Under consideration PE2286: Make the Care Inspectorate responsible for services for children in care
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to make the Care Inspectorate legally responsible for supervising social work departments, foster carers and children's care homes and give it powers to investigate complaints from family members in relation to any child in care. Within legislation, give parents and other family members/supporters the power to complain on behalf of the child in care without the need for mandates from the child. Give the Care Inspectorate powers to sanction social works/councils and providers of care in care.
Background information
Children's Hearings place children on compulsory supervision orders whereby children are placed in care, which can be with family, relatives, foster carers or children's homes. Once under the supervision of social workers, no statutory body can supervise children in care programs/services. Children can be under social work services from birth to the age of 25 years. Appeals against a Children's Hearing decision are through the Sheriff Court and are extremely difficult and expensive. 40% of children have additional support needs – something I believe is not considered by social workers when arranging children’s placements.
Complaints can be made against individual social workers through the Scottish Social Services Council. There is no system to holistically investigate and supervise social workers' children's services. Statistics show that of children who have been in care 25% are unemployed, homeless or dead by 25. I believe that social work departments who are responsible for children’s care are not supervised or controlled.
14 signatures
This petition is now under consideration
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