http://www.communitycare.co.uken-gbTue, 20 Dec 2011 16:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/20/117893/christmas-doesnt-have-to-be-the-loneliest-time-of-the-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/20/117893/christmas-doesnt-have-to-be-the-loneliest-time-of-the-year.htmlAt a time when most of us are frantically looking for last-minute presents or trying to find a turkey, it can be easy to forget there are people for whom Christmas can be a very lonely, upsetting time. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117869/social-workers-must-not-neglect-their-own-mental-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117869/social-workers-must-not-neglect-their-own-mental-health.htmlMental health consultant Mike Bush explains why trainers and employers must work harder to protect and promote the mental health and resilience of social workersFri, 09 Dec 2011 12:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117854/practice-issues-in-adult-safeguarding-at-a-time-of-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117854/practice-issues-in-adult-safeguarding-at-a-time-of-cuts.htmlAdult safeguarding consultant Patrick Worthington (pictured) examines the key practice issues facing social care professionals in keeping adults at risk safe at a time of austerity and changeMon, 05 Dec 2011 14:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117845/social-workers-must-address-service-users-poor-hygiene.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117845/social-workers-must-address-service-users-poor-hygiene.htmlPeter Bates argues that more attention needs to be paid to poor personal hygiene and its contribution to social exclusionThu, 01 Dec 2011 11:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117843/ask-the-expert-becoming-a-family-support-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117843/ask-the-expert-becoming-a-family-support-worker.htmlI have recently completed a degree in criminology and law, and I want to pursue a career as a family support worker - but lack experience. What's the best way to go about getting to this field? Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117844/research-findings-on-social-pedagogy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117844/research-findings-on-social-pedagogy.htmlSocial work academic Joe Smeeton examines research findings contained in Raising the bar? Evaluation of the Social Pedagogy Pilot in residential children's homesThu, 01 Dec 2011 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/22/117789/childrens-homes-struggle-to-provide-care-and-education-on-the-premises.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/22/117789/childrens-homes-struggle-to-provide-care-and-education-on-the-premises.htmlDespite Ofsted's feared new inspection regime and a tough economic climate, children's homes are mostly improving. Judy Cooper reports on the effect of inspections on outcomes Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117779/are-riot-related-social-housing-evictions-just-empty-threats.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117779/are-riot-related-social-housing-evictions-just-empty-threats.htmlSocial housing providers talked tough after the summer street disturbances. Samantha Thorp asks whether they were empty threats Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117742/why-a-specialist-aspergers-team-is-the-way-forward-for-one-council.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117742/why-a-specialist-aspergers-team-is-the-way-forward-for-one-council.htmlThe challenge of supporting adults with high-functioning autism, including the need for in-depth assessment, has convinced one council to set up a specialist team to cater for them, writes Natalie Valios Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/18/117787/the-impact-of-competitive-tendering-on-social-services-and-service-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/18/117787/the-impact-of-competitive-tendering-on-social-services-and-service-users.htmlMark Drinkwater reports on how competitive tendering of services can leave staff, and service users, feeling all at sea Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117786/research-multiple-exclusion-homelessness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117786/research-multiple-exclusion-homelessness.htmlMichelle Cornes and Jill Manthorpe summarise the findings of the Multiple Exclusion Homelessness Research Programme outlining the key practice implications for social workers Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117785/how-towork-with-housing-colleagues.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117785/how-towork-with-housing-colleagues.htmlBASW policy development officer Joe Godden explores how social workers can work better with their colleagues in housing Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117782/how-retro-styling-homes-can-help-elderly-people-with-dementia-feel-more-comfortable.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117782/how-retro-styling-homes-can-help-elderly-people-with-dementia-feel-more-comfortable.htmlRetro-decorating can help people with dementia to stay at home for longer by placing familiar items from their past in their home to reduce anxiety and to trigger memories. Jeremy Dunning reports Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117781/can-councils-still-afford-to-house-care-leavers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117781/can-councils-still-afford-to-house-care-leavers.htmlLegislation to improve the lot of children leaving care needs to be backed by money, finds Joe LepperThu, 17 Nov 2011 12:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117743/tracy-ryan-the-countrys-first-dignity-co-ordinator.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117743/tracy-ryan-the-countrys-first-dignity-co-ordinator.htmlThe UK's first dignity in care co-ordinator tells Jeremy Dunning how her role has benefited service users and practitioners alike Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117759/the-impact-of-hostile-parents-on-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117759/the-impact-of-hostile-parents-on-social-workers.htmlCommunity Care and Reconstruct's survey of social workers has revealed the full extent of the damage to morale caused by interaction with aggressive service users, writes Judy Cooper Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/14/117746/research-supported-housing-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/14/117746/research-supported-housing-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlReducing the number of people with learning disabilities in residential care requires a creative, personalised approach, writes Dr Trish Hafford-Letchfield Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/13/117744/helping-people-with-learning-disabilities-take-control-of-their-lives.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/13/117744/helping-people-with-learning-disabilities-take-control-of-their-lives.htmlA project to help learning disabled people take charge of their support is helping Cornwall shed its legacy of abuse, reports Maria Ahmed Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117750/book-review-how-to-think-about-caring-for-a-child-with-difficult-behaviour.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117750/book-review-how-to-think-about-caring-for-a-child-with-difficult-behaviour.htmlI wish I had written this book, writes Lynn Baxter! It is an excellent handbook for foster carers and adoptive parents in particular, but all child care workers and parents would benefit from it. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117749/book-reviews-understanding-and-working-with-parents-of-children-in-long-term-foster-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117749/book-reviews-understanding-and-working-with-parents-of-children-in-long-term-foster-care.htmlMore relevant for less experienced workers or students, there is nothing in this book that empathetic and experienced social workers would not know already.Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117745/using-music-to-tackle-gang-culture-and-mental-ill-health-in-london.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117745/using-music-to-tackle-gang-culture-and-mental-ill-health-in-london.htmlA scheme looking to integrate gang members into society after tackling their mental health problems is having some impressive results, reports Jackie Cosh Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117747/social-works-most-influential-thinkers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117747/social-works-most-influential-thinkers.htmlWho are the people whose ideas have done the most to shape the nature of social work? Community Care profiles some of the profession's most influential brain boxes Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117740/campaign-to-boost-recruitment-in-childrens-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117740/campaign-to-boost-recruitment-in-childrens-social-work.htmlA campaign across 15 councils in northern England is looking to boost recruitment for children's social work roles. Kirsty McGregor reports Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/06/117711/practice-panel-are-the-children-at-risk-of-neglect-and-emotional-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/06/117711/practice-panel-are-the-children-at-risk-of-neglect-and-emotional-abuse.htmlExperts offer advice on how to help young children suffering the fall-out from their parents' violent rows and neglect Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/05/117710/researchsafeguarding-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/05/117710/researchsafeguarding-disabled-children.htmlChildren with disabilities are still thought to suffer more abuse than their non-disabled peers, writes Chris Osborne who highlights the indicators practitioners ought to be aware of Sat, 05 Nov 2011 15:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/03/117708/should-social-workers-use-social-media.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/03/117708/should-social-workers-use-social-media.htmlThe debate rages on about whether or not social care staff should be encouraged to use social media. Here, social worker @ermintrude2 ponders the pros and cons Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/02/117702/how-a-board-game-is-helping-social-care-staff-implement-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/02/117702/how-a-board-game-is-helping-social-care-staff-implement-personalisation.htmlA board game that helps staff, providers and service users understand personalisation has succeeded in changing the culture in some organisations, reports Louise HuntWed, 02 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117685/making-personalisation-work-in-residential-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117685/making-personalisation-work-in-residential-care.htmlPersonalisation can work for people in residential care, but it needs a new culture that can bring challenges for both service users and staff. Natalie Valios reports Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117682/empathy-and-neuroscience-powerful-tools-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117682/empathy-and-neuroscience-powerful-tools-for-social-workers.htmlNeuroscience has revealed that social work skills can help rectify developmental damage to children's brains. Professor David Shemmings explains Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117684/mental-health-services-must-keep-up-with-changes-in-treatment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117684/mental-health-services-must-keep-up-with-changes-in-treatment.htmlImprovements need to be made in mental health service delivery if it is to keep pace with changes in treatment. Michael Clark and Martin Knapp review the evidenceThu, 27 Oct 2011 16:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117680/protecting-looked-after-children-from-cyber-bullying.