to work safely helping others to make the most The statistics are startling. One and productively. fundamental decisions about one's in five of the country's 76,000 in our joint manifesto published life - how you are going to live, social workers has been signed off in June 2009, we clearly identified where you're going to live, whether for 20 consecutive days or more in workload management as a top in fact you are going to survive." the last five years as a result of priority along with reduced it is fundamental that we as a stress or anxiety (Conservative bureaucracy, adequate staffing profession survive and thrive if we Party research, Observer, 2008). levels, supervision, mentoring and are to continue to provide these Physical assaults and major injury consultation. if serious attention is crucial services every day. Having rates are greater than in any other given to these matters, this would a health check is vital to ensuring main industrial sector (HSE allow the profession to get back this. As a society we have all lost statistics). into much better shape. sight of the need to look after Recent research by Lesley i wish i could report that the ourselves and the perils we face Curtis, Research Officer at the Changing Lives report is doing when we neglect this. University of Kent, has put the what it wholeheartedly wants to i'm aware that directors of social expected rate of life in social work achieve: building capacity and work and voluntary organisations to be just eight to 13 years, making the best of social work would welcome more money and compared with doctors who stay in skills and having a competent and happily put it into increasing their profession for around 25 valued workforce. But our staffing levels. years. We are members tell But local government cuts are third in the "It is fundamental that we as us there is a likely to run deep and social work league of the long way to go most stressful a profession survive and will suffer like many other services. before we can The fact is that we are not in good professions thrive if we are to continue to honestly say enough shape to take more cuts. if after prison officers and provide these crucial services that wetobegun have this were to happen, the consequences might be dire. the police. But every day." achieve those i don't wish to be the prophet of it's worth aims. gloom. There is still good practice pointing out that in these That is why UNiSON and BASW out there where social workers are professions people tend to work in are working together in the well managed and supported. We pairs or teams, whereas social National Social Work Services are keen to hear about such workers often work on their own Forum, chaired by Adam ingram, workplaces and what social making them more vulnerable to to evolve a work plan with key workers find most helpful. If you assault. agencies like SSSC, SWiA, Care have a good story to tell, please The Herald recently reported on Commission and ADSW to get in touch and we will spread the a study by Dr Tom Scade of the address these issues. word. Society of Occupational Medicine in a recent speech to West Self-health checks are what our which found that almost half of Midlands directors of children's doctors advise. So if you're having Scotland's teachers were suffering services, BASW Chief Executive sleepless nights and are more from high levels of stress. Hilton Dawson said: "it's social anxious than usual - seek help. it noted that men are more likely work skills, social work principles, This is much more common than to ignore the early symptoms as social work values and good social you imagine. A problem shared is they feel they might be considered workers which will enable those a problem halved so don't hesitate weak and at risk of losing their governments, local governments, to call us if you need a listening jobs. in my experience, men in directors of services to reach out ear. social work are more vulnerable effectively to the most excluded for the same reasons. and disadvantaged people in our The volume of calls to our society and enable and support Jane Lindsay is BASW's Advice advice line has increased adults, families, young people, and Representation Officer for dramatically with high stress levels children. Helping them to make or Scotland 8 Rostrum The GIRFEC approach James Cox GETTiNG to grips with Getting it the GiRFEC approach involves a useful tool for reviewing existing right for every child (GiRFEC) is a Named Person for every child processes as the complexity of challenge both for those making within universal services, currently current systems can be frustrating strategic decisions and for those being rolled out in Highland. and confusing. But the investment doing the legwork. GiRFEC is initially this professional is in is worthwhile and even essential. elusive because it is so general health and as the child grows up, A national eCare framework is and yet so particular. from education. The professional's being developed to provide an it is a cross-cutting programme normal role is simply reinforced as inter-agency medium for involving transformational change a potential source of information information sharing. it will be and a practical approach for for the family. designed to carry the GiRFEC individual children. GiRFEC Where co-ordinated assessment and planning model applies in situations of high risk multidisciplinary help is needed, and indicators of well-being. and in situations where a little this will be co-ordinated and However, electronic solutions only extra help is needed at an early monitored by a Lead Professional. enhance and assist child-centred stage of concern. This role will be practice. The GiRFEC approach Ministers are taken forward in can be progressed right now. encouraging the agency that For those authorities and Community has co-ordinated agencies who have been working Planning the child's plan and hard to implement GiRFEC locally, Partnerships to will be determined firm direction and clear put GiRFEC at by the child's connection have been crucial. the heart of needs. The Lead Connection is more than improvements in Professional need retrospective linking of new culture, systems not be a social policies and procedures with and practice worker but in cases GiRFEC. it means planning ahead across public where the social to ensure congruence with and voluntary work department is GiRFEC values and core children's heavily involved components in policy strategy and services in their skills might guidance as they are developed Scotland. Adult well make them both centrally and locally. services affecting right for the role. For the Scottish Government, children's well- A family with a connection may also mean being are also child needing articulating how new legislation critical partners. additional and (for example on permanence, inspection and co-ordinated help looked after children and children's professional training bodies and within or beyond normal universal hearings) and new guidance (for institutions will become equally provision can expect: a co- example on child protection) may critical in developing a trained and ordinated method of approach be supported and effected within a quality controlled workforce with a between professionals; efficient GiRFEC approach. common purpose. Above all, information sharing with consent Direction means co-ordinated GiRFEC is about partnership with (unless child protection concerns leadership and endorsement of and within each family to promote justify dispensing with consent); a local GiRFEC developments the well-being of each child. common basic language in across agencies and at the highest Changes are needed across assessing strengths, concerns, level, with support as dilemmas culture, systems and practice to risks and needs; and a single arise for those providing training, turn the aspiration into reality. For child's plan which defines what supervision and guidance to those some, these challenges can help will be co-ordinated and doing the legwork in the ditches. appear daunting but much work monitored by a Lead Professional. For further information, visit the and development has already Early signs are positive. For GiRFEC website: www.scotland. been undertaken across pathfinder example, the Highland Pathfinder gov.uk/Topics/People/Young- areas and with local authority has streamlined meetings to cover People/childrensservices/girfec learning partners. independent child protection case conferences evaluation is beginning to show and looked after child reviews James Cox is a Family Group which intentions are being realised when appropriate. in Highland and Conferencing Practitioner for and a series of reports is due to be Lanarkshire, they have found that Edinburgh City Council and published by the end of the year. implementation is best preceded Professional Advisor to the To support earlier intervention, by "business process mapping" - a