The UK Government is contemplating a total revamp of the method used to place children at a severe risk of harm into secure homes based on court orders. Special care units are dedicated to these children, with currently 26 beds capacity, but only 15 are functional at present. Subsequently, until a spot in a unit becomes vacant, children often stay in provisional shelters, which relies on the presence of a suitable facility for step-down. According to Tusla, the organisation for children and families, these facilities are likely to remain scarce for the oncoming period.
Roderic O’Gorman, the Children’s Minister, has been informed by his team that the current system may have outlived its efficacy. It’s a modest way of saying that the system is not functioning effectively. The root issue is a deficit of social workers trained and prepared to devote their work in special care units. The turnover is high and retaining staff has become a significant concern. Over the past three years, approximately 174 staff members from special care units have left, while 168 have been hired again.
These statistics highlight the challenging nature of working with kids who are usually traumatised and behave violently, and the refusal of the Department of Public Spending to approve additional payment for the staff working in these centres. Even though special care units are a minor and specialised sector in social services, the dilemmas met in these areas broadens the theme of recruitment in the social work field and the appreciation assigned to the profession. An estimated 250 social workers graduate each year according to the Irish Association of Social Workers (IASW) but they believe double that amount is required to fulfil demand.
Those drawn to a career in social work are confronted with hefty obstacles. Financial strain, a lack of available housing, and the escalating cost-of-living crisis present formidable challenges to those considering this profession. The necessity for social work trainees to carry out 1,000 hours of unpaid work also contributes to the issue. This has resulted in numerous colleges being unable to fill all the spaces available for their social work programmes, as noted by UCD’s school of social policy.
Different organisations have launched various initiatives to increase enrolment figures, but there is no holistic national plan to tackle the issue, says the IASW. The development and execution of such a scheme would need a cross-functional approach and clear identification of the minister accountable for its rollout, they argue.
The Department of Children’s proposed revamp of special care services is undeniably a primary concern. However, broader issues concerning social worker training need swift attention. The IASW’s suggestion of a co-ordinated approach is worthy of serious thought.