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117680/protecting-looked-after-children-from-cyber-bullying.htmlProfessionals need to be proactive if they are to prevent children's misuse of social media websites, writes Professor Helen Cowie Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117678/preventing-placement-breakdown-among-looked-after-children-with-complex-mental-health-needs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117678/preventing-placement-breakdown-among-looked-after-children-with-complex-mental-health-needs.htmlA team-around-the-child solution is preventing placement breakdown among looked-after children with complex mental health needs, reports Louise Hunt Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117677/how-to-make-the-assessed-year-work-in-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117677/how-to-make-the-assessed-year-work-in-practice.htmlWhat can England learn from Northern Ireland about the assessed year for graduate social workers? Vern Pitt reports Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117673/book-review-of-learning-difficulties-and-sexual-vulnerability.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117673/book-review-of-learning-difficulties-and-sexual-vulnerability.htmlI found this book thought-provoking and a welcome challenge to established ideas about vulnerability, writes Beth Billington. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117675/legal-update-latest-adult-social-care-cases-including-learning-disabilities-and-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117675/legal-update-latest-adult-social-care-cases-including-learning-disabilities-and-personalisation.htmlEd Mitchell looks at some important recent adult services cases that have not been widely publicised. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117672/what-is-best-for-a-couple-with-dementia.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117672/what-is-best-for-a-couple-with-dementia.htmlFamilies and partners can often be a source of support, but there are times when the individual needs of couples can be in conflict with each other, paricularly in cases of dementiaWed, 26 Oct 2011 16:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117674/book-review-hearing-the-person-with-dementia.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117674/book-review-hearing-the-person-with-dementia.htmlRecent policy initiatives such as the dementia strategy for England have encouraged an increasing awareness of the needs of people with dementia, writes Dr Elaine Argyle. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117654/should-scrs-be-mandatory-when-vulnerable-adults-are-killed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117654/should-scrs-be-mandatory-when-vulnerable-adults-are-killed.htmlCalls to mandate serious case reviews when adults at risk are murdered fail to recognise there are other ways of learning lessons, finds Natalie Valios Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117657/how-well-should-social-workers-know-their-holy-books.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117657/how-well-should-social-workers-know-their-holy-books.htmlSocial workers need to know how the use of key religious texts can influence how parents bring up their children if they wish to devise effective protection strategies, says Natalie Valios Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117656/tips-on-writing-welfare-reports-in-private-law-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117656/tips-on-writing-welfare-reports-in-private-law-cases.htmlA rise in care applications and private law cases means more social workers are being asked to provide courts with welfare reports.Matthew Burman gives some guidance on what is expected Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117655/dealing-with-sexually-harmful-behaviour-in-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117655/dealing-with-sexually-harmful-behaviour-in-children.htmlUnderstanding the child perpetrator's and victim's notion of sex is key if harmful behaviour is to be averted, reports Samantha ThorpMon, 24 Oct 2011 15:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117653/keeping-social-work-at-the-heart-of-integrated-mental-health-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117653/keeping-social-work-at-the-heart-of-integrated-mental-health-care.htmlSplits in mental health teams highlight the value social work has brought to the NHS, say Ruth Allen and Claire Barcham Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117652/mentoring-project-helps-anxiety-sufferers-towards-recovery.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117652/mentoring-project-helps-anxiety-sufferers-towards-recovery.htmlA peer mentoring project is providing positive outcomes for people with anxiety, reports Louise HuntMon, 24 Oct 2011 11:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117651/workforce-planning-scotland-steals-a-march-on-england.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117651/workforce-planning-scotland-steals-a-march-on-england.htmlScotland appears to be streets ahead of England on workforce planning. Jackie Cosh examines why recruitment and retention is so much better handled north of the border Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117649/coping-with-workplace-stress-restructuring-and-bullying.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117649/coping-with-workplace-stress-restructuring-and-bullying.htmlMarcia Lawrence-Russell, who heads the British Association of Social Workers' advice and representation service, describes the big issues facing social workers so far this year: stress, restructuring and bullying and harassmentMon, 24 Oct 2011 10:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117647/how-disability-services-can-benefit-from-voluntary-sector-input.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117647/how-disability-services-can-benefit-from-voluntary-sector-input.htmlKate Baxter reviews research showing how the third sector can innovate in order to deliver care in times of cuts and restraint Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117377/the-role-of-the-social-care-broker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117377/the-role-of-the-social-care-broker.htmlPersonalisation and personal budgets have brought new skills and jobs in social care, including brokerage. But it is unclear what this role involves and who should be doing it. Steve Dowson argues it is best done independently of the local authority rather than by council care managers Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/18/117580/monitoring-duplication-blights-care-home-managers-lives.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/18/117580/monitoring-duplication-blights-care-home-managers-lives.htmlCare home managers are finding their time increasingly taken up by multiple information requests as councils, primary care trusts and the Care Quality Commission each look to monitor standards. Jeremy Dunning reports Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/17/117599/liberating-social-work-from-the-shackles-of-care-management.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/17/117599/liberating-social-work-from-the-shackles-of-care-management.htmlThere's light at the end of the tunnel for social workers and service users fed up with the bureaucracy surrounding the design of personal budgets. Mithran Samuel reports Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117610/overcoming-social-work-barriers-to-person-centred-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117610/overcoming-social-work-barriers-to-person-centred-care.htmlSome social care staff struggle to deliver person-centred care. But a report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation offers advice on how many of the perceived barriers can be overcome with the right attitude and commitment Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117612/bringing-adopted-children-together.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117612/bringing-adopted-children-together.htmlA project that brings together young adopted people to share their experiences is finding that anxiety and feelings of isolation are reduced while participants' self-esteem grows. Jackie Cosh reports Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117608/vital-role-of-appropriate-adult-to-help-vulnerable-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117608/vital-role-of-appropriate-adult-to-help-vulnerable-people.htmlSocial workers have much to offer and to gain from becoming an appropriate adult to help vulnerable people in criminal investigations. Gordon Carson looks at the role Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117607/how-to-contribute-to-adult-safeguarding-meetings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117607/how-to-contribute-to-adult-safeguarding-meetings.htmlChris Russell offers advice on how to make the best of every opportunity a safeguarding meeting provides. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117604/will-living-in-isolation-help-boy-of-14-with-sexually-harmful-behaviour.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117604/will-living-in-isolation-help-boy-of-14-with-sexually-harmful-behaviour.htmlA boy of 14 with a history of sexual abuse is to be housed in isolation. But will this affect his social and emotional development? Mark Drinkwater reportsThu, 13 Oct 2011 13:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117603/how-do-you-measure-the-relationship-between-a-social-worker-and-a-child.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117603/how-do-you-measure-the-relationship-between-a-social-worker-and-a-child.htmlChildren's services are being urged to focus on outcomes, but Judy Cooper asks how can success be gauged Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117601/research-working-with-fathers-with-a-history-of-domestic-violence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117601/research-working-with-fathers-with-a-history-of-domestic-violence.htmlSocial work academic Dr Kieron Hatton examines research on social work with fathers who have carried out domestic violence Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117600/head-to-head-do-we-need-independent-brokers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117600/head-to-head-do-we-need-independent-brokers.htmlWould a network of independent brokers help service users make the most of their personal budgets? Steve Dowson says yes. Simon Duffy disagrees Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/12/117564/how-do-employers-react-to-social-workers-with-second-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/12/117564/how-do-employers-react-to-social-workers-with-second-jobs.htmlSocial workers looking to make ends meet are being increasingly tempted to take on extra work. How should their main employers react? Louise Tickle reports Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/11/117565/benefits-of-home-care-reablement-in-the-long-term.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/11/117565/benefits-of-home-care-reablement-in-the-long-term.htmlReablement is popular with service users and although not the cheapest option, may have longer term benefits. Jill Manthorpe reviews the evidence Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117573/book-review-community-development-a-critical-approach.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117573/book-review-community-development-a-critical-approach.htmlThe coalition government is vigorously engaged in reducing the role of the state in the delivery of services in education, including schools and universities, the health service and services traditionally delivered by local authorities, writes Keith Popple.Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/09/117562/the-family-dimension-to-adhd-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/09/117562/the-family-dimension-to-adhd-cases.htmlAwareness of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder varies but, if the condition is suspected, social workers would do well to look at the whole family context, writes Gordon Carson Sun, 09 Oct 2011 18:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117581/larger-childrens-homes-would-help-keep-siblings-together.