GIRFEC implementation team October 2009 9 A giant leap Rostrum Forty years after the ground-breaking into force, we ask the people involved noticed, tea making stays Kay Richards, Director largely the same no matter what your job title. of Social Work, The Welfare Clackmannanshire Department sold a range of foods including dried milk, orange Ronnie Barnes, juice and cod liver oil. it had a WHEN THE Social Work (Scotland) Bill was going through Parliament, i Trainee Social Worker, counter and the public came and was a Senior Social Worker in Inverness Town Council bought items much like any other Edinburgh's Health and Welfare retail outlet. The two trainees had to Department. JUST AS the Beatles were ending administer this and cash up every As an their collective journey, mine was night, including the welfare tokens active beginning. On 10 November, i left (and make up any shortfall). member of school in my sixth year to start work We also had a number of depots the institute as a Junior Trainee Welfare Officer throughout the town that sold the of Medical with inverness Town Council. foods on our behalf. We had to keep Social i'd already made up my mind to them stocked and collect the money. Workers "work with people" and this came The other trainee could drive so we (iMSW), i close to matching this tootled about in a minivan doing was ambition. A deliveries and occasionally other invited prolonged good works - mostly delivering onto the spell in small items of furniture to clients. ad hoc hospital i did get the chance to work with working some years people, mostly older people, and party led earlier had provide support to "problem by Vera Hiddleston. got me families" as they were then She brought together social thinking about called. We also collected money workers from the iMSW, Association nursing so it for rent arrears or cashed of Child Care Officers, Association of must have family allowance books for that Family Caseworkers, Association of developed purpose. Psychiatric Social Workers, from there. On Fridays, we visited the Association of Social The world of old people's homes to hand Workers, Moral a trainee was out the residents' pocket money, Welfare Workers very different then: going for usually done by the Director of Association and morning rolls, making the tea, being Social Work who seemed to take a Society of Mental an office junior. I was a Trainee particular interest. This involved Welfare Officers. Welfare Officer for a week. On 17 each resident being called forward We briefed November, the Welfare, Children's to receive their "pay packet". All very Ministers and MPs on and Probation Departments feudal and not a little patronising but the Bill and had an combined to become the Social this was the early 1970s. uplifting meeting with Work Department. i became a i was fortunate to be seconded to Scottish MPs at Trainee Social Worker! Not that i a CQSW course which meant i was Westminster - you obliged to return as a social worker had to go to London two years later. Even in 1973, social then. Their first workers were quite scarce so I question was "Why returned to undertake "real" social did we not want the work. By then, the department had new department to be dropped its retail interest and i didn't headed by a medical have to worry about running out of officer?" National Dried Milk. Once it received the Royal Assent, Ronnie Barnes is now Service local authorities Development Officer for Adults began to and Older People's Services at speculate as to West Lothian Council who the new 10 p forward? Rostrum Social Work (Scotland) Act came to recall the spirit of the moment directors of social work would David Colvin, be. Friends and colleagues encouraged me to apply for Senior Adviser, one of the smaller areas. Social Work After an interview, the "Wee Services Group County" of Clackmannanshire by a Senior Adviser - of which i was offered me the post and the 1969 saw not only the establishment one - with each adviser allocated choice of a house on one of of social work departments in the particular local authorities. They their estates. Moving across large burghs and counties of were also encouraged to develop the Firth of Forth was the Scotland but the total reorganisation chosen areas of social work practice. best thing that happened to of the central government This encouraged collaboration me. From the beginning i departments responsible for with colleagues across the teams was welcomed and overseeing the new service. and in specialist positions and supported. What a challenge! The Central Advisory Service, ensured close contact between i soon found myself a member of part of the Social Work Services central and local government. it also the newly launched Association of Group, was set up under the encouraged the development of Directors of Social Work and one of leadership of Beti Jones and professional competence in a rapidly the first two women DSWs. Marjorie changing world. Neighbouring DSWs were able to Mcinnes and One of the great pleasures help alert staff who might be helpful staffed by the of working in the SWSG was to other departments. previous the close collaboration Getting to know my new inspectors of between administrative and colleagues and using their child care professional staff, greatly knowledge and skills to implement and encouraged by successive the changes offered opportunities for probation, Under Secretaries Murray Bell some, disappointment for others. We welfare and Angus Mitchell. Social work were able to take a modern officers in in Scotland has greatly benefited approach, helpful for staff and those the from their contributions. seeking our help and support. Scottish The work undertaken included: Our new home was in Ochil Home and • Advising the Secretary of State House, an ancient building that had Health on the appointment of directors of been adapted. Declaring it open Beti Department social work Jones, Chief Social Worker for and HMi with responsibility for • Giving advice on the functions of Scotland, told us proudly that we approved schools. social work departments were the first new office opened. in all, less than a dozen were • Providing advice to the Mackenzie Children's panels were a key professionally trained social workers Working Party which outlined the provision of the Act. We were and many new staff were recruited. social work functions of local fortunate in the quality of those Local authorities were also very authorities and advised on the next willing to take part - from the local under-resourced and details of few years of development headmaster to a train driver. The trained social workers could easily • Establishing a forward planning local sheriff knew more about social be accommodated in a small box of system and developing a unit return work than many, as his wife was a Cope-Chat cards - before on social work clients to give better social worker, which was very computers! information on the problems faced by helpful. But the enthusiasm for the new field social workers. i always believed in the section of service was enormous. As early as it was hoped a further report the Act which gave departments 1965, the Association of Social would be produced in a few years' comprehensive powers and a duty to Workers conference on "integration" time to reflect the initial experience promote social welfare, and many voted 98 per cent in favour of of the departments and consider the private firms played a part in this. comprehensive social work best way forward. Despite all this departments. And before 1969 the and more, it was a great year. Kay Richards held senior pre-BASW professional associations management posts at the were tremendously helpful. David Colvin went on to become National Institute for Social Work, The majority of advisers in the Chief Social Work Adviser for Hertfordshire and Brent Social Central Advisory Service were Scotland and Scottish Secretary Services before retiring in 1988 marshalled in three area teams led of BASW and is now retired October 2009 11 Rostrum A giant lea Pauline Hammond, a Senior Social Anne Black, Area Work Adviser, were deputed by our Under Secretary and the Chief Officer, Edinburgh Social Work Adviser to introduce or Corporation expand social work courses in universities and colleges to meet the i WAS a member of the team needs of the new generic working with children and their departments. in our friendly scale of families in the community and things in Scotland, ample goodwill children placed in short-term foster existed but university expansion care. We felt like the "below stairs" cannot depend on that. team as we introduced all sorts of New or expanded courses had to families into the front hall of an be funded for agreed periods to be imposing West End townhouse - picked up by the universities. The rather different from the Boarding new departments and voluntary Out Team who dealt with bodies had to be persuaded amid