MUCH-NEEDED jobs could be created in the Stirlingshire area following the news that a homecare charity has established a base in the region.

A social care company has made its first acquisition in Scotland. CareTech has taken over Phoenix Therapy and Care, based near Edinburgh, for an undisclosed sum.

Yarl’s Wood immigration centre will close to children with immediate effect, the government has announced.

A REPORT going before councillors tomorrow claims that Perthshire’s social work services have been making good progress and are “in a strong position to meet the challenges that lie ahead”.

Angus Council has said it takes the safety of staff seriously after figures obtained by The Courier revealed that 279 of its social workers have been assaulted in the last two years.

A “heightened anxiety” among professionals and society has played a part in raising numbers of vulnerable Highland babies being taken into care.

Senior politicians were not told about the situation at a children’s care home branded the worst in Scotland.

A LOTHIANS day centre for adults with learning disabilities is to close while a £220,000 refurbishment is carried out.

SETTING targets for mental health will help put the issue on a par with physical health, a leading organisation has said.

In advance of the review of the National Occupational Standards in Health and Social Care and Children’s Care Learning and Development in 2011, Skills for Care and Development are looking for comments on whether the Sector Qualification and Learning Strategy has adequately set out the picture for Scotland.