THE Vale of Glamorgan social services department – at the centre of a foster care abuse scandal earlier this year – is making improvements, according to external regulators and an annual all-Wales local government report.

NEW figures have revealed the extent of substance abuse among young people in Flintshire. A new report revealed that more than 200 young people across the county were referred for specialist treatment from the young persons’ drug and alcohol team (YPDAT), in 2008.

EXPERTS are being sought to lead new teams to care for people living with eating disorders in Wales. Health Minister Edwina Hart has announced funding of £500,000 this financial year to begin the development of the service and provide extra training.

THE South Wales council at the centre of a foster care sex abuse scandal earlier this year is making progress in improving the service, according to independent inspectors.

A CALDICOT woman, who says she’s been given a second chance at life, is one of five Gwent carers up for a Wales Care Award.

New rules to safeguard children and vulnerable adults from those who could pose a risk to them come into effect today. The new Vetting and Barring Scheme, launched today, will be delivered by the Criminal Records Bureau and the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

COUNCIL social care bosses have admitted staff sickness and stress resulted in delays in moving patients from hospital back into the community.

CIVIL servants were asked by Welsh Labour leadership contender Edwina Hart to prepare a 42-page document detailing her recent achievements as Health and Social Services Minister, it has emerged.

AN ATTEMPT to make up for a broken promise to disabled people could result in some of them paying more for their home care, a campaign group has warned.

A SOCIAL worker sacked following the death of a baby in Swansea has been offered her job back. Eleni Cordingley was struck off after admitting misconduct in the case of 13-month-old Aaron Gilbert, the Townhill tot killed in 2005.