all children placed in long- their other needs to make staff term families across George Murray, available for the crucial fieldwork the country. Assistant Secretary, placements. The virtuous triangle None of the car Scottish Office was achieved. Helped by the quick trips with start and certainly for a number of councillors to all THE PROGRESS of the Social Work years (and perhaps still), parts of Scotland (Scotland) Act depended on a proportionately more social workers to see foster remarkable collegiate exercise by were trained in Scotland than in children for the administrators, professional advisers, England and Wales. "below stairs" academics, the Similarly, completely team. We visited coalescing social new systems had to be families, tried to work departments devised for selection and support children who were and voluntary organisation of children's neglected and truanted, collected bodies and panels and children's rents, diverted warrant sales by volunteers. panel members needed buying the furniture and dealt with There was the to be properly informed marital breakdowns. Emergencies classical trio: about the detail of the were frequent as evictions loomed Kilbrandon Committee new arrangements. or children had no food or clothes 1964 - children's And not least, a new because the parents panels with training organisation had educationally-based was set up. This was "drunk" the support departments; centred regionally, money. the White Paper Social with organisers in That all Work and the Community universities in the four cities, with changed or 1966 - new social work departments a good deal of autonomy. Again the did it? No with centrally approved directors, same agencies and individuals were longer did embracing the separate child care, involved but with many more public three probation and expanded community conferences, seminars and workers care and social welfare functions; the consultation in groups. arrive on the 1968 Act - county councils and large But if new life was being breathed doorstep of burghs given new departments and into dry bones, it wasn't just by a a family to children's panels to run. few and it wasn't just then. Every see granny, The Act set out the new structures modest change and improvement dad recently but these had to begin to come alive made by 21st Century social released before the workers - indeed everything they do from prison end of 1969. - is implementing the Act and its and a child Two amendments. I was a staff officer who was examples in involved with the original battle plan. going into care. We became all- the training You were and are the front line. purpose workers. Late duty was field illustrate alien to all but the Children the immense George Murray continued in the Department staff and resistance number of civil service, working on the 1979 was strong to becoming involved. tasks. devolution referendum and the Despite all the differences, we Myself and NHS, before retiring in 1984 started to work as a team. As an 12 p forward? Rostrum Area Officer, I caused some Bob Winter, Director of consternation in moving offices when i refused the large room and Social Work, Greenock carpet, preferring a little office with and Port Glasgow only a doormat. Change was in the air. FORTY YEARS ago social work in What were the issues that we this country was on the cusp of faced? Children's nurseries were massive change. The Social Work home to 25 plus children under (Scotland) Act 1968 had been five. Nursery nurses cared about passed and was in the process of the children but it was an being implemented from 17 institutional experience and little November 1969. individualised care for so many The Act proved to be a landmark very young children. for Scotland. it provided a We gained i felt from the comprehensive service dealing with very different problems affecting individuals, perspectives families and communities. it Looking back there is much to be brought by the recognised the need for a director proud of. The inter-agency working different who could advise local authorities developed by social work services. We about social needs and that human departments in the discharge of their started to be problems "seldom come singly". duty to promote social welfare was more involved it swept away the segregated the pioneer of today's partnership in welfare, children's working approach across the public communities, and probation sector. Social work forging links departments. initiated the with local And its development of police, schools and centrepiece was community health colleagues. the duty "to empowerment Our knowledge of child abuse promote social - now enshrined in was very basic and indeed sexual welfare", community abuse was hardly noted in implying not planning legislation. textbooks until the early 1980s. only a unified The practice Most of us recognise now that we but a of listening to failed to understand the reasons proactive service users and for the distress some and engaging them in children were showing and preventative designing services for failed to act decisively. service. their individual and Attachment had none of it was also collective needs is now the prominence we rightly a special time for me accepted as best give it now. personally. As a young Director of practice across the public sector. Social workers Social Work, i well remember D-Day The establishment of benefits advice now have very different when i launched the new department services and of groupwork practice challenges from those of by issuing each worker from two all evolved from the Social Work the 1960s and 1970s but welfare departments, two children's (Scotland) Act and have been taken the underlying problems departments and one probation up by government, local authorities are not so different and service with a mixed caseload - and partner agencies. the skills of workers are certainly not the balanced approach i Finally, the growth in services very similar. Children would advocate today. Oh, the across all client groups would have and families still need boldness of youth. happened much more slowly and the same consistent in October 1969, as part of less effectively had it not been for support, challenge and preparations for implementing the the Act. The 1968 Act and opportunities as they did Act, the newly appointed directors establishment of ADSW marked a in 1969. gathered in Peebles. At that meeting, turning point for social policy and the the Association of Directors of Social practice of social work in Scotland. Anne Black rose to become Work was formed and i was Planning and Commissioning appointed Secretary - a job i held Manager for Children and until local government reorganisation Bob Winter went on become in 1975. I subsequently served as Families at Edinburgh City Director of Social Work for President and chaired numerous Council and is now an committees until retiring as Strathclyde and is now Lord Independent Consultant Strathclyde's Director in 1996. Provost of Glasgow October 2009 13 Rostrum On the front line Alison Campbell, Welfare Rights Officer, Aberdeenshire Council WORKiNG as a Welfare Rights the outcome will be. Some Officer in a social work team is the referrals may seem straightforward last place i thought i would end up, but can turn out to be very having come full circle from my complicated. This is often due to first job 25 years ago working in an lack of awareness and knowledge Unemployment Benefit Office, about a quite complex system. otherwise known as "the Burroo". The Welfare Reform Act, which i'm based in the South introduced Employment and Aberdeenshire Community Mental Support Allowance, is structured to Health Team (CMHT), a encourage or "force" (depending multidisciplinary team consisting of on your viewpoint) people back to social work staff, community work. psychiatric nurses and This new benefit is proving psychiatrists, and my main job is to stressful for clients with mental provide up to date advice and health problems because it is more information on benefits to service stringent about regularly attending users. the Jobcentre and medical This is a task which demands inability to find work. As a result, assessments. The focus is on that i keep abreast of any changes people end up relying on benefits what a person "can do" as in the entire welfare system, a lot within a system which doesn't opposed to what they "can't do". different from concentrating on cope easily with the effects of Although my main focus is to Unemployment Benefit and mental illness on an individual. ensure the maximum take-up of income Support back in the 1980s. Sometimes it's difficult to fully benefit entitlement, I do at times i also have to try and keep my understand the impact of a come across errors where people team informed of recent changes - condition like bipolar disorder and have been paid the wrong not an easy task. the problems it presents in amounts or the wrong