Gloucestershire County Council today announced proposals to recruit dozens more social workers following an Ofsted inspection after the death of Baby Peter in London.

The law and duties covering social care provided by councils in England and Wales need simplifying, experts say.

Confronting the stigma surrounding mental health is a key issue, it has been claimed. John Goldup, director of development for social care at Ofsted, said one of the main reasons stigma surrounds mental health issues is because many discussions about the condition “veer towards the sensationalist”.

Eleanor Brazil, brought in to help rebuild confidence in Haringey council following the Baby P scandal, reveals how seeing the full picture was key to instigating change.

A single, modern act for adult social care is welcome, but the consultation paper feels some way short of a framework that could serve another 60 years, or even 30, says David Brindle.

A FORMER care home worker from Teignmouth who pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of pounds from an elderly woman could be facing a prison sentence.

A million unpaid carers in England could get a week’s break every year under plans from the Liberal Democrats. The scheme would apply to those caring for more than 50 hours a week and would cost £460m.

The man charged with turning around Haringey’s failing social services faces criticism today over another case of suspected child abuse.

A doctor accused of failing to spot that Baby Peter had a broken back and was being abused did not appear before a disciplinary hearing yesterday.

Poll reveals that social workers feel that new recruits are not properly prepared for the challenges of the job.