This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
The Isle of Wight Council’s Cabinet is to consider a report recommending an internal restructure of social care services for children.
If approved by cabinet when it meets on Tuesday 12 April, the council will adopt a new model of working, known as Reclaiming Social Work. This will see staff work in social work units rather than the current approach of social workers handling large numbers of cases alone.
This model of social work has been successfully adopted by the London Borough of Hackney and has been highlighted as a model of outstanding practice by Dr Eileen Munro in her reports into the child protection system in England and Wales.
Smaller groups
Staff work in small units comprising consultant social workers, social workers, family therapists, child practitioners and unit coordinators. By working in small groups, staff can draw on different areas of expertise while handling a higher number of cases as a group. Admin is be managed by the unit coordinator, freeing up social work professionals to carry out their work with families.
The Isle of Wight Council is seeking to drive up standards and improve outcomes for children and families. An Ofted inspection in September 2010 found the Isle of Wight Council’s safeguarding and looked after children services to be ‘adequate’.
Consultation undertaken
A full consultation has been undertaken with staff, many of whom are enthusiastic about the proposed way of working. Unions and professional bodies have also been consulted.
Cllr Dawn Cousins, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “The proposed way of working has been praised by professionals as a model of good practice and I believe will be of real benefit to families on the Island if adopted. I would like to thank staff and young people for their input during the consultation period as we seek to move towards this new way of working.”