benefit, Having left the Burroo in the late providing consistent information which i then have to correct. This 1980s to have a family, and then and support. if someone is can result in overpayments and a devoting several years to working suddenly admitted to hospital due reduction in benefits, making them in community education and taking to a change in their mental health, worse off than before. a Sociology degree, I now find it can affect their home When this has happened (more myself on the "other side" of the relationships and work often than should) the individuals benefits system, a role which I circumstances and often means a involved have responded positively enjoy. change in benefits. to me even though their money is i can sympathise with those It's difficult to juggle the various being reduced. They are grateful who find themselves caught up in demands. Although i may be seen that their benefit is now correct a system where the main contact as a specialist worker and realise i'm just doing my job is through call centres. This means concentrating on one aspect of by avoiding future overpayments a person may have to contact service provision, i need to have or fraudulent claims. various different departments in specialist knowledge about the On the whole, I find my job relation to one claim. it is time- whole benefit system. Coupled varied, interesting, often stressful consuming, frustrating and many with the recent changes arising and producing a mixture of give up as they find it too difficult from the Welfare Reform Act 2007, emotions. Some clients are to work their way through a it can be quite frustrating and extremely entertaining and funny, complex system which is not very stressful at times. while others have a wide range of user-friendly. i also have to get used to new problems not always exclusive to i enjoy working in the team and situations and the emotional mental health. with this particular client group, aspects of the job. This can be The job provides an opportunity most of whom are extremely upsetting at times but the team is to support people who often grateful for the service they very supportive and we often have struggle to cope with an over- receive. a laugh to help overcome the more bureaucratic benefit system. This There is still a societal stigma serious aspects of our work. This was recently backed by the Public about mental health which for me is a great stress buster. Accounts Committee who found disadvantages individuals and - My role demands a lot of that many carers who apply for depending on the severity of the flexibility because when I first visit benefits find the system illness - often contributes to their someone i'm not always sure what complicated and confusing. 14 Rostrum A dream come true Student Social Worker of the Year Stacey Thomson recalls a trip to Disneyland Paris as part of her BASW Scotland Award Heigh ho, heigh ho, it's off to Paris Disneyland Park arriving just in we go! My career as a social time to see the daily parade of all worker barely begun, it was time to the Disney characters. And yes, i swap the bonnie banks of saw my childhood hero that was inverclyde for the magical world of Donald Duck - amazing! Disneyland Paris. The following day we headed language. The nightlife was superb Four years at university, writing for more fun and adventure. After with plenty of entertainment lasting essay after essay and learning the being greeted by a big pink castle to the early hours of the morning. knowledge, skills and values straight from the world of fantasy, i Day three and we returned to needed for social work, and then stood in awe as i looked into the Disney Studios for more fun settling into a new team and park recalling all the memories of packed, adrenaline pumping getting to grips with job. i could my favourite stories and films as a adventures. As we travelled behind think of nothing better than child. The fun had already started. the scenes of popular movies and escaping into i cannot begin to pinpoint were zapped into the world of the surreal the best part of this day. We Armageddon and Honey, i Shrunk and wonderful were determined to try the Audience, our imagination was world of every ride including the running wild to be part of such truly Disneyland rollercoasters such as awesome experiences. At the end Paris - Space Mountain, Tower of of the day we bought souvenirs, courtesy of Terror, Rock 'n' Roller enjoyed more entertainment and BASW Coaster, and not forgetting watched a magnificent fireworks Scotland. The Crush's Coaster - straight display. choice was out of Finding Nemo - my On Sunday we had to return difficult, the heart was in my mouth. home so headed for the airport world was my Moving on to lighthearted happy and exhausted. The whole oyster, but i rides such as it's a Small experience was out of this world. chose Disneyland because it was World and Buzz Lightyear Laser The French people were so my dream as i was growing up Blast gave our stomachs the welcoming and friendly, and it is a and it did not disappoint. opportunity to settle down. gorgeous country. i have never Upon arriving in Paris, we Before we knew it, it was closing before experienced such thrills and headed for our accommodation - time and we headed for something excitement as i became embroiled the Davy Crockett Ranch, a cabin to eat alongside popular Disney in the magical world of Disneyland. within a forest. it was beautiful, characters such as Mickey and i'll never forget meeting the private and peaceful, the perfect Minnie Mouse. The characters Disney characters and enjoying place to unwind. Being too excited spoke French but it was a great the adrenaline packed rides. to take it easy, we dumped our opportunity to try my somewhat Thank you BASW for allowing my suitcases and headed to rusty skills at speaking the childhood dream to come true. i thoroughly recommend this if you are looking for some adventure and thrills. i think i need another holiday to recover from my experience! Now to return to life as a social worker, eager to learn from the challenges that lie ahead. i look forward to reading next year's winners' accounts of the wonderful places they go to. Stacey Thomson is currently working as a Social Worker with the Children and Families Team at Inverclyde Council Nominate someone now for this year's awards - see Back Page October 2009 15 Rostrum A week in the life of… Sharon Ballingall, Social Worker for Young People, Children's Hospice Association Scotland, based at Rachel House, Kinross MONDAy: My week starts by Time to briefly catch up with learning about the weekend's colleagues before welcoming our events, followed by weekly new group of young befrienders planning meetings to identify and who volunteer their time to spend plan for family support. My role is time with teenagers who use to support young people with CHAS. Their enthusiasm is life-limiting conditions within fantastic; they bring another Rachel House and in the dimension to our holistic team. i community. This includes liaising gather a range of information and with other organisations or resources for them to begin their advocating their needs and training programme. At 8.45pm i take the lead in our discussions. i requirements. Young people with a wave them goodbye before have no preconception about what life-limiting condition have the planning next week's session. they might want to explore. same aspirations as their peers Today's topics include social but may need assistance to WEDNESDAy: Some young isolation, independence, recent achieve their goals. people have invited me to join their health deteriorations and end of After lunch i have a future life PlayStation 3 competition. Group life. The meetings can be events usually lead to interesting emotionally draining but the young review with a family in Edinburgh discussions as the young people people's passion for life inspires so I quickly scan my emails before feel at home in front of a computer me to make the most of mine. jumping in my car. it's an and their views and opinions flow Tonight i'm meeting some emotional journey for families to freely. But for me it can be tricky to colleagues at a local restaurant as discuss and document end of life play a competitive football game part of our wine and dine club - a wishes. Many feel a sense of relief while discussing sensitive matters good end to a heavy day. knowing that they have (especially when i'm trying to win!) encapsulated their views and can Afterwards i travel to Glasgow FRIDAy: i can't believe it's Friday now concentrate on making each to meet some young people in already! i start my day by visiting a day count. their local sports centre to discuss young person in hospital in Perth, i head back to Rachel House to we have a chat about his health outreach events to help reduce return some calls and arrange and the plans for getting him their isolation and loneliness. home visits, gather