Fighting for the families

摘要

The Baby P case raises many issues, some highlighted in the letter, 'Consistency is needed in care' (The MJ, 21 May) noting the rise in care applications following the tragedy. How many man-hours have social workers and legal advisers spent in agonising over decisions in child protection conferences as to whether to institute proceedings or not, or to attempt to work further with family members?How many wasted hours are then spent by social workers at court, waiting for a case to be called on, often having to be attended by a senior officer because of financial implications when they could be out in their council area supporting families?