Welfare Reform on the Web (July 2003): Social Care - UK
ANATOMY OF A SYSTEMS FAILURE
P. Burstow
London: Liberal Democrats, 2003
Analyses the problems besetting the beleaguered Criminal Records Bureau. It has completed only 1.4 million of the forecast 3.3 million disclosures on criminals records and has faced increased costs due to unexpectedly high demand for the paper-based application route and changes to the capabilities of the IT system. Author predicts that applicants may face a £35.00 per person charge for disclosure checks to cover these costs.
CROSSING BORDERS: NORTH-SOUTH COLLABORATION IN PRACTICE
E. Barry, E. Walsh and S. Karlsson
Social Work in Europe, vol. 10, 2003, p.38-40
Describes a project developed by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council and the National Social Work Qualifications Board in the Irish Republic to facilitate the cross border mobility of social workers. The project resulted in the production of a resource pack giving information about social work law, organisation, and training in the two countries.
INCREASES IN REGULATORY FEES DRAW CRITICISM OF THE NCSC
Anon.
Registered Homes and Services, vol.7, 2003, p.177-178
The Department of Health has increased registration and inspection fees to be charged by the National Care Standards Commission by 20% from April 2003. Reports furious reaction from organisations representing care homes.
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
J. Burton and T. Davies
Community Care, May 1st-7th, 2003, p.38-39
Discusses the performance of the National Care Standards Commission in its inspection of residential homes in its first year of operation.
SOCIAL EXCLUSION, POVERTY, HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE IN TOWER HAMLETS: THE PERSPECTIVE OF FAMILIES ON THE IMPACT OF THE FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICE
B. Gray
British Journal of Social Work, vol. 33, 2003, p.361-380
Article presents results of an ethnographic study of the work of the Family Welfare Association's Tower Hamlets Family Support Services (FSS). Shows that a match of cultures between workers and service users facilitates work with vulnerable families. Goes on to explore how FSS workers help families counter social isolation, bullying and racism, facilitate access to public services, and deal with social services in child protection cases.
THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY: WHY THE "NEW AGENDA OF LIFE POLITICS" FAILS TO CONVINCE.
P. M. Garrett
British Journal of Social Work, vol 33, 2003, p.381-397
The idea of "life politics" is rooted in the work of Anthony Giddens and Ulrich Beck and suggests that the destiny of the individual is in his/her own hands, regardless of structural constraints. The uncritical application of this idea to social work practice has been advocated by Harry Ferguson. Author argues that life politics will fail to equip social work to deal with the structurally generated oppression which many service users face, and which can arise from catastrophes such as war and forced migration.