my notes and home. He is in good spirits despite ideas vary from wheelchair sports joining my multidisciplinary a rocky road. i arrange to visit him to Christmas parties. The best part colleagues in our referral meeting. at home within the next few weeks. of my role is supporting young We have a long list and each child After lunch i have an online people to overcome obstacles to is discussed at length before tasks meeting with the CHAS Young achieve their wishes. These social are shared. events are important, they provide Adult Council. The group has been young people with something to together for a few months and they TuESDAy: i start late today as i look forward to and inspiration for have lots to say about palliative won't finish until after 9pm. After their Bebo pages. care with a wealth of great ideas. organising my son, my work day Their online discussions are fast starts by meeting up with a THuRSDAy: New staff are joining paced, i am just about managing bereaved parent and her adult our team today and before they to keep up with all the acronyms. daughter. it's not unusual for begin they undergo an intensive Their next six months is busy with families to touch base with us a induction programme. My session exploring accessible resources year after their loved one has is in-between attending a complex and meetings at the Scottish passed away. needs review meeting and an Parliament. Online debates enable The family recall happy and sad energetic Wii gaming session. young people all over Scotland to times, seeking clarity on events Making therapeutic connections join our group discussions. leading up to the young person's with young people and their Time to pack up and head for passing. Families can access our families helps to facilitate future home. Next week's "to do" list is Forget Me Not bereavement sensitive discussions. growing fast but young people are programme, in addition to After lunch i have three inspirational and a privilege to individual sessions. After lots of meetings with young people who support. chat, coffee and cakes, the family are in the hospice, each with leaves for home lighter for sharing unique needs and distinctive Further information can be found their emotions. personalities. The young people at: www.chas.org.uk 16 Rostrum Obituary David McKendrick 1931-2009 Sean McKendrick, David McKendrick and Mono Chakrabarti SOCiAL WORK has always been moved to Hamilton. in 1985, he primarily about supporting and became District Manager in North championing the cause of East Glasgow where he remained vulnerable and disadvantaged for 10 years. The pinnacle of his people. David McKendrick, former career came in 1995 when he was Director of Social Work for North appointed the first Director of Lanarkshire Council and a Social Work for North Lanarkshire. founding member of BASW, who All through his career David has died of cancer aged 77, managed to navigate developing believed in that principle and was welfare philosophy and policy particular focus was with an ailing an example of that energetic force frameworks while maintaining a local organisation that supported throughout his professional life. focus that embraced the rights of children and adults with multiple David was born in Lanarkshire users and carers. The intellectual and/or learning disabilities. Using and educated at Our Lady's High stimulus of his work with BASW in his leadership and formidable School in Motherwell. Despite the 1970s reinforced a value base campaigning skills, he redesigned academic potential, he left school that viewed service user the organisation into a sector early to supplement the family empowerment as central to service leader, embracing a hotel-like income. His first job was as a delivery. His thinking influenced concept for those needing respite. baker but like many others he later BASW's early views on rights and This epitomised his capacity to found employment in the contributions of service users. challenge traditional thinking, traditional industries of mining and in the 1980s, he played a key galvanize people and push steel. His lifelong belief in equality role in ensuring that Strathclyde boundaries to ensure equality. It initially manifested itself in union Regional Entertainment Group was a further example of his and Labour Party politics. His (REG) championed the rights, skills capacity to be a moderniser and experiences of poverty, social and talents of vulnerable children forward thinker. in 2008, whilst injustice, collective action, public and those with learning difficulties. managing his cancer, he service and a desire for change in the 1990s, he was instrumental completed a Master of Science attracted him to the value and in setting up Lanarkshire (MSc) degree in Social Policy at ethical basis of the emerging Association for Mental Health, Glasgow University, almost social work profession. which provided accommodation inevitably focusing on the use (and in the late 1960s, with the full and employment support for those underuse) of Direct Payments. support of his wife Cathy, David leaving the State Hospital. David was above all deeply decided to train as a social worker. As North Lanarkshire's Director, committed and dedicated to his He completed with flying colours David's flat management structure family. His devotion to Cathy and the probation course at Jordanhill challenged previous models. He the deep respect, love and College. Vera Hiddleston, then disaggregated traditional affection that they demonstrated Head of Department, recently headquarters functions to local eclipsed all of his professional commented that David was one of areas, increasing the strength and achievements. His seven children her prized students with scope of decision making on the - all professionals in various unbounded energy and conviction ground. in some part, his efforts disciplines including social work - to promote social welfare. To and those of his colleagues laid the and 18 grandchildren would consolidate his knowledge and foundations of the success the concur fully with his friend Dick skills, David undertook a further social work service enjoys today. Poor's description of him as "a postgraduate course in generic David's contribution to North great man who remained ordinary." social work at Glasgow University. Lanarkshire is still remembered He began his social work career with fondness by those elected Sean McKendrick is a Service as a probation officer before members and employees who Manager with Glasgow City becoming a psychiatric social worked with him. The presence of Council worker in the Motherwell and so many at his funeral and the David McKendrick is a Senior Wishaw areas; his passion for expressions of sympathy and Social Worker with North mental health remaining constant support is testament to the deep Lanarkshire Council throughout his career. in 1974, he affection and respect he enjoyed. was appointed Depute Director of David never really retired from Mono Chakrabarti is Emeritus Social Work in East Kilbride. social work. in the late 1990s, he Professor of Social Work Following the formation of provided policy guidance to and Social Policy at Glasgow Strathclyde Region, David he Romania, Bulgaria and ireland. His School of Social Work October 2009 17 Rostrum MediaWatch The Walking Wounded BBC Two Scotland, 6 September Dispatches: Battle Scarred Channel 4, 7 September Reviewed by Nancy Campbell SADLY, we have all become institutionalised and isolated from accustomed to the distressing society. For the last seven years, images of our troops on patrol in Chris has suffered severe Afghanistan, interviews with those debilitating flashbacks and anger Chris who have been maimed and issues as a result of active tours in injured, and the repatriation of our Bosnia and the Gulf. Turning to Trevor speaks quite candidly about dead war heroes. alcohol to suppress these his aggression and violent We may feel that we have a memories led to the breakdown of behaviour, and fear that one day better understanding of the his life: he lost his wife, his he may seriously hurt or even kill challenges faced by our armed daughter and his business. somebody. forces but the reality of war is Simply walking down a busy Trevor's frustration at the lack of rarely seen. Active combat leaves street causes Chris to break out in help from his GP and the NHS is many of our young a sweat all too apparent and only serves to soldiers with invisible and compound his condition. After two wounds: traumatised with become years, Trevor finally gets a place deep psychological scars anxious on an anger management course and struggling to cope and at Combat Stress, the charity with life. paranoid. charged with addressing veteran The Walking Wounded He feels mental health issues in Scotland. takes us on an emotionally "like a Graham Graham, 26, is proud of being a disturbing journey loaded paratrooper - after all Paras are following three