Lack of social workers puts 650 foster children 'at risk
The Irish Association of Social Workers said the failure of health authorities to fill vacant social work posts and recruit new social workers was putting vulnerable children at risk. Spokesman Declan Coogan said: "It seems that the protection of children is at the bottom of the list of priorities of those who make decisions about funding but are remote from the consequences of these decisions."
He said many social workers in child protection services experience stress, burn-out and exhaustion as they struggle to respond to an increasing workload with inadequate resources.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed to The Irish Times that 13 per cent of children in foster care have no dedicated social worker, in breach of national standards for foster care. However, it stressed that the vast majority of children were allocated a social worker. Those who do not have one are covered by a "duty social work system". This can involve keeping in contact with foster families by phone calls or home visits. Despite these shortcomings, a recent inspection in one part of Ireland found evidence of good practice in many areas and were impressed by the care the children were receiving. Many of the children felt well-cared-for and were happy in their placements.
The Irish Times - Mon, Mar 17, 2008 - Lack of social workers puts 650 foster children 'at risk'