Social work contribution recognised by MSP Christina McKelvie

SNP MSP Christina McKelvie will call for the contribution made by social workers and social carers to improving the lives of people across Scotland to be properly recognised as she hosts a debate in the Scottish Parliament.

The debate comes as new figures show that the number of qualified social workers employed by local authorities has increased over the last year and that the number of people working to support child services is at its highest since the figures were first collected in 2002. The debate also comes in the wake of discussions between the Scottish Government and Dundee City Council about improving social work services for children in the city and as a report shows significant progress in improving social work services in Aberdeen.

Speaking in the debate Ms McKelvie will say; “Social Workers and Social Carers are the professionals who are there when society needs a safety net for some of our most vulnerable and it is essential that we recognise their work and their achievements.

“You can judge the health of a society by the manner in which it protects the weakest. Our social workers and our social carers are society’s improvement corps and, while politicians should ensure proper regulation and offer constructive criticism, we should also support the professionals who are working to improve the lives of others. What does not help is the blame culture where a scapegoat is sought rather than a problem solved.

“Social workers and social carers are people whose employment sends them into some of the most challenging situations in domestic life, who seek to mend some of the damaged lives in our society and who seek to improve other people’s lives. They’re not angels or saints, but they are dedicated and compassionate hard-working people who are there to help when we are at our weakest.

“When so many of us will need help for ourselves or for our families at some point in our lives we need to value our social carers.

“When we as a society demand so much from these professionals we should let them know we value their contribution.”

1. Local Government Social Work staffing figures issued today show the number of Social Work staff working in child services has increased by 1692 since 2002 , reaching 7398 in 2008.

2. Details of the interim follow through inspection of services in Aberdeen can be found here http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/24104245