former gun", still "prepared for anything" - but sadly soldiers with exemplary military on patrol and looking out for Graham wasn't prepared for records as they struggle with their snipers. Chris struggles with the civilian life. Within six months of transition to civilian life, struggle flashbacks, struggles to find leaving the Army, Graham was with symptoms of Post Traumatic specialised help, struggles with sleeping rough and taking heroin Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression and despair, and yet to to kill the pain. struggle to find help. date has not been formal Currently living in a high rise flat Chris, 38, is originally from diagnosed with PTSD. in a depressed area of Glasgow, Nottingham but now living in a Trevor, 29, is an ex-paratrooper he is desperately trying to get specialised veteran residency in with severe anger management re-housed through a veteran Edinburgh. He is grateful to have a issues. Since leaving the Army, charity. His despair, depression roof over his head after a spell of Trevor has a string of violent and complete lack of sense of self homelessness but feels offences and spells in prison. and identity are all too painfully evident. Tragically, Graham feels "there's nowhere to turn" and that he is all alone. in Scotland, there are currently 50 veteran charities, serving approximately 500,000 veterans. Of these, one in five will have mental health problems. Sadly, only 15,000 are actively receiving assistance - barely seven per cent of those in need. Battle Scarred is an equally heart-rending documentary which looks into the experiences and lives of four former soldiers. it explores the origins and effects of Trevor Danny and Martin's psychological injuries, and how Dave and 18 Rostrum Jason's parents' lives have been Understandably, Dave's suicide devastated and changed by their has made Janet question the military service and tragic suicides. Army's commitment to soldiers' Forth Valley Danny became increasing welfare. Dave was a reservist, part paranoid and anxious after his last of the Territorial Army, and Branch News tour in southern Iraq and stole a although not good enough to be a gun to protect himself. Despite 18 regular soldier did two tours of years of service and being duties in Afghanistan. Dave and OUR LAST meeting was diagnosed with PTSD, Danny went his close friend Rob both survived held on 25 August when the to prison. Since his discharge, a roadside bomb attack. Rob was theme was " Being Danny's symptoms have physically injured and offered independent". The speaker intensified. He constantly fears for psychological help but Dave was was to have been his safety and feels he is still in a not. independent Social Worker combat situation. Sadly, Danny Grief-stricken parents Eileen ian Kinsley, who left local has not received any treatment for and Roy painfully reflect on their authority social work three his PTSD. son Jason's recent suicide. They years ago after 23 years. Martin recounts his time on witnessed, helplessly, their son's But being independent patrol in Iraq where they "advance gradual deterioration; changes in meant that a last minute to contact", which simply means his personality, his marriage offer of work up north had they walk until someone (the breakdown, his increased drinking to take precedence over insurgents) shoot at them and then and his general apathy. Eileen is addressing a BASW they try to find convinced that her son's meeting. ian did, however, them and kill drinking and depression was a forward his substantial them. it is direct result of his active notes and i was able to impossible to combat and symptoms of present them to the even PTSD, but sadly the Army only meeting. contemplate ever addressed Jason's ian was very positive being in such a alcoholism problem. about his experience and position, never Most of us described himself as having mind the Danny have no real a "personalised" career. He associated understanding outlined the process of stress and trauma. of military Post setting up a limited Martin calmly discloses that Traumatic company and finding and the Ministry of Defence Stress sustaining work, identified provides a de-briefing and Disorder. The his plans for the future and decompression service which Walking covered the pros and cons consists of an opportunity to Martin Wounded and of being an independent get pissed and have a fight to Battle Scarred practitioner. get the combat experience "out provide us with Some of the members of their system". a realistic, if somewhat painful, present were clearly Although psychiatric treatment insight into this complex, disturbing interested in his practice is available, Martin says that and serious disorder. it manifests and we hope that ian will no-one ever asks for it because itself through a wide range of come to a future meeting to everyone would know, and more symptoms such as anger, answer any questions. importantly it would affect your aggression, alcohol and drug The next meeting is on Army career. it is hardly surprising addiction, depression, anxiety and 20 October when our AGM that Martin now drinks a litre of paranoia, and if left untreated can will be held. i hope that you vodka every night to help him spiral into self-destruction. will continue to support the sleep. He also sleeps with a knife With recent reports suggesting branch. Papers for the AGM at each side of his bed for fear of that young soldiers are 40 per cent will be sent to members. attack and sometimes wakes up more likely to suffer from PTSD as Our speaker will be frightened and crawls under the a direct result of their service than Lauren Sutherland, an bed for safety. they are to be killed in action, Advocate who specialises Tragically, latest statistics veteran and social services will in health and social care suggest that young soldiers are need to develop in order to meet issues and the daughter of three times more likely to kill the increasing need. Dorothy, our former themselves than the general Secretary. population. Janet reveals that Nancy Campbell is a Director of although her son Dave committed The Mark Wright Project, a new Kate Pryde, Branch Chair suicide, he loved being a soldier charity which is raising funds Email and being in the Army. But after his for a drop-in centre for young email@example.com last tour Dave found it increasingly ex-service men and women on difficult to cope with civilian life. the outskirts of Edinburgh October 2009 19 Rostrum Book Reviews Reducing Reoffending: concepts of human and social Access to information capital in the understanding of how for post-care adults: A Social work and to intervene in people's lives to guide for social workers community justice in reduce re-offending. Scotland Reading this book from a social and Access to Records Fergus McNeill and Bill Whyte work practitioner's perspective, i Officers Willan Publishing, 2007 was concerned about the Julia Feast iSBN 978-1-84392-218-6, £21.50 overemphasis on working with the British Association for Adoption & Reviewed by Ruth Stark, individual or rather the lack of Fostering, 2009 Professional Officer, BASW emphasis that "no man is an island iSBN 978-1-90566-467-2, £9.95 Scotland in himself." Reviewed by Anne Mitchell, Social Having argued the uniqueness Worker, Fostering and Adoption THiS BOOK was published in of criminal justice being within Team, Highland Council and 2007 but only recently sent to us general social work provision, that Independent Assessor of Foster for review. it is written as a text most offenders come from a very Carers, Action for Children - Gael book for social work students but small number of areas of Scotland, Og Fostering should be on bookshelves in all that many victims come from the departments of social work as a same areas and most have early RECOGNiSiNG that the needs of reference book for aspects of this histories of contact with social post-care adults are not placed on specialist area of social work. workers and the public care the same legal footing as those of The book is divided into three system, there is little information adoptees, the author's aim in this sections starting in Part 1 with the about how the interaction with BAAF Good Practice Guide is to historical evolution of criminal other professionals - including equip Access to Records Officers justice social work in Scotland. it is colleagues in child protection or (AROs) and social workers with good to see that they relate the mental health - is essential in the the information that will make them importance of Section 12 of the prevention of re-offending. knowledgeable, confident and Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 to This was a missed opportunity resourceful when providing access the ideas of Kilbrandon and social in such a basic text book and to records and related services for education and social welfare. would encourage social work post-care adults or their