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117581/larger-childrens-homes-would-help-keep-siblings-together.htmlLarger children's homes had several benefits. Among them was the ability to accommodate siblings. A German model could provide the template for their revival, writes former Care Leavers' Association president Phil Frampton Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117574/book-review-using-the-law-in-social-work-5th-edition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117574/book-review-using-the-law-in-social-work-5th-edition.htmlFor new social work students, the fifth edition of Using the Law in Social Work gives a good basic introductory overview of the main legal issues. It is not designed or suitable for detailed legal reference, but has good suggestions for further reading, writes Linda Naylor Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117569/ask-the-expert-how-can-i-gain-experience-shadowing-a-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117569/ask-the-expert-how-can-i-gain-experience-shadowing-a-social-worker.htmlMany MA social work courses require students to shadow a qualified social worker before they begin the course. Most students are expected to arrange this themselves. However, because of the nature of the social work profession, finding someone to shadow isn't always that easy.Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117567/how-a-uk-council-is-helping-a-remote-atlantic-island-deliver-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117567/how-a-uk-council-is-helping-a-remote-atlantic-island-deliver-social-care.htmlThe island associated with Napoleon's exile has forged a relationship with a Scottish council to improve its social care. Natalie Valios reports Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117566/social-workers-must-be-cautious-with-online-social-media.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117566/social-workers-must-be-cautious-with-online-social-media.htmlJon Bolton advises social care staff to make sure their online presence is professionally appropriate, while remaining alive to the potential benefits of social media for service users Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117563/technology-to-keep-looked-after-children-safe-online.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117563/technology-to-keep-looked-after-children-safe-online.htmlOnline exploitation of children in care has become a major issue, reports Camilla Pemberton. But technology itself can provide part of the answerThu, 06 Oct 2011 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117561/drugs-service-gives-misusers-confidence-to-deal-with-habit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117561/drugs-service-gives-misusers-confidence-to-deal-with-habit.html A walk-in drugs service is giving people the self-confidence to confront and tackle their drug habits, reports Natalie Valios Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/03/117540/social-services-failing-to-support-older-teenagers-who-may-be-homeless.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/03/117540/social-services-failing-to-support-older-teenagers-who-may-be-homeless.htmlChild S lived in Manchester for 10 months when he was found hanged in bed and breakfast accommodation. Born in Eastern Europe he came to England at the age of 16 with his father to find work. But by the time he arrived in Manchester he had been abandoned, was unable to speak English and had no money. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/03/117536/social-workers-struggle-with-hostile-and-intimidating-parents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/03/117536/social-workers-struggle-with-hostile-and-intimidating-parents.htmlRecent serious case reviews have concluded that social workers struggle to deal with hostile and intimidating parents. Jim Wild explains why a national response is needed. Plus, take our survey on the issue to help map the extent of the problem. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117494/how-to-improve-nutritional-standards-in-care-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117494/how-to-improve-nutritional-standards-in-care-homes.htmlA care home in Wimbledon has become an academy of nutrition as it responds constantly to residents' food fancies while maintaining quality, reports Jeremy DunningFri, 30 Sep 2011 18:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117492/research-protecting-adults-at-risk-across-council-boundaries.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117492/research-protecting-adults-at-risk-across-council-boundaries.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence has worked with London councils, the police and the NHS to produce guidelines on safeguarding adults Fri, 30 Sep 2011 18:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117535/research-assessing-risk-in-domestic-violence-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117535/research-assessing-risk-in-domestic-violence-cases.htmlCommunity Care Inform looks at the implications of research into specialist domestic violence risk assessment for safeguarding and family court work. By Thangam DebbonaireFri, 30 Sep 2011 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117523/professional-development-reforming-practice-education.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117523/professional-development-reforming-practice-education.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board is proposing that all practice education teachers should be qualified social workers and the quality of placements improved. Sally Gillen reports Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117538/is-it-unethical-to-publish-adoption-photos-on-the-web.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117538/is-it-unethical-to-publish-adoption-photos-on-the-web.htmlIs it unethical to publish the photos of children waiting for adoption on the internet? Claudia Megele argues it is Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117526/personalisation-are-personal-budgets-improving-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117526/personalisation-are-personal-budgets-improving-outcomes.htmlResearch published this year found personal budgets were improving outcomes for users. Consultant Colin Slasberg (pictured left) claims the positive effects are not the work of personal budgets but of funding levels. In a response, research author Chris Hatton (right) says his findings are robust Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117493/developing-leadership-among-all-practitioners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117493/developing-leadership-among-all-practitioners.htmlIn the last of our series on the Social Work Reform Board's professional capabilities framework, Kirsty McGregor explores the importance of developing leadership among practitioners at all levels Thu, 29 Sep 2011 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117525/welfare-rights-cuts-to-contributory-esa.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117525/welfare-rights-cuts-to-contributory-esa.htmlStand by for some worried clients in the next few weeks, writes Gary Vaux. The Department for Work and Pensions is writing to 100,000 people telling them that from April 2012, they might lose their right to benefit.Thu, 29 Sep 2011 07:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117524/supporting-service-users-to-become-employers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117524/supporting-service-users-to-become-employers.htmlCommunity Care and Unison's 2011 personalisation survey found social workers needed advice on supporting service users to employ a personal assistant. Independent social worker Kelly Hicks offers some guidanceWed, 28 Sep 2011 15:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117518/college-of-social-work-professional-networks-will-help-avoid-past-errors.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117518/college-of-social-work-professional-networks-will-help-avoid-past-errors.htmlThe College of Social Work has often talked about its role in giving social work professional leadership, raising standards and influencing government policy. But what does this actually mean in practice? Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117520/practice-panel-isolated-woman-with-learning-disabilities-risks-her-health-by-overeating.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117520/practice-panel-isolated-woman-with-learning-disabilities-risks-her-health-by-overeating.htmlExperts offer advice on supporting a learning disabled woman whose health is at risk because she will not leave her mother Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117461/research-findings-on-improving-dementia-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117461/research-findings-on-improving-dementia-care.htmlDr Mary Pat Sullivan and colleagues examine key research findings on dementia Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117496/how-easy-will-it-be-to-scrap-child-protection-assessment-deadlines.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117496/how-easy-will-it-be-to-scrap-child-protection-assessment-deadlines.htmlThe mandatory timescales on child protection assessments are to end but some managers are worried about how to implement the new procedures. Daniel Lombard reports on the way forward Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/114963/quality-in-practice-how-to-ensure-you-recruit-the-best-professionals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/114963/quality-in-practice-how-to-ensure-you-recruit-the-best-professionals.htmlSocial work recruitment specialist Jonathan Coxon offers tips for social work managers and interviewers when recruitingMon, 26 Sep 2011 18:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/117465/safeguarding-adult-hub-promises-easier-access-to-information-for-practitioners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/117465/safeguarding-adult-hub-promises-easier-access-to-information-for-practitioners.htmlA website is about to be launched that could radically improve professionals' access to information when handling adult protection cases. Mithran Samuel reports Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/117495/what-future-for-adult-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/117495/what-future-for-adult-social-work.htmlThe future of adult social work is in question due to cuts, the legacy of care management and the focus on child protection. This week, the College of Social Work starts a project to bolster adult social work's standing. How will it achieve this?Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/117499/how-do-i-explain-my-child-protection-role-to-a-child.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/117499/how-do-i-explain-my-child-protection-role-to-a-child.htmlSocial workers often struggle to explain to children their safeguarding role. Consultant social worker Joanna Nicolas provides some tips Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117498/supporting-learning-disabled-parents-to-keep-their-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117498/supporting-learning-disabled-parents-to-keep-their-children.htmlOften the most controversial child protection cases appearing in the media are those concerning learning disabled parents whose children have been taken into care. These stories are often sensationalist and rarely convey the full facts of a case.Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/115421/graduate-training-scheme-for-adult-social-care-management.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/115421/graduate-training-scheme-for-adult-social-care-management.htmlArmed with a degree but no practical experience, the next generation of adult care leaders is being trained for a rapid rise through the ranks, reports Kirsty Mc GregorThu, 22 Sep 2011 11:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/117487/how-social-care-can-prevent-fire-deaths.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/117487/how-social-care-can-prevent-fire-deaths.htmlFire chief Rita Dexter explains how social care staff can minimise risks to older service usersThu, 22 Sep 2011 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/117488/councils-must-beware-legal-limits-of-contracting-out.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/117488/councils-must-beware-legal-limits-of-contracting-out.htmlThe law has a habit of lagging behind innovative ways of providing services for disabled people, writes Ed Mitchell Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117463/agency-social-workers-gain-new-rights.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117463/agency-social-workers-gain-new-rights.htmlFrom 1 October, agency social workers will be entitled to new rights under the Agency Workers Regulations 2010. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 18:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117452/effect-of-early-trauma-on-parenting-skills.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117452/effect-of-early-trauma-on-parenting-skills.htmlEarly-life traumatic experiences can affect a parent's ability to cope if proper closure is not reached. Gordon Carson explores this often overlooked issue Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/18/117449/why-do-young-carers-fail-to-use-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/18/117449/why-do-young-carers-fail-to-use-services.htmlMany young carers are not using the services available to them. Independent researcher Berni Graham looks at one council's investigation of why this is the case.Sun, 18 Sep 2011 23:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117458/childrens-unit-uses-video-to-encourage-reflective-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117458/childrens-unit-uses-video-to-encourage-reflective-practice.htmlA children's home in Scotland has become the first to use video to encourage reflective practice. Jackie Cosh reports Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117460/books-to-help-children-deal-with-loss-and-bereavement.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117460/books-to-help-children-deal-with-loss-and-bereavement.htmlCommunity Care has compiled a collection of books written to help children deal with loss and bereavement. Some were recommended by experts, others were chosen by our followers on Twitter Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117450/using-volunteers-to-support-people-on-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117450/using-volunteers-to-support-people-on-personal-budgets.htmlLive-in volunteers are helping people with disabilities pursue independent lives, reports Daniel Lombard Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117431/whistleblower-says-council-ordered-care-packages-delay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117431/whistleblower-says-council-ordered-care-packages-delay.htmlA council until recently imposed a blanket month-long delay on organising care packages for vulnerable adults in order to save money, a whistleblower has told Community Care. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117410/care-home-workers-take-part-in-the-worldskills-competition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117410/care-home-workers-take-part-in-the-worldskills-competition.htmlTwo care assistants are representing the UK at this year's WorldSkills competition. Kirsty McGregor finds out about their ambitions and the training involved Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/11/117409/how-restorative-justice-can-improve-relationships-in-childrens-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/11/117409/how-restorative-justice-can-improve-relationships-in-childrens-homes.htmlRestorative justice can be effective in developing empathy in troubled young people. Camilla Pemberton looks at one model being used in children's homes Sun, 11 Sep 2011 00:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/10/117413/how-social-workers-can-overcome-cultural-barriers-to-client-dialogue.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/10/117413/how-social-workers-can-overcome-cultural-barriers-to-client-dialogue.htmlGordon Carson looks at the ways social workers can overcome language, cultural and religious barriers to dialogue Sat, 10 Sep 2011 23:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117408/social-work-must-embrace-theory-if-munro-ideas-are-to-succeed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117408/social-work-must-embrace-theory-if-munro-ideas-are-to-succeed.htmlA tendency to disregard theory could damage implementation of Professor Munro's report, argues Claudia Megele Fri, 09 Sep 2011 18:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117417/how-do-you-help-homeless-people-who-refuse-your-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117417/how-do-you-help-homeless-people-who-refuse-your-support.htmlA group of women who sleep rough in London refuse help, seeing homelessness as their choice. They do not take drugs or abuse alcohol but may have undiagnosed mental health issues. We asked three College of Social Work representatives what they would do in response to two such cases Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/05/117373/improving-social-workers-literacy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/05/117373/improving-social-workers-literacy.htmlPoor literacy among social workers can sometimes mean they do more harm than good. The Health Professions Council is trying to address the problem, as Sally Gillen reports Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/04/117386/can-boarding-schools-help-prevent-children-being-taken-into-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/04/117386/can-boarding-schools-help-prevent-children-being-taken-into-care.htmlProfessionals are being urged to consider boarding schools as an early intervention method for children on the edge of care, with Kent Council leading the way. Daniel Lombard reports Sun, 04 Sep 2011 20:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/04/117389/interviewing-children-good-practice-in-sweden.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/04/117389/interviewing-children-good-practice-in-sweden.htmlSome social care experts say the UK is failing children interviewed as part of criminal investigations. Liz Davies, reader in child protection at London Metropolitan University, thinks we have a lot to learn from the Swedish system Sun, 04 Sep 2011 12:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117390/tackling-abuse-against-carers-what-social-workers-should-do.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117390/tackling-abuse-against-carers-what-social-workers-should-do.htmlAlthough abuse of carers by the people they care for is rare, social workers need to be able to spot the risk factors. A recent good practice paper from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (Adass) said practitioners operated a "rule of optimism", whereby they overestimated families' ability to care, which can lead to them missing this form of abuse. Denial, guilt and fear on carers' part can also account for abuse going unnoticed. Below, Natalie Valios looks at four indicators of possible abuse highlighted by Adass and what social workers should do when confronted with them Fri, 02 Sep 2011 22:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117385/i-changed-my-mind-social-workers-are-not-the-enemy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117385/i-changed-my-mind-social-workers-are-not-the-enemy.htmlParents can feel threatened by social workers knocking on their door, leading to communication breakdown and obstructive behaviour. Camilla Pemberton asks one such parent why she changed her mind about social workers Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117374/research-on-the-effectiveness-of-the-common-assessment-framework.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117374/research-on-the-effectiveness-of-the-common-assessment-framework.htmlCharlotte McEvoy and Susannah Bowyer explore the arguments for using the Common Assessment Framework Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117379/improving-social-workers-end-of-life-care-skills.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117379/improving-social-workers-end-of-life-care-skills.htmlSocial workers taking part in specialist end-of-life care training are gaining new skills and more confidence, writes Maria Ahmed Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117376/how-councils-can-implement-personalisation-without-bureaucracy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117376/how-councils-can-implement-personalisation-without-bureaucracy.htmlPersonalisation has made lives more difficult for the people it is supposed to help while adding red tape to the process, writes social care consultant Andrew TysonThu, 01 Sep 2011 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117375/how-to.-deal-with-intimidating-families.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117375/how-to.-deal-with-intimidating-families.htmlRay Braithwaite offers guidance on managing highly resistant behaviourThu, 01 Sep 2011 09:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/30/117363/how-to.-supervise-your-peers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/30/117363/how-to.-supervise-your-peers.htmlPeer supervision enables social workers to go beyond individual limitations and to expand on their knowledge, skills and experiences - as long as power imbalances are left at the door. Claudia Megele offers tips on how to make the most of your peers' experiences and opinionsTue, 30 Aug 2011 16:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/25/117351/how-todeal-with-personality-clashes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/25/117351/how-todeal-with-personality-clashes.htmlFive steps to better conflict resolution with clients.Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117347/what-can-you-do-if-a-colleague-self-harms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117347/what-can-you-do-if-a-colleague-self-harms.htmlWhen a social worker appealed for advice on Community Care's CareSpace forum on what to do about a colleague who self harms, it attracted thousands of readers and hundreds of responses. But what do the experts think? An experienced social work manager and a psychiatrist advise. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117346/hiv-specialist-social-workers-and-their-importance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117346/hiv-specialist-social-workers-and-their-importance.htmlHIV specialist social workers are vital in supporting the client group but, as their posts are cut, generic practitioners will have to learn how to emulate them. Natalie Valios reports Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117345/successful-fostering-of-black-and-ethnic-minority-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117345/successful-fostering-of-black-and-ethnic-minority-children.htmlCommunity Care Inform and the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) examine the arguments for placing children according to their cultural backgrounds. By Savita De Sousa, Roana Roach and Jacqui LawrenceTue, 23 Aug 2011 15:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117342/risk-factor-will-independence-result-in-isolation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117342/risk-factor-will-independence-result-in-isolation.htmlA woman with learning disabilities wants to live independently after a period in communal living. Is there a risk of her becoming isolated?Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117332/book-review-early-professional-development-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117332/book-review-early-professional-development-for-social-workers.htmlThis book will appeal to a wider range of people than the title suggests, writes Rob Fountain.Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117330/how-social-workers-can-spot-sex-abusers-attempts-to-manipulate.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117330/how-social-workers-can-spot-sex-abusers-attempts-to-manipulate.htmlSex abusers often use the same manipulation techniques on pracititioners as on their victims. Molly Garboden reports Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117325/should-childrens-homes-offer-good-behaviour-rewards-to-looked-after-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117325/should-childrens-homes-offer-good-behaviour-rewards-to-looked-after-children.htmlSome children's homes use rewards to encourage good behaviour, but the idea is controversial, finds Daniel Lombard Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117287/will-childrens-centres-reduce-the-number-of-children-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117287/will-childrens-centres-reduce-the-number-of-children-in-care.htmlWill the launch of payment-by-results pilots at some children's centres, better protect and help at-risk children? Can it reduce pressure on children's services? Molly Garboden reports Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117283/risk-factor-is-therapy-needed-for-a-boy-to-live-in-foster-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117283/risk-factor-is-therapy-needed-for-a-boy-to-live-in-foster-care.htmlTherapy is being considered for a boy of 12 who has been neglected and abused in foster care but still wants to live with his foster mother. Mark Drinkwater reportsWed, 17 Aug 2011 12:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117288/newly-qualified-social-workers-face-the-jobs-gap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117288/newly-qualified-social-workers-face-the-jobs-gap.htmlMore newly qualified social workers are reporting difficulty finding jobs, despite high vacancy rates and an overreliance on agency staff. But is the future that bleak, asks Daniel Lombard Wed, 17 Aug 2011 09:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/16/117289/how-tofind-that-elusive-first-job.