What is wrong with some people? As social workers (for those complaining here that is) you are acutely aware of how CYP services are run, Yes!

However, this program is for the public to view, those who do not know how social workers are hard hit by the emotional trauma of seeing children live their lives full of neglect and abuse and how the many case loads that fall on a social workers back is such that they are left with having to deal with immense pressure on their own, then reprimanded for making mistakes that could have been avoided if they had the support they were promised would be with them in throughout their profession. Things are that bad they cant even keep a manager in this particular LA !

This ‘Vicky’ went in to show the general public exactly what you endure on a daily basis. If you don’t have have problems at work then thank your lucky stars as that is not the norm and we know it.

Don’t slam her down, just put yourself in her shoes and see why she did it – It must have been extremely difficult for her but at least she has tried to help put right the general consensus of the public that social workers moan for the sake of moaning and get paid well for the hours they do and take children from homes unnecessarily by showing that this is clearly not true. You should be thanking her for putting her career on the line not moaning for the sake of moaning !

Your anger is unjustified and in light of the situation I feel is bang out of order !

The same goes for adult social services… I’ve been a social worker for 10 years and I give myself another 2 years maximum and I’m out. Too much paperwork, resources are poor, new referrals increasing, I could go on… It’s a shame because I actually love my job.

I totally agree…

The thing is, we want to give support and be working directly with families. I HATE the amount of time I’m stuck at my desk. I am a student social worker and I’ve been utterly bogged down with desk work. I hate it. But you know what I want to do? I want to go into a family home, give practical support and help a family become stronger and not persecute them for their challenges. I should spend most of my time doing that but the bureaucracy and high caseloads and lack of funding for families limit what we can do for and with them. That is the disgrace for families and children. The system needs to be different and the Government’s aim is to reduce the money use that to show how crap social work is, then privatise it. Nobody ‘wins…’ Not social workers and certainly not families.

You are an ex social worker? And you have evidence of corruption of so many professionals? Can you elaborate because your post sounds like the usual rants that a certain group usually say so it’s interesting IF these words are coming from an ex social worker…

Ian

I am no fan of social workers and in particular Birmingham. But I must say, I found your comment enlightened and inspiring. (Yes, really) You summarised so much in so few words.
Enjoy your retirement Sir!
TC

I have read the about article along with the comments, and i sincerely hope that things do change. As a social work student about to commence my final year (and a mature student at that) it worries that those social workers who have the very experience i know are going to be vital in my early years of practice are very much de moralised. As a new social worker (to be) I come to frontline practice, bright and shinny believing I can make a difference, but it seems in reality that I too will become disillusioned. I truly hope there never comes a time where i feel that nothing is going to change, I believe that Social Work is a profession to be proud of.

My son is Autistic and I can say that we have in the past had social workers who were very poor, almost textbook in nature and others who truly embodied everything that social work really is and to her (her name was Lynne) I am truly grateful, it was her who made me realise that i to could support another family like my own.

As a student social worker i am proud to call myself that and will be even more proud the day i graduate. I feel that we need to stand firm and to proud of all the amazing work we do and the families we help to stay together.