The number of criminals on the sex offenders register has reached a record high and those breaching the terms of their release has increased for the third year in a row.

NEW operators are set to take control of two axe-threatened care homes. Castle View in Dumbarton East and Helensburgh’s Balvaird were both at risk of closing following the collapse of Southern Cross, which ran both properties.

THE Building of Aberdeenshire Council’s first care village in Stonehaven was officially opened last week.

OFFENDERS working on community projects as a means to pay back society for their crimes have a new base in Dumfries.

More than 200 social work employees had their achievements recognised at the Scottish Borders Council Social Work Staff Awards.  

Hundreds of social care staff are set to walk out in a row over plans to cut their pay. Members of Unison at Quarriers, one of Scotland’s largest social care charities, are to hold a 24-hour strike over a package of cuts.

The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) has issued a plea to supervisors in care homes to apply to register with them by 30 September 2011. This will ensure applications are processed in time for compulsory registration which comes in on 30 March 2012.

The Association of Director’s of Social Work (ADSW) today urged that future delivery of social work and health services for adults is based on an academic review of evidence.

A CONTROVERSIAL decision to give drug and alcohol charities in Fife more time to bid again for crucial funding has been given the go ahead.

Action is having to be taken by East Lothian Council to combat pressures in the adult social care service caused by a growing population.