NIASW Report - February 2013

NIASW is pleased to announce the launch of the Adult Services Survey following the success of its child care survey late last year.

As NIASW have been asked to give evidence to a formal hearing of the Health and Social Services Committee regarding levels of bureaucracy across both children and adult services, we are keen to represent as wide a range of views and experiences as possible.

With that aim in mind we would invite you to complete the survey and encourage your colleagues working in adult services settings across the statutory and independent sectors to the same. We know that members and other social workers are busy so the survey has been designed to take just five minutes to complete. However, if you want to spend more time to tell us more – please do.

The closing date for the survey is Friday 29 March.

An evaluation of the case management review process in Northern Ireland

NIASW welcomed Northern Ireland’s first review into child deaths as a step forward but warned the report also highlighted the need to give greater support to “overwhelmed” frontline social workers.

The review, Translating Learning into Action, found the rate of non-accidental child deaths in Northern Ireland continued to fall between 2003 and 2008.

The study of 24 Case Management Reviews (CMR) between 2003 and 2008 said they highlighted the dedication and professionalism of staff involved in the cases.

However, it also found areas of concern where the system needed to be improved, including the need for senior managers to ensure staff are better supported.

NIASW was also pleased that the publication of this report afforded Carolyn Ewart another opportunity to positively represent Northern Ireland social workers through the media. Moving forward, media coverage remains a key focus for NIASW.

Contact with our members

Carolyn Ewart and Anne McAllister have been busy visiting social work teams and forums to discuss the implications of the Social Work not Paperwork survey and the recently launched Adult Services Survey.

If you would like a member of NIASW staff to visit your team please contact Amanda Beattie on 02890 648873.

World Social Work Day - A Social Workers Guide to India

NIASW will be celebrating World Social Work Day this year at the Titanic Building, Belfast on 19 March.

You will have an opportunity to hear first-hand about social work practice in India, following an exchange programme between Queens University Belfast and the Karve Institute of Social Services.

NIASW Committee member Paula McFadden had a recent opportunity to travel to India as part of this exchange and she will be sharing her personal reflections of social work in a very different context and her experiences while there.

This is a free event for all pre-registered delegates and offers three hours CPD, followed by lunch.

There are only limited spaces for this event so please book soon.

NIASW Committee Opportunities

We currently have a vacancy for a student on the NIASW committee. As a committee member you will have opportunities to influence our profession and who knows, you may be next to go to India!

To register an interest or find out more about what is involved please contact Amanda Beattie on 02890 648873.

NIASW submits written evidence to the Committee for Department of Culture and Leisure

NIASW have responded to a request to submit written evidence to the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure on their investigation into gaps in child protection across that sector.

NAISW welcomed this investigation in light the recent disclosures about Jimmy Savile and the on-going nature of Operation Yew Tree.

Transforming Your Care Consultations - An Opportunity for Social Work?

NIASW have been asked by the Health and Social Services committee to attend a formal hearing which includes discussion on the HSC Board’s Transforming your Care. NIASW have therefore organised members’ consultation meetings to discuss the report’s implications for social work.

This is a really significant report which has the potential to change social work services and we look forward to hearing your views and having you participate in this important debate.

OMAGH
Tuesday 26 February 2013, 3-4.30pm, Tara Centre, Holmview Terrace, Omagh.
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BELFAST
Date and venue to be confirmed during first week of March.

Please confirm your interest in attending these events by e mailing Amanda Beattie on 02890 648873.