Welfare reform on the Web (August 1999): Social care- UK

HIGH QUALITY DIRECT SERVICES ARE THE KEY TO THE FUTURE SAYS PLATT

Anon
Community Care, no. 1270, 1999, p. 4-5

The government wants to see the delivery of high quality, cost cutting, joined up social care services which promote independence and protect vulnerable children and adults. Clear targets for improvement have been set out, and there will be new powers for the Secretary of State to step in if standards are not met.

IT HURTS, BUT IS IT WORKING

J. Hirst
Community Care, no. 1271, p. 6-7

Social Services Directors are overwhelmed by the plethora of policy initiatives emanating from New Labour There is concern that extra funding is being targeted on showcase projects, while money for core services has been cut in real terms. Public expectations have been raised by the government's ambitious social policy agenda, but in reality cash-strapped social services departments cannot deliver.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO TRY INCLUSIVE POLICIES

L. Green
Community Care, no. 1270, 1999, p. 8-9

There is concern that devolution and the establishment of the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly will lead to another round of disruptive reorganisations of social services. However there is broad agreement among those involved in social care that the prospect of two new democracies with social welfare at their heart is one to relish.

REACH OUT, BUT WILL WE STILL BE THERE?

P. Higham
Community Care, no. 1270, 1999, p. 24-25

Addresses the question of whether professional social work will survive in Britain. In the light of changes in social policy, organisational structures and human aspirations, outlines some possible futures. Suggests that social workers in the future will probably pursue portfolio careers instead of working for one large employer, will be more involved in joint working with other professions and will need to develop evidence-based practice.

TIME TO PROMOTE LEAGUE TABLES

B. McPherson
Community Care, no. 1272, 1999, p. 13

Social Services should accept league tables as part of the government's modernisation programme for all public services.

THE WHITE PAPER: MODERNISING SOCIAL SERVICES

C. Davies
Managing Community Care, vol. 7, April 1999, p. 3-6

The President of the Association of Directors of Social Services outlines how his Association will be responding to the White Paper.