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/16/117289/how-tofind-that-elusive-first-job.htmlGraduates seeking their first role as a qualified social worker can enhance their employability as well as check Community Care's job pages, finds Daniel Lombard Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117306/book-review-the-short-guide-to-gender.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117306/book-review-the-short-guide-to-gender.htmlConsidering its small size and the title, this little gem of a book offers a surprisingly comprehensive introduction to the key ­theoretical concepts, developments and critical debates in gender studies, writes Lynn Baxter. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117305/book-review-longcare-survivors-the-biography-of-a-care-scandal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117305/book-review-longcare-survivors-the-biography-of-a-care-scandal.htmlLongcare Survivors starts gently with a look at the history of care until the present day and includes referencing and further reading, writes Ian Taylor. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117303/how-to.make-the-most-of-e-learning-and-forums.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117303/how-to.make-the-most-of-e-learning-and-forums.htmlE-learning and online forums provide an affordable and easy way to undertake continuing professional development, but they can also help social workers to connect with colleagues and other agencies. Here, Claudia Megele gives advice to practitioners and managers on making the most of the resources available. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117307/book-review-visions-trips-and-crowded-rooms-who-and-what-you-see-before-you-die.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117307/book-review-visions-trips-and-crowded-rooms-who-and-what-you-see-before-you-die.htmlYou have to be in the right mood to read this book, writes Bernard Moss.Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117304/potential-conflict-emerges-over-use-of-housing-benefit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117304/potential-conflict-emerges-over-use-of-housing-benefit.htmlRecent test cases have thrown up a potential problem for councils that use housing benefit to support people in the community, writes Gary VauxFri, 12 Aug 2011 16:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117299/disability-benefits-that-can-be-life-changing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117299/disability-benefits-that-can-be-life-changing.htmlThe value to recipients of disability living allowance and attendance allowance is assessed in a new study, reviewed by Jo Rees Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117294/the-best-performing-family-court-in-the-country.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117294/the-best-performing-family-court-in-the-country.htmlDerby's designated family judge James Orrell presides over the best performing family court in the country. Patrick Weir reports Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117302/how-to.-keep-service-user-data-safe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117302/how-to.-keep-service-user-data-safe.htmlData protection expert David Taylor offers practical tips on keeping service users' case files safe and protecting yourself from possible misconduct allegationsFri, 12 Aug 2011 10:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117279/the-seven-things-that-providers-must-report-to-cqc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117279/the-seven-things-that-providers-must-report-to-cqc.htmlSome incidents are unavoidable in care settings, but which ones must be reported to the Care Quality Commission? Vern Pitt reports Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117278/helping-stroke-survivors-through-fishing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117278/helping-stroke-survivors-through-fishing.htmlAn angling project is casting a new lifeline to people disabled by strokes, reports Natalie Valios Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/08/117272/10-point-guide-to-housing-benefit-changes-and-what-they-mean-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/08/117272/10-point-guide-to-housing-benefit-changes-and-what-they-mean-for-social-care.htmlThere are few issues that unite the Archbishop of Canterbury, Boris Johnson, the Council of Mortgage Lenders and the National Housing Federation. But the impact of housing benefit changes on tenants and landlords has managed to unify this disparate bunch, with dramatic warnings of "social cleansing" coming from the Mayor of London and the CML pondering whether providing funding for housing associations is a good idea in future. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/112730/jrf-project-identifies-eight-pillars-of-a-good-care-home.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/112730/jrf-project-identifies-eight-pillars-of-a-good-care-home.htmlA Joseph Rowntree Foundation project has identified eight "pillars" of best practice in care homes to ensure good quality of life for residents.Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116873/how-bureaucracy-is-derailing-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116873/how-bureaucracy-is-derailing-personalisation.htmlAs our survey finds social workers are facing ever more red tape, Jeremy Dunning asks why bureaucracy is derailing personalisation and what can be done to rescue the policy Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/115302/research-scie-best-practice-on-minimising-the-use-of-restraint-in-care-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/115302/research-scie-best-practice-on-minimising-the-use-of-restraint-in-care-homes.htmlFollowing a study into the use of restraint in care homes the Social Care Institute for Excellence (Scie) launched its Managing Risk, Minimising Restraint guidelines outlining approaches to minimise its use Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117221/working-with-families-affected-by-imprisonment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117221/working-with-families-affected-by-imprisonment.htmlWhen a parent is sent to prison one of the first casualties is their relationship with their family, says the project manager of Circle Scotland's Families Affected By Imprisonment (Fabi) programme, Marina Shaw. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117244/effective-social-work-in-prisons-and-high-security-hospitals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117244/effective-social-work-in-prisons-and-high-security-hospitals.htmlThree social workers tell Gordon Carson about the professional skills and attributes that are necessary to practise effectively in prisons and high-security psychiatric hospitals Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117249/isle-of-wight-prisons-where-social-work-is-making-inroads.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117249/isle-of-wight-prisons-where-social-work-is-making-inroads.htmlThe giant grey walls topped with barbed wire surrounding HMP Isle of Wight's three sites, Parkhurst, Albany and Camp Hill, do not exactly say "caring environment". Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117245/why-social-care-in-prisons-falls-short.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117245/why-social-care-in-prisons-falls-short.htmlAlthough some prisons appreciate the benefits of social care, many lack care levels that are taken for granted outside, leading to severe hardship for prisoners, reports Vern Pitt Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117242/the-rise-of-the-social-worker-in-young-offender-institutions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117242/the-rise-of-the-social-worker-in-young-offender-institutions.htmlAfter widespread criticism, the decline in the number of social workers attached to young offender institutions is now being reversed. Camilla Pemberton looks at this vital connection between young people and the outside world Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/26/117227/reducing-reoffending-among-the-mentally-ill-with-drug-and-alcohol-problems.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/26/117227/reducing-reoffending-among-the-mentally-ill-with-drug-and-alcohol-problems.htmlA project in Manchester is cutting reoffending among mentally ill offenders by helping them engage with mental health and substance misuse services, reports Mithran Samuel Tue, 26 Jul 2011 17:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/26/117225/new-bill-could-see-looked-after-child-caseloads-rise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/26/117225/new-bill-could-see-looked-after-child-caseloads-rise.htmlThe Legal Aid and Sentencing Bill has had its first reading in the House of Commons. Here Ed Mitchell and Dean Woodward look at theimplications for councils Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/25/117222/research-how-widespread-is-abuse-in-foster-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/25/117222/research-how-widespread-is-abuse-in-foster-care.htmlMichelle Drumm reviews evidence of maltreatment of children in foster care and local authority responses to allegations Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117214/dont-blame-it-systems-for-bureaucracy-in-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117214/dont-blame-it-systems-for-bureaucracy-in-personalisation.htmlIT company Face's managing director, Dr Paul Clifford responds to the accusation that personalisation assessment process has led to more bureaucracy Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117186/did-dilnots-proposals-for-adult-care-funding-meet-sector-expectations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117186/did-dilnots-proposals-for-adult-care-funding-meet-sector-expectations.htmlHow well do the Dilnot commission's proposals measure up against key reform objectives, asks Jeremy Dunning Fri, 15 Jul 2011 23:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117184/more-assessments-for-social-workers-if-dilnot-plans-are-taken-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117184/more-assessments-for-social-workers-if-dilnot-plans-are-taken-up.htmlDilnot's proposals for adult care could see social workers undertaking an increasing number of assessments, reports Mithran Samuel Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117165/college-of-social-work-dont-let-cuts-derail-dilnot-social-care-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117165/college-of-social-work-dont-let-cuts-derail-dilnot-social-care-plans.htmlHealth secretary Andrew Lansley has warned that the Dilnot commission's £1.7bn proposals to reform adult social care funding could prove too costly to implement in full. But we urge the government to act on Dilnot .Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117167/why-do-we-not-learn-from-serious-case-reviews.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117167/why-do-we-not-learn-from-serious-case-reviews.htmlChildren's services need to ask the question "why" more in serious case reviews and learn from the good as well as the bad, say Barry Raynes and Phil Green Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117174/munro-whats-going-to-happen-to-you-and-when.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117174/munro-whats-going-to-happen-to-you-and-when.htmlThe Munro review into child protection in England has been accepted by the government. But what does it mean for social workers and when will the recommendations be implemented?Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117171/professional-capabilities-applying-theory-and-research-to-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117171/professional-capabilities-applying-theory-and-research-to-practice.htmlContinuing our series on the Social Work Reform Board's professional capabilities framework, Kirsty McGregor looks at applying theory to practice Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117168/is-reunification-of-childrens-and-adults-social-services-departments-right-for-families.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117168/is-reunification-of-childrens-and-adults-social-services-departments-right-for-families.htmlSome local authorities are bringing adults' and children's social care back under the watch of a single director. It is not what Eileen Munro envisaged, reports Molly Garboden Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117164/research-improving-social-care-services-for-vulnerable-adults.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117164/research-improving-social-care-services-for-vulnerable-adults.htmlTo help avoid future abuse scandals such as that of Winterbourne View, the Social Care Institute for Excellence has produced resources to help staff, managers and commissioners improve the services available for vulnerable adults Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/12/117154/students-pursue-childrens-services-placements-at-a-price.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/12/117154/students-pursue-childrens-services-placements-at-a-price.htmlAs social work students reach the end of one placement and start to find out where they will be next year, I have been thinking about the widely reported shortage of statutory placements. Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/12/117153/is-motivational-interviewing-a-sound-technique-in-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/12/117153/is-motivational-interviewing-a-sound-technique-in-child-protection.htmlMotivational interviewing should and could have a bigger role to play in child protection work argues social worker Mel Ashton, a substance misuse specialist Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117093/five-years-on-from-steven-hoskin-has-safeguarding-improved.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117093/five-years-on-from-steven-hoskin-has-safeguarding-improved.htmlThe murder in 2006 of a learning disabled man proved a defining moment for adult safeguarding. Five years after the body of Steven Hoskin was found below a railway viaduct in Cornwall (6 July), Natalie Valios reports on what happened next Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117111/how-to.-sustain-peer-learning-as-a-lone-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117111/how-to.-sustain-peer-learning-as-a-lone-social-worker.html How to sustain peer learning when you're the only social worker around Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117109/how-evidence-policy-and-practice-interact.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117109/how-evidence-policy-and-practice-interact.htmlPolicy-makers and researchers must understand each other better if practice is to be truly influenced by evidence. By Jon Glasby Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/116937/how-the-munro-review-of-child-protection-is-supported-by-research-findings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/116937/how-the-munro-review-of-child-protection-is-supported-by-research-findings.htmlRecent research adds impetus to the reforms proposed by the Munro report, say Dr Nathan Hughes and Dr Nicki Ward Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117099/the-use-of-a-questionnaire-style-tool-in-assessing-parenting.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117099/the-use-of-a-questionnaire-style-tool-in-assessing-parenting.htmlQuestionnaire-style tools, although under-used by professionals, remain effective in assessments, reports Judy Cooper Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117098/why-social-workers-should-stick-by-their-local-government-pension.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117098/why-social-workers-should-stick-by-their-local-government-pension.htmlDespite the controversial reforms to the Local Government Pension Scheme, staff are advised to stick by it because private sector provision is generally inferior, finds Kirsty McGregor Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117072/assistive-technology-helps-people-with-severe-learning-difficulties-at-night.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117072/assistive-technology-helps-people-with-severe-learning-difficulties-at-night.htmlUnobtrusive night-time monitoring and support is being made possible by assistive technology used by United Response, reports Louise Hunt Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117069/what-does-it-take-to-be-an-effective-lscb-chair.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117069/what-does-it-take-to-be-an-effective-lscb-chair.htmlLiverpool's safeguarding children board has shown it is possible to both challenge and scrutinise local agencies effectively. The key might be having an independent chair who is a local, writes Molly Garboden Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117068/talking-mats-a-communication-tool-for-people-with-dementia.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117068/talking-mats-a-communication-tool-for-people-with-dementia.htmlSocial worker and academic Melanie Pocock examines a study of the effectiveness of a recently developed technique designed to help dementia sufferers and people with disabilities communicate their views and needs Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/21/117025/evidence-base-parental-alcohol-misuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/21/117025/evidence-base-parental-alcohol-misuse.htmlCommunity Care and Community Care Inform examine how children, young people and the entire family environment are affected. By Joy Barlow Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/21/117036/floating-care-treehouses-farms-and-other-innovative-projects-for-vulnerable-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/21/117036/floating-care-treehouses-farms-and-other-innovative-projects-for-vulnerable-children.htmlThere are plenty of examples of successful innovation in children's social care despite the cuts. Here, Molly Garboden and Camilla Pemberton investigate off-the-beaten-track projects helping vulnerable young people Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117041/how-funding-cuts-are-a-false-economy-for-services-to-vulnerable-teenagers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117041/how-funding-cuts-are-a-false-economy-for-services-to-vulnerable-teenagers.htmlAdolescents at risk of offending are being abandoned, according to the head of one charity being hit by budget cuts. Patrick Weir reports Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117034/preventing-abuse-of-adults-with-learning-disabilities-in-the-wake-of-the-winterbourne-view-scandal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117034/preventing-abuse-of-adults-with-learning-disabilities-in-the-wake-of-the-winterbourne-view-scandal.htmlExperts have long said learning disabled people should not be placed in hospitals such as Winterbourne View. That they still are reflects failures to support them in the community, finds Vern Pitt Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117029/how-health-checks-for-council-social-workers-are-progressing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117029/how-health-checks-for-council-social-workers-are-progressing.htmlChecks on social worker stress and caseloads are only being carried out by some councils, reports Mark Hunter, but those who have taken part are positive about the benefits Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117028/targeting-vulnerable-children-for-sexual-health-advice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117028/targeting-vulnerable-children-for-sexual-health-advice.htmlDiscussing sex with young offenders and children in care has helped tackle high teenage pregnancy rates in Reading, reports Louise Hunt Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117027/mentoring-schemes-for-newly-qualified-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117027/mentoring-schemes-for-newly-qualified-social-workers.html A three-year pilot scheme has provided valuable mentoring for newly qualified social workers, reports Kirsty McGregor or a newly qualified social worker,...Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117006/college-of-social-work-the-benefits-of-the-unison-tie-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117006/college-of-social-work-the-benefits-of-the-unison-tie-up.htmlThe College of Social Work has set itself an unprecedented challenge. Our role is to speak up for social work and put the profession on the same rock-solid foundations as other caring professions like nursing, medicine and occupational therapy. Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/117002/munro-debate-a-critical-take-on-the-review-and-professor-munros-reply.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/117002/munro-debate-a-critical-take-on-the-review-and-professor-munros-reply.htmlMunro's final report is certainly a long, prestigious looking document; but is it really going to herald a new radical approach to child protection? Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/116988/cuts-in-disabilities-support-services-threaten-to-place-more-children-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/116988/cuts-in-disabilities-support-services-threaten-to-place-more-children-in-care.htmlAre the cuts in local support services leading to more disabled children going into care? Ben Cook looks at the evidence Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/11/116980/research-how-the-recession-is-affecting-adult-social-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/11/116980/research-how-the-recession-is-affecting-adult-social-services.htmlAcademic Trish Hafford-Letchfield examines research that casts light on the impact of the recession on local authority adult care services Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116993/how-to-save-a-much-valued-local-service-from-the-council-axe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116993/how-to-save-a-much-valued-local-service-from-the-council-axe.htmlLiverpool Council wanted to close down a project to support women with postnatal depression, a victim of budget cuts. But it reckoned without a determined campaign of resistance. Natalie Valios reports Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116990/social-work-reform-board-the-contexts-and-organisations-capability.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116990/social-work-reform-board-the-contexts-and-organisations-capability.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board has set out what is expected of social workers at every stage of their careers. Kirsty McGregor explores how reform could see practitioners gaining the power to shape the changes that affect them and service users Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116966/practice-panel-learning-disabilities-and-possible-sexual-exploitation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116966/practice-panel-learning-disabilities-and-possible-sexual-exploitation.htmlProfessionals offer advice on a case involving a young woman with learning disabilities who may be the subject of sexual exploitation by a worker at the care home where she lives Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/07/116936/multi-agency-safeguarding-centre-for-childrens-referrals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/07/116936/multi-agency-safeguarding-centre-for-childrens-referrals.htmlThe final Munro Report recommended councils look at new "gatekeeping" methods in children's social care. Judy Cooper investigates a multi-agency hub Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116945/good-practice-restorative-justice-for-children-who-sexually-harm.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116945/good-practice-restorative-justice-for-children-who-sexually-harm.htmlChloe Stothart reports on a scheme that brings victims of sexual violence face to face with their assailant. