DH propose to extend adult social work practice pilot

The Department of Health has written to the Directors of Adult Social Services in the Social Work Practice (SWP) pilot sites to signal the intention, subject to Parliamentary approval, to extend the period for which the SWPs may run.

The proposed extension will allow the sites to continue providing their services until the independent evaluation has been produced and the Department is in a position to formally consider next steps. The Department’s intention is that the SWPs may run until 31 March 2014 (subject to Parliamentary approval)

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Contracting Out (Local Authorities Social Services Functions) (England) Order 2011 will be amended by the Contracting Out (Local Authorities Social Services Functions) (England) (Amendment) Order 2012 to give effect to this decision and will come into force on 13 December 2012.