Three quarters of child protection social workers have experienced an increased caseload over the last 12 months
Increased caseloads and administrative tasks take their toll
73 per cent of social workers say they are now spending significantly less time with vulnerable children and adults than they were 12 months ago. This has come as a result of increased caseloads and more time spent completing administrative tasks. Indeed, three in four child protection social workers are spending 70% or more of their time doing admin work rather than working with service users.
These are key findings of a survey carried out by Liquid Personnel, the specialist social work recruitment consultancy. 40% of social workers generally in England and Wales feel their caseload is unmanageable and two-thirds say it has increased in the past 12 months.
Jonathan Coxon, MD of Liquid Personnel commented on the findings, commented:
"Our survey highlights some of the difficulties of being a frontline social worker, especially those working with children and families. We have seen how unmanageable caseloads can lead to dangerous working conditions and create risks for vulnerable children, and this situation will persist unless caseloads are addressed."
Extract From Family Law Week
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