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116947/the-employment-rights-of-personal-assistants.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116947/the-employment-rights-of-personal-assistants.htmlAn impending surge in the number of personal assistants is set to highlight a range of employment issues. Louise Tickle reports Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116944/homeless-face-worsening-health-as-cuts-bite.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116944/homeless-face-worsening-health-as-cuts-bite.htmlThe government says improving the health of homeless people is a priority. But health services for the client group are being cut just as need is going up, reports Helen Mooney. Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116943/principal-social-workers-scotlands-experience.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116943/principal-social-workers-scotlands-experience.htmlThe Munro Report calls for a principal social worker role to be created at every local authority in England along the same lines as Scotland's chief social work officers. Jackie Cosh reports. Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116942/good-practice-luv2meetu-friendship-project.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116942/good-practice-luv2meetu-friendship-project.htmlNatalie Valios reports on a project to promote well-being and fight loneliness that is winning admirers.Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116939/the-voluntary-sector-has-a-role-in-sen-assessments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116939/the-voluntary-sector-has-a-role-in-sen-assessments.htmlThe green paper on special educational needs and disability moots greater use of the voluntary sector. Una Summerson looks at how the sector sees its role changing in the future.Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116890/users-and-carers-fight-restrictions-on-use-of-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116890/users-and-carers-fight-restrictions-on-use-of-personal-budgets.htmlCash-strapped councils are accused of stifling people's creativity by imposing restrictions on recipients of personal budgets. But some service users have cast off the shackles, writes Vern Pitt Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116904/direct-payments-made-default-option-for-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116904/direct-payments-made-default-option-for-personal-budgets.htmlPersonalisation implies that personal budgets should be tailored to the needs of the individual. But some councils appear to be restricting users to direct payments, finds Natalie Valios Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/27/116892/is-social-care-ripe-for-volunteering.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/27/116892/is-social-care-ripe-for-volunteering.htmlThe coalition government is pushing for more volunteering in social care, but will this encroach on the domain of the paid workforce? Sally Gillen reports Fri, 27 May 2011 18:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/27/116895/social-workers-should-not-let-risk-divert-them-from-good-corporate-parenting.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/27/116895/social-workers-should-not-let-risk-divert-them-from-good-corporate-parenting.htmlGiven the time and training required to be a creative corporate parent, Camilla Pemberton asks whether acquiring the skills has become a luxury for contemporary social workers Fri, 27 May 2011 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116891/research-how-scotland-is-failing-young-people-in-residential-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116891/research-how-scotland-is-failing-young-people-in-residential-care.htmlSocial worker Maggie Mellon reviews findings that show worrying knowledge gaps on the effectiveness of services Thu, 26 May 2011 12:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116855/the-rise-of-non-qualified-social-care-staff-under-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116855/the-rise-of-non-qualified-social-care-staff-under-personalisation.htmlAre concerns over use of non-social work staff to assess potential service users the complaint of a profession under threat or genuine worries? Mithran Samuel reports Wed, 25 May 2011 16:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116886/benefit-cap-on-families-could-backfire-on-government.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116886/benefit-cap-on-families-could-backfire-on-government.htmlOne of the most populist proposals in the welfare reform programme is the introduction of a "benefit cap" of £25,000 per year from April 2013, writes Gary Vaux. Wed, 25 May 2011 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116881/can-former-drug-users-cope-with-a-new-born-baby.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116881/can-former-drug-users-cope-with-a-new-born-baby.htmlCan former drug misusing parents, who already have four children, cope with a fifth, or should the newborn daughter be removed from the family?Wed, 25 May 2011 15:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116878/how-to.-deliver-bad-news.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116878/how-to.-deliver-bad-news.htmlSocial workers, writes Andy O'Beirne, have to give bad news in a variety of scenarios, from telling parents their children are going to be taken into care to giving news mentally ill people may find disturbing or upsetting. Here are some tips on how to give difficult news in a safe and supportive way. Wed, 25 May 2011 15:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/23/116859/should-foster-carers-be-shunned-because-of-their-beliefs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/23/116859/should-foster-carers-be-shunned-because-of-their-beliefs.htmlWill it harm a child to be fostered by a God-fearing, smoking vegetarian? Gordon Carson looks at the hard choices social workers have to make when demand for care exceeds supply Mon, 23 May 2011 12:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116860/defining-social-works-unique-contribution.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116860/defining-social-works-unique-contribution.htmlThe College of Social Work is attempting to define the profession's unique contribution to public services. As Kirsty McGregor found, the 'reserved functions' of social work are open to debate Fri, 20 May 2011 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116857/battling-elective-mutism-in-autistic-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116857/battling-elective-mutism-in-autistic-children.htmlWhat do you do when your autistic child simply stops speaking to you at home? Richard Shrubb investigates the experience of the Dyer family on the Isle of Wight Fri, 20 May 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116853/research-scie-findings-on-adult-safeguarding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116853/research-scie-findings-on-adult-safeguarding.htmlPrevention, mediation and more staff traininig are the key messages from the latest Scie research on adult safeguarding Fri, 20 May 2011 13:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116851/advanced-social-worker-role-keeps-experienced-practitioners-on-the-frontline.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116851/advanced-social-worker-role-keeps-experienced-practitioners-on-the-frontline.htmlSheffield Council is piloting an innovative role for advanced social workers who take on the most difficult cases. Kirsty McGregor asked two professionals why they took up the challenge Fri, 20 May 2011 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116849/is-emma-at-risk-in-her-private-fostering-arrangement.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116849/is-emma-at-risk-in-her-private-fostering-arrangement.html Professionals offer advice on a case involving a child separated from her parents across borders and privately fostered SITUATION Rosario, 28, has approached a school and asked them to enrol Emma, five. However, the school has found it difficult to establish the exact relationship between her and the child as Rosario initially claimed to be Emma's aunt. After some probing it transpired that she was not a blood relative but, in fact, was just a friend of the family. Rosario says the parents have sent Emma to the UK for a better life and education and they have entrusted her with looking after their child. On further questioning it is still unclear whether either Rosario or Emma are legally able to stay in the UK. Rosario refuses to produce any documentation supporting her claims. PROBLEM Rosario has given her home address but will not give the names of Emma's parents or how they can be contacted. Rosario says she sees the questions as interfering and it is nobody...Fri, 20 May 2011 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/16/116818/munros-pick-of-child-protection-good-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/16/116818/munros-pick-of-child-protection-good-practice.htmlIn her final two reports Professor Eileen Munro highlights best practice in England and further afield. Here, Community Care profiles initiatives that she considers are leading the way Mon, 16 May 2011 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/13/116814/local-work-on-child-protection-must-be-checked-against-evidence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/13/116814/local-work-on-child-protection-must-be-checked-against-evidence.htmlAs the Munro report proposes freeing up councils to try new approaches to child protection, Donald Forrester warns that evaluation is the key to ensuring these would not waste money Fri, 13 May 2011 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116807/homelessness-in-schools-is-a-sizeable-problem.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116807/homelessness-in-schools-is-a-sizeable-problem.htmlSocial work practice educator Helen Bonnick congratulates Quintin Kynaston School in London as it addresses homelessness among its studentsThu, 12 May 2011 16:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116806/school-builds-childrens-home-for-homeless-students.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116806/school-builds-childrens-home-for-homeless-students.htmlJust as they prepare for their exams, 16- and 17-year-olds can find themselves homeless. Camilla Pemberton reports on a school with a bold solution Thu, 12 May 2011 15:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116801/alarm-as-admin-load-cuts-social-workers-effectiveness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116801/alarm-as-admin-load-cuts-social-workers-effectiveness.htmlGPs don't book their own appointments, so why are social workers doing tasks more suited to other staff? Natalie Valios asks what practitioners can do to cut the administrative burden Thu, 12 May 2011 15:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116794/research-why-take-up-of-support-services-for-birth-parents-of-adopted-children-is-low.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116794/research-why-take-up-of-support-services-for-birth-parents-of-adopted-children-is-low.htmlTake-up of support services by the birth parents of adopted children is low. Archie Maclullich reports on research as to the causes of this and how it can improved Thu, 12 May 2011 13:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116780/dont-let-jargon-ruin-law-commissions-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116780/dont-let-jargon-ruin-law-commissions-reforms.htmlLegal analyst Ed Mitchell gives his verdict on the Law Commission's proposals for the biggest shake-up in adult social care law in 60 years. Wed, 11 May 2011 12:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116754/understanding-the-support-needs-of-people-with-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116754/understanding-the-support-needs-of-people-with-disabilities.htmlRobin Miller picks out key research findings to help care planning for disabled people and their families Thu, 05 May 2011 14:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116727/time-to-ask-where-the-baseline-is-in-childrens-social-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116727/time-to-ask-where-the-baseline-is-in-childrens-social-services.htmlThe Munro Review and turmoil in children's services, local government and health make this a prime time to draw some lines in the sand, argues Nick Berbiers, interim children's services manager and consultant Thu, 05 May 2011 11:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116726/adoption-and-fostering-service-dilemma-for-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116726/adoption-and-fostering-service-dilemma-for-councils.htmlThe government's Big Society ethos demands greater use of both voluntary and private adoption and foster agencies. But what if budget cuts force them to take the work in-house, asks Natalie Valios Thu, 05 May 2011 11:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116738/outsourcing-the-different-employment-models.