relatives. students to think laterally in their Her intention is to improve practice analysis of criminal activity, given across agencies and promote the role played by criminal justice uniformity in approach. social workers in protecting The effectiveness of the current vulnerable people. This role has legal framework for accessing care been well rehearsed in child and records, the Data Protection Act mental health service enquiries. It 1998, is questioned around the should link in with international area of disclosure of third party Definition of Social Work and information. Post-care adults have BASW's Code of Ethics with its often not received a meaningful or underlying principles of practice. coherent story of their time in care There was no real mention of or why they were accommodated domestic abuse or offending within due to third party information being the family and no linking with the withheld. way forward for criminal justice This in some cases may be due social work within the Changing to non-disclosure of information, Lives agenda for community such as details of siblings, which capacity building and prevention of can be obtained through public crime. All of these add into the records in any case. The author The second part of the book complex matrix of helping people explains that the Data Protection gives the legal context of social feel safe in their communities. Act allows for discretion on the work and the criminal justice Whilst this is a good basic text, part of the ARO regarding the system. This is clear and easy to there is another book to be written sharing of third party information follow and will be of great use to and themes to be developed that and that AROs can exercise those who coming new to this area build on that uniqueness of judgement about the harm that of work or who are encountering Scotland's view that criminal may be done to the post-care adult the criminal justice in the course of justice is part of the overall social by withholding information, for working with another specialism. work provision for ensuring social example about medical history. The last part explores some of the justice in our society. Useful case studies address the 20 Rostrum main dilemmas that AROs will agencies providing services for Having set out the strengths of come across in their work, such as post-care adults, i believe it will this book, i have to say that apart when and how to disclose improve practice both within and from Chapter One i found it hard information: across agencies. going. Without an introduction, we • About siblings or twins have to work out the context and • About medical matters aim for ourselves. it is not well • When records and the post-care Working with Ethnicity, written or structured so it's difficult adult's memory do not match up Race and Culture in Mental to remember what point is being • To vulnerable post-care adults made. Many sections comprise such as those with learning Health: A Handbook for apparently unconnected sentences difficulties or alcohol abuse issues Practitioners without linking words or phrases. • When racism has been a Hári Sewell it is inconsistent about its target childhood issue Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2008 audience. Parts of it are written for • When the post-care adult is now iSBN 978-1-84310-621-0, £18.99 specialist practitioners while other living abroad Reviewed by Moira Dunworth, parts would be patronising to a first • When the post-care adult has Independent Practice Teacher placement student. For example, been abused when in care. he says in relation to sexual THE TiTLE of this book promises identity that "workers need to be much and its subtitle suggests that honest about where they identify I might find ideas and discussions conflicts with what is required by that would be of help to students law and policy" (p 93). who are terrified of doing or saying This is part of a section based the wrong thing to someone of a on the assumption that workers different ethnicity. Without an are heterosexual and that many introductory chapter the subtitle is have difficulty in accepting other all we have about the target sexualities. I found that quite audience, though on reading it i offensive. The Conclusion is a realise that it is written for those chapter of just over one page, specialising in mental health work, which is quite inadequate in a rather than the more generic book of 183 pages and provides practitioner for whom mental no opportunity to get an overview health issues arise regularly in the of the arguments being presented. course of their work. The core messages of this book are that people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds have Helpful suggestions are given, poorer outcomes from mental for example, about across agency health services; that we must working for vulnerable adults recognise the impact that racism requesting access to their records, has on the mental health of those about offering meaningful help to service users and that individual post-care adults who do not wish and institutional racism still exists face-to-face contact and about in mental health services. A useful when to offer tracing and case-study (p 67) illustrates these intermediary services. points well; experiencing racism is The author emphasises the a damaging process and can importance of recording decision affect the mental health of the making and what information was strongest of us. provided so that clarity is ensured The first chapter of this book is if access to the records is the most useful - it defines and requested in the future. To aid the explores the terms "ethnicity", recording process, the appendices "race" and "culture" (ERC) in the include many useful forms and context of understanding their This book is written in England sample letters for use by AROs. uses and impact. The author is not and it becomes clear that it refers There is also a comprehensive list afraid of the word "race". He only to England. At no point is of relevant resources such as discusses the problems with it but Wales mentioned. i am not sure organisations for post-care adults asserts that we need to accept that the author knows that and tracing services. that, as a social construct, it has Scotland and Northern ireland are The author achieves her aims. enormous impact. Another useful part of the UK. Whilst i am glad to This is an empowering book for section is the framework of 35 see books on this topic, i suggest anyone working in the field of competencies in relation to ERC, that you get hold of Chapter One helping post-care adults to access broken down into knowledge, skills but can't recommend buying this their records. if used throughout and attitudes. book or reading the rest of it. October 2009 21 Rostrum Quality Matters in themes which are: Coming and were too many incidences of core Children's Services: Going (pursuit of permanence assessments not being completed study); Going Home (reunification when carrying out child protection Messages from Research study); Going to Kinship Care; investigations. This being the Mike Stein Safeguarding and Protecting; case, it is debatable whether the Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2009 Education and Care; and full needs of children and their iSBN 978-1-84310-926-6, £19.99 Advocating and Participating. parents are being identified and Reviewed by Iain McDonald, responded to and as such whether Social Worker, Edinburgh City children are adequately protected. Council At the end of each chapter THE AiM of this book is to provide several questions are posed as to an overview of the impact of the how imbedded both the findings of Quality Protects programme in research and good practice are in raising the quality of children's practice at a strategic, operational services. it does so primarily by and practitioner level. As such, this providing an overview of nine is an aid to the development of research studies - some of which practice and the promotion of were commissioned through the quality in children's services. Quality Protects programme - to The final chapter deals with establish whether the objectives as what is meant by the term "quality" set out are being met. and how this can be applied in However, it also places these children's services. For instance, if objectives and the study outcomes by quality we mean the promotion within the wider policy and of stable and appropriate legislative context of children's placements for looked after services including the Every Child children then alongside this goes Matters agenda. in essence, this Within each chapter or theme the need to have properly gives a snapshot of developments an overview of the relevant studies supported and trained carers. it over the last 10 years. is provided with the main findings also requires agencies to work The studies are helpfully of the studies as applied to the together to support children to