Annette Brooke MP

The Local Government Association has just produced a report on social workers leaving the profession.

Commenting on the report Liberal Democrat Children and Families Spokesperson, Annette Brooke MP, said:
“It is no wonder so many social workers are turning their backs on the profession given the huge pressure they work under. They already have to deal with a lack of resources, mountains of paperwork and the extra pressures created by the huge number of vacancies.

“There is also the added stress of the profession being demonised in the wake of the Baby P tragedy, which has undoubtedly put many people off becoming social workers.

“The Government must scrap the ContactPoint database and use the money to pay for more backroom staff to take the pressure off social workers and allow them do their jobs properly.

“They should also have the opportunity to complete secondments with other professionals working in child protection, such as the Police and schools. This would give them a break from the front line and ensure better communication and understanding between child protection professionals.”

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