BASW publishes responses to Public and Private Law Interim Reports
The British Association of Social Workers England and the Social Workers Union have completed a survey of members and formulated their response for the Children Cases in the Family Court consultations on public law, and for private law. The consultation period closed on 30 September 2019.
The full summary of the contributions to the Private Law report can be read here. BASW and SWU highlight the following:
- They agree with cutting out process driven activities but consider that the inevitable gains and losses need analysis.
- Out of court services sound "great" but adequate funding is desperately needed.
- It is not realistic for social workers to train court professionals on mediation and conciliation, especially in an environment of unmanageable caseloads and demand.
- Alternative means of conciliation is not a bad concept, but "shuttle mediation" is not 'meaningful' mediation.
- More analysis earlier on in the process to prevent people by-passing necessary systems is welcomed.
The full summary of the contributions to the Public Law report can be read here. BASW and SWU highlight the following:
- They support the principle of having continuity of the social worker and welcome recommendations for better multiagency work and a renewed focus pre-proceeding work and management of risk.
- They support the sharing of good practice and development of the conference chair and IRO role.
- They support the emphasis on the need for good relationship-based model during pre-proceedings and Public Law Outline in accordance with the BASW England 80/20 Campaign.
- They support a more collaborative approach to sharing information between local authorities and CAFCASS.
- More guidance is needed on the aftercare (post court) arrangements for Special Guardianship Orders on what to expect in terms of practical and financial support from local authorities.
For the interim reports, click here.
6/10/19