Social workers failed to spot ‘indicators of risk’ to a toddler who was tortured to death by her stepfather, a report has found.

Three major charities are lobbying the political party conferences to bring about a change in the social care system.

SUPPORT workers have been given a new base to help children in Weymouth and Portland.

Social workers are ideally placed to offer the support, brokerage and advocacy roles which will come about as part of the move towards greater choice and control for service users, whilst continuing their vital role in safeguarding those who are vulnerable, the General Social Care Council (GSCC) said today.

Foster children in Lincolnshire have lost one of their most dedicated champions following the tragic and death of a respected social services officer, a meeting heard.

The prime minister is to set out a plan to extend free part-time childcare to all two-year-olds. Gordon Brown told the Sunday Telegraph newspaper that he hoped the move would help improve “upward social mobility” in Britain.

A NURSING home owner is co-operating with police and council officials over an investigation into his business which has seen all 34 residents moved out.

The government’s Technology Strategy Board has announced £11m funding for telehealth and telecare projects, to take the technology to the next level.

At least 7,000 seriously abused children received help last year after concerned neighbours alerted the NSPCC, the charity has revealed.

Policymakers have today set out where more than 10,000 care places for Norfolk’s rising numbers of older people are needed in the next decade as it emerged that upgrading the existing residential homes would cost £60m.