grouped into themes consistent Quality Protects objectives. For achieve both educationally and in with those within Quality Protects instance, within the Safeguarding developing secure attachments. such as the aim to promote better and Protecting section the study in short, this book collates a lot life chances and reduce social noted that there was a need for the of the recent research into what inclusion. These in turn mirror the role of education in protecting works in various areas of aims of Every Child Matters. children to be noted. children's services into one easily The book covers six main it was also noted that there accessible volume. Publications for review The following have been received by the Editor and are available for review in Rostrum. From Jessica Great Answers to Difficult Managing child welfare and Kingsley Publishers Questions about Death: What protection services Children Need to Know Paul Harrison, 2009 Linda Goldman, 2009 iSBN 978-1-90554-152-2, Authentic Dialogue with iSBN 978-1-84905-805-6, 128 pages, £16.95 Persons who are 112 pages, £9.99 Developmentally Disabled: Domestic Abuse is Never Sad Without Tears Acceptable From Russell House Jennifer Hill, 2009 Nicci Vella & Doreen Murdin, 2009 Publishing iSBN 978-1-84905-016-6, iSBN: 978-1-90554-151-5, 128 pages, £18.99 96 pages, £24.95 Making sure children get 'HELD': Ideas and resources Activities for Adults with to help workers place Hope, A review copy will be sent to anyone Learning Disabilities: Having Empathy, Love and Dignity at interested. the heart of child protection Reviews for the next edition to be Fun, Meeting Needs received by 1 December 2009 and support Helen Sonnet & Ann Taylor, 2009 Nicki Weld, 2009 Contact: BASW Scotland Office, iSBN 978-1-84310-975-4, iSBN 978-1-90554-155-3, Tel: 0131 221 9445 160 pages, £17.99 80 pages, £19.95 Email: email@example.com 22 Rostrum BASW Diary Dates Committees October 27 November 16 October 15 Children's Hearing Reform Children's Hearings and the Standards & Ethics Board, Conference Love that Binds: Reflections on Birmingham Sheraton Grand Hotel, Community, Discipline and Exile Edinburgh 9th Kilbrandon Lecture: Kathleen October 19 Holyrood Conferences Marshall Scotland Committee discussion on Tel: 0131 272 2133 Bute Hall, Glasgow University proposed UK College of Social Email: email@example.com Work October 27 Equal Access to Equal Services December 1 Do Deaf Children and Adults October 20 Protecting Scotland's Children: Need Specialist Social Work Chief Executive Hilton Dawson in improving Practices, Procedures Services? and Performance Scotland Ministerial Summit Radisson SAS Hotel, Glasgow Heriot-Watt University, Holyrood Conferences November 12 Edinburgh Tel: 0131 272 2133 BASW Additional General (by invitation only) Meeting, London December 3 October 29-30 improving the Health and Well November 16-17 Reflecting, Refocusing, Being of People with Learning Chief Executive Hilton Dawson in Reconnecting Disabilities Scotland ADSW Criminal Justice Glasgow University Conference & Exhibition Email: email@example.com Crieff Hydro Hotel November 18 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Rostrum Editorial Group November 5-6 I WOuLD like to record my December 2 Life in the fast lane: the road to appreciation of the support I Scotland Committee better outcomes for children have received from Scottish and young people members over the past December 9 Children in Scotland Annual decade at a particularly Council, Birmingham Conference challenging time for social work whilst I was privileged to Macdonald Crutherland House, be Chief Executive of BASW. East Kilbride I would also like to thank all BASW Scotland Email: hgoodrum@ childreninscotland.org.uk those who contributed to my Homecoming Party in Office Edinburgh - in particular Ruth, November 12 Johan and Jane - for their Office Closed kindness and generosity. Taking Back Our Profession: A I look forward to continuing Rally for Social Work to play an active role in the December 25-28 BASW UK Additional General Association over the years to Meeting come. Christmas Holiday London Email: email@example.com ian Johnston January 1-4 (See Page 2 for full details) Email: email@example.com New year Holiday Next Rostrum Rostrum No 99 in January 2010. Copy deadline 1 December 2009. Circulation 1300. Subscription for non-members £16 per annum. To find out about our competitive advertising rates and request the Rostrum Media Pack please contact Johan Grant, Administative Officer, Tel: 0131 221 9445, Fax: 0131 221 9444, Email: firstname.lastname@example.com To view Rostrum online, visit our website at: www.basw.co.uk/rostrum October 2009 23 BASW Scotland Social Work Awards 2009 Jennifer Lindsay Student Social Worker of the Year 2007 Willie Macfadyen Social Worker of the Year 2008 Grace Anne Williamson Residential Care Worker of the Year 2007 Social Worker of the Year They have all been winners - Residential Care Worker who'll be next? of the Year Student Social Worker of the Year (Practice Award) The winners will receive - The BASW Scotland Social Work Award A European City Break Do you know someone on the One year's free front line who deserves an membership of BASW to be presented at a celebration Award for their work in December 2009 with people? Closing Date: 30 November 2009 John Black Stacey Thomson Scott Hunter Further information and Social Worker of Student Social Worker Residential Care Worker nomination forms from: the Year 2007 of the Year 2008 of the Year 2008 Mrs Johan Grant, Administrative Officer, BASW Scotland, 3rd Floor Princes House, 5 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BG Tel: 0131 221 9445 • Fax: 0131 221 9444 Email: email@example.com Make your nomination today!


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subset: commoncrawl


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Chia Pod
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- About the Library
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Indirect costs: Keeping the lights on
Nature - Wed, 2014-11-19 13:45
Indirect costs: Keeping the lights on
Nature 515, 7527 (2014). http://www.nature.com/doifinder/10.1038/515326a
Author: Heidi Ledford
Every year, the US government gives research institutions billions of dollars towards infrastructure and administrative support. A Nature investigation reveals who is benefiting most.


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November 28, 2014
March 23, 2005
"Without further a due, the next governor of Virginia, Tim Kaine!" announced one state legislator.
"The next governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Jerry Kilgore!" announced another.
The race is on for the top spot in Virginia.
Former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore and Lieutenant Governor Tim Kaine's campaign trail took them to Charlottesville on Wednesday, March 23. Here they outlined their proposed agendas as governor while getting those much needed signatures.
From behind a podium at the DoubleTree Hotel, Republican Kilgore outlined his goals for Virginia. Pushing for reform and honesty, Kilgore expressed his concern for a problem all too familiar to Charlottesville, rising property taxes.
"We've seen a huge increase of 20-30 percent of real estate tax assessment in Virginia, particularly here in this region," Kilgore told CBS19/ABC16 News.
To tackle this problem, Kilgore suggested a five percent cap on the tax.
"Local governments will now have to set the property tax rate in a fair and open manner. Property owners are no longer going to be forced to make a decision whether or not to move out of their homes to pay their taxes," declared Kilgore.
Meanwhile, over at the Nook on the downtown mall, in a notes-free speech, Kaine, a democrat, expressed the same concern for people being pushed out of their homes by escalating property taxes.
But instead of a cap, he proposed an exemption.
"Instead of rolling back the tax generally on classes of property, even on those that's aren't increasing, a Homestead Exemption allows a locality that's wrestling with reassessments to target tax relief right at homeowners," explained Kaine. Other states have the exemption and it would work perfectly in Virginia, said Kaine.
This campaign kick-off was just the beginning of what's to be a very heated race, causing candidates to rally and shout, as Kaine did, "Welcome to the race! Welcome to the race!"
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Rahul attends last ritual of former Cong MLARam Sewak on the occasion of the last ritual, at his ancestral home at Musafirkhana here, the family said. Gandhi after arriving here on a day-long visit in his parliamentary constituency, met the bereaved family members of the deceased. Senior ... Business Standard India, 1 month ago
Rahul Gandhi attends last ritual of former Congress MLA - ZeeNews.com, 1 month ago
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