graham ovenden sentencing and lord mcalpine

I said 'some people', Gracesmum, not 'all', but otherwise you are spot on.

No. I don't have a plan Nightowl. I don't know what the answer is.Let's hope "them at the top" keep trying.

Have a clue what's going on, that is. I certainly don't have a plan.

The thing is they have already made social work a graduate only profession and this doesn't seem to ave improved things. Also, there is said to be a national shortage of social workers but new graduates find it very difficult to get jobs. Local authorities are making staff redundant and employing unqualified staff in their place. Does anyone have a plan, or a clue what's going on, because I don't.

Yes. One can only hope things are improving. I guess the government are desperate to get people with good quality education in place as quickly as poss. The present state of affairs could be seen as warranting such measures.

The worry is if young people stop seeking g uni education because of the fees. Where are we going to get these top quality people from then?

I don't disagree with you j08 but I disagree that they should be fast tracked in any way. There are already many social workers with first degrees who went on to do a masters degree in social work, so it's nothing new.

I think it would be excellent if more people with good quality degrees became social workers.

You are not being unfair gracesmum. Everyone thinks they could be a social worker, and to a lesser extent, a teacher. Michael Gove is telling us as much with his new fast track social work training programme for graduates, as if all you need is a degree - in any subject. Conversely, we have also been told that all social workers need is common sense, or experience of bringing up their own children (the 'mature mums' suggestion), or 'life experience' (doesn't everyone have that, by dint of being alive? )

It's. a bit like me saying that because I watch Holby City I think I've picked up the rudiments of medicine so I think I could be fast tracked on to a medical degree. As well as which, I already have other skills such as needlework so I'm sure I'd make a good surgeon. Any good summer schools?

Social Workers - that's what comes of typing without the glasses!

Greatnan wonders why "we all enjoy criticising teachers and socail workers". I would suggest it could be because "everybody is an expert" - or thinks they are, i.e. we have all gone to school and we all live in society.
I know health professionals also suffer from criticism, but usually people are more prepared to accept their professional qualification and experience. Am I being unfair?

Let's face it, most people's view of social workers these days is coloured by the recent high profile cases. I know that might be unfair. Perhaps there are many social workers doing amazing jobs under hugely difficult circumstances, but I'm afraid my mind will never get past the thought of a little boy's dreadful facial cuts and bruises going unobserved because someone lacked the nous to wipe chocolate from his face so he could be seen properly.

As I say, a very emotional way of judging, but what other way is there when it comes to children at risk?

Sorry notso I think that was a dreadful, overly dramatic and self-pitying image to give to budding social workers.

A few years ago we desperately needed the help of social workers when my DD was going through an horrific divorce and the children were suffering. I was shocked at the total ineptitude of the local social services department who did not answer letters, or return phone calls when they said they would. In the end we managed, not very well, without any intervention from them.

I mention it because sometimes, like in any other occupation, social workers are just not very good.

The last paragraph of your post rang so true when. On the first day of my social work training the tutor handed out sheets of A4 paper with 2 identical cartoon pictures, top and bottom.

The cartoons were of a man being strung up by the neck into a large tree surrounded by an angry crowd of adults shaking their fists and shouting abuse.

The caption under the top picture read Social Worker who removed a child from it's parents

The caption under the bottom picture read Social Worker who did not remove a child from it's parents.

I wonder why some people so enjoy criticising teachers or social workers? Usually with very little knowledge or experience, other than what they read in the press.

Well said GM,

Your last sentence says it all WhenIm - it is indeed the responsibility of us all - I have read of cases where Social Workers have appeared to be high handed (satanic worship - was it Orkney?) and others where they have seemed less than effectual - of course nobody's perfect. But we cannot just hand over all responsibility to the authorities and only speak up or complain when we disagree with the outcome. Society has to care and show that it cares by its attitudes and standards.

When - save your breath

Yes! So she does, hummingbird - I wondered who she reminded me of

That's true - the Victorian equivalent to airbrushing, I suppose!

Oh yes, she does a bit, but with more of a glow?

I think she looks like Sonia from Eastenders!

How sensual she looks, and alluring.

I'm sorry if I veered off from the thread with that post. But as it is now just a thread getting at others/defending oneselves, and becoming thoroughly confusing at that, I don't think it matters.

jo thanks for your links. I really liked the Victorian narrative set from the Tate. And Tuke.

Lilygran - just looked at the link you put up with the picture of a young Queen Victoria. I have always wondered where Prince Andrew's daughters got that particular look from! I know now! Who'd have thought it. Thanks for the link. Lovely picture.