Comments for Fighting Monsters

Comment on Of CTOs by Astrid

Astrid — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:38:38 +0000

We have the same thing here, although we’ve had it for a few years already. It’s called “provisional order” here, because the person can be int he community provided they adhere to the treatment plan. They are wanting to change the mental health act to include more possibilities for involuntary community treatment, but I’m not sure what more they can actually do.

Comment on Regulating Regulators by starsparkle

starsparkle — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:59:42 +0000

I can’t really comment much on the placements other than to say that this isn’t an unusual occurrence. Many of my colleagues have also not met a social worker, two placements into the course.

We’re promised this will happen during our final placement… we shall see!

Comment on Regulating Regulators by cb

cb — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:53:18 +0000

Fair enough. I have no doubt whatsoever that regulation is better than non-regulation.

Comment on The virtue of thought before action by cb

cb — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:45:36 +0000

I’ve been to many many many care homes and I can assure you they don’t all smell of urine.. ! In fact, none should.

Comment on The Court of Protection by Thunderchild

Thunderchild — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:54:36 +0000

Taking out powers of attorney is the correct way to do it. This AVOIDS the full involvement of the court of protection. I don’t criticise anyone for taking out a power of attorney. This is how to avoid receivership/deputyship, which is an extremely invasive and can be harrowing to experience, particularly if the deputy/receiver is a greedy dishonest professional, who does not love the “protected” person but is involved solely for money. It can be even worse if the deputy is a lawyer well known to the COP, or part of their panel of receivers. Then you may be at the mercy of both a corrupt guardian and a corrupt system protecting him. yes, I have experienced this, and it seems we must continue to do so until the doddery old shyster relieves us by dying.

Comment on The virtue of thought before action by Brick

Brick — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:16:57 +0000

In my experience all care homes reek of urine, the differences are just a matter of the strength of the stench. Funny enough, geriatric hospital wards in my experience, do not. Do you think some cross-fertilization (if that’s the right expression) of ideas about cleansing might help?

Comment on Regulating Regulators by lila

lila — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:15:43 +0000

I dont think we should throw the baby out with the bathwater. clearly conduct stuff was a seriously badly managed problem but not all parts of the organisation are bad and there are a lot of people there working really hard and with a passionate commitment to improving safety for social work clients and we should recognise that.

The degree was built in very close consultation with employers. it also has only had two full cohorts. rather early to be trashing it and in my opinion it is good enough at qualifying level. do employers expect way too much of newly qualified staff?

finally on the important issue of social workers at the GSCC. The GSCC was set up in the wake of the Bristol and Ayling inquiries when staff had protected their own. it was a clear decision – consulted on at the time that the GSCC would be there to look out for ‘the public’ and not the practitioner. clearly they got the balance wrong on accessing professional knowledge and expertise but it was a call and one I think they made for the right reasons and I wouldnt want to see that principle thrown out because it hasnt worked as well as it was intended to. the conduct function must never be seen to be about ‘protecting’ social workers and again, dont throw the baby out with the bathwater – get it right rather than trash it altogether.

Comment on A fostering update by cb

cb — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:30:06 +0000

Thanks for all the comments!

Comment on Regulating Regulators by cb

cb — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:29:11 +0000

Andrew – That’s a great point – I haven’t really kept up with what OFSTED has been up to
Starsparkle – I think that’s an awful shame – it makes one wonder about the placements that are being offered..

Comment on A fostering update by starsparkle

starsparkle — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:55:16 +0000

I would absolutely love to become an emergency short-term foster carer. I am currently studying for my social work MA and at the moment it would be unrealistic to try and balance the two.

This has given me food for thought, especially since I want to work in fostering and placements.