Guidance on child abuse and neglect launched by NICE
New guidelines for social workers dealing with child abuse and neglect has been issued by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.
The Department for Education and Department of Health asked NICE to produce the guidance. The draft guidance outlines how social workers, teachers and police officers, along with others working [...]
NICE proposes mental health assessment for all new mums
All women who have recently given birth should be assessed for mental health problems, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is recommending.
NICE is calling on general practice staff to assess the mental health of all women who have recently given birth, as fears some may be left unsupported. It warns that some symptoms [...]
Expert’s Corner: Court reports should be succinct, accessible and evidence-based
ISW Gerry Mulcahy talks about going independent, writing reports for the courts and using Story Stem Assessment Protocol.
Court reports should be as short as possible while offering a comprehensive overview of opinions in the field, an expert in parenting assessments has warned.
Independent Social Worker Gerry Mulcahy said that, in an ideal world, [...]
Humour and Social work
Social work is a serious business so what role (if any) can humour play in social work? It feels almost distasteful even unethical to suggest that one might laugh in a social work office or even with a service user. Possessing a sense of humour has long been viewed as a key to success in [...]
Special Report: Guidance launched for social workers in climate of rising care applications
Social work sector leaders have been spurred into action to support social workers with the rocketing levels of care applications being made.
Cafcass and the Association of Directors of Children’s Services have agreed how social workers in both local authorities and those acting as guardians in family proceedings can better work together during care proceedings and [...]
NSPCC receives rise in calls over substance misuse
One contact per hour to the NSPCC helpline is on the subject of substance abuse, the children’s charity has revealed.
The NSPCC revealed a shocking rise in the number of contacts made to the helpline from children concerned about substance misuse in the family.
There were 25,000 contacts to the helpline over the last three years [...]