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116738/outsourcing-the-different-employment-models.htmlMore social care professionals are working outside councils. With personalisation, spending cuts and the Big Society set to increase this trend, Kirsty McGregor and Daniel Lombard explore the different employment models Thu, 05 May 2011 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116734/should-child-protection-be-exempt-from-outsourcing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116734/should-child-protection-be-exempt-from-outsourcing.htmlOutsourcing to private sector providers has long been a feature of social care in England. But should child protection be exempt from the profit motive, asks Gordon Carson Thu, 05 May 2011 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116730/quality-versus-cost-a-brief-history-of-outsourcing-in-adult-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116730/quality-versus-cost-a-brief-history-of-outsourcing-in-adult-social-care.htmlPrivate sector care has largely replaced council services. But, with more outsourcing planned, debate rages over how much it has improved the quality of care, writes Vern Pitt Thu, 05 May 2011 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116729/winning-over-staff-is-key-to-social-enterprise-success.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116729/winning-over-staff-is-key-to-social-enterprise-success.htmlIn North East Lincolnshire, former NHS social care services are now being run as a business. Chief ­executive Lance Gardner tells Mithran Samuel of his plans and how keeping staff onside is one of his main challenges Thu, 05 May 2011 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116728/social-care-professionals-divided-over-privatised-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116728/social-care-professionals-divided-over-privatised-adult-care.htmlAs social workers in seven areas prepare to swap council jobs for running their own businesses, Jeremy Dunning finds the sector deeply divided on the merits of social work practices Thu, 05 May 2011 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116679/how-is-hot-desking-affecting-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116679/how-is-hot-desking-affecting-social-workers.htmlHot-desking is becoming more prevalent as councils attempt to cut millions of pounds from their budgets. But how can social workers survive the experience? Kirsty McGregor reports Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116696/domestic-violence-services-under-threat.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116696/domestic-violence-services-under-threat.htmlSpending cuts and the government's localism agenda are combining to threaten the future of many domestic violence services. Vern Pitt asks how bad things have to get Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116694/research-good-practice-when-working-with-refugee-and-asylum-seeking-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116694/research-good-practice-when-working-with-refugee-and-asylum-seeking-children.htmlCommunity Care and Community Care Inform examine findings that can be used to support good practice in the field. By academic Dr Ala SirriyehFri, 15 Apr 2011 15:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116682/domestic-violence-advisers-help-keep-victims-safe-at-home.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116682/domestic-violence-advisers-help-keep-victims-safe-at-home.htmlA West Sussex initiative is keeping victims of domestic violence in their own homes safely rather than directing them to refuges, reports Natalie Valios Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116686/its-time-to-set-childrens-homes-free.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116686/its-time-to-set-childrens-homes-free.htmlJust as the Munro Review aims to free up social worker's from red-tape and revalue their professional expertise I would make a plea for children's home staff to be given the same respect. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116687/tackling-social-workers-anti-men-attitudes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116687/tackling-social-workers-anti-men-attitudes.htmlThere is no shortage of research highlighting the importance of fathers in their children's lives. But Gavin Swann admits that, for most of his career as a social worker, he held negative and prejudicial views about the men who featured in his cases. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116685/munro-debate-assessment-timescales-must-not-be-abandoned.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116685/munro-debate-assessment-timescales-must-not-be-abandoned.htmlThe Munro Review's interim report proposes freeing some councils from statutory timescales governing initial and core assessments. But this may cause children more harm, says Kirsten Anderson Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116683/domestic-violence-why-does-she-stay-a-question-loaded-with-assumptions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116683/domestic-violence-why-does-she-stay-a-question-loaded-with-assumptions.htmlWhy does she stay? That is the wrong question to ask about domestic violence and is based on several false assumptions. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116646/the-need-for-more-critically-reflective-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116646/the-need-for-more-critically-reflective-social-work.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board and the interim Munro Report have spelt out the need for critically reflective social workers. How easy is it to achieve this, and is it possible to develop your own "internal supervisor"? Judy Cooper investigates Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116678/are-child-victims-of-domestic-violence-being-forgotten.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116678/are-child-victims-of-domestic-violence-being-forgotten.htmlHigher intervention thresholds allied with the government's reductions in public spending are causing alarm among child protection professionals. Natalie Valios reports Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116675/social-work-reform-improving-intervention-skills.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116675/social-work-reform-improving-intervention-skills.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board has set out what is expected of social workers. In the latest instalment in our series, Daniel Lombard looks at how one practitioner decided to improve her intervention skills Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116655/alarm-as-children-are-endangered-by-child-protection-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116655/alarm-as-children-are-endangered-by-child-protection-cuts.htmlBudget cuts are leading to higher thresholds for safeguarding cases, endangering children and putting great stress on social workers. Judy Cooper reports on practitioners' mounting alarm Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116643/research-findings-on-emergency-accommodation-for-young-runaways.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116643/research-findings-on-emergency-accommodation-for-young-runaways.htmlYoung runaways are vulnerable to harm and require support to protect them. Researcher Emilie Smeaton highlights evidence from a Scottish government report about commissioning and delivering cost-effective emergency accommodationTue, 12 Apr 2011 14:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116634/practice-panel-a-disabled-ex-serviceman-faces-homelessness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116634/practice-panel-a-disabled-ex-serviceman-faces-homelessness.htmlProfessionals and a service user offer advice on a case involving a disabled ex-serviceman facing eviction and no place to go Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116649/making-adult-social-care-greener.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116649/making-adult-social-care-greener.htmlLittle is known about social care's impact on the environment, but there are examples of sustainable good practice that councils could use to save money, reports Louise Hunt Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116639/competition-spurs-social-work-innovation-says-policy-guru.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116639/competition-spurs-social-work-innovation-says-policy-guru.htmlPolicy guru Julian Le Grand is one of the prime movers behind the GP-style social work practices that trade unions see as a threat to the sector. But employees would be empowered by the system, he tells Kirsty McGregor Fri, 08 Apr 2011 15:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116642/research-lack-of-therapeutic-services-for-young-victims-of-sexual-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116642/research-lack-of-therapeutic-services-for-young-victims-of-sexual-abuse.htmlAlison Domakin explores a study that highlights the gap in therapeutic provision for young people who have been sexually abused Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116640/how-toblow-the-whistle.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116640/how-toblow-the-whistle.htmlFrancesca West of Public Concern at Work offers some tips on how to blow the whistle on bad practice while minimising the risk of reprisalsFri, 08 Apr 2011 10:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116607/child-protection-versus-parental-mental-health-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116607/child-protection-versus-parental-mental-health-services.htmlIn the absence of a national strategy, Julie Griffiths looks at the problems impacting on the co-operation between children's social workers and adult mental health professionals Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116618/how-to.-manage-your-manager.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116618/how-to.-manage-your-manager.htmlDeveloping a strong working relationship with your line manager can improve your practice and make for an easier life all round, but it's a two-way process. Here, Jonathan Coxon, managing director of social work recruitment agency Liquid Personnel, explains how to manage your manager Wed, 06 Apr 2011 11:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116613/what-does-the-future-hold-for-care-homes-for-elderly-people-in-the-uk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116613/what-does-the-future-hold-for-care-homes-for-elderly-people-in-the-uk.htmlCare homes are struggling to come to terms with fewer local authority contracts and politicians' preference for independent living. How can the sector respond, asks Vern Pitt Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116601/college-we-must-define-the-unique-contribution-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116601/college-we-must-define-the-unique-contribution-of-social-work.htmlProfessions require clearly defined roles. There is general agreement on the kinds of tasks to be allocated to doctors and lawyers, for example, so surely it is the same for social workers. Well, not quiteWed, 06 Apr 2011 00:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116606/foster-carers-need-reserves-of-tolerance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116606/foster-carers-need-reserves-of-tolerance.htmlFoster carers need reserves of tolerance hen considering the qualities of potential foster carers I would choose those who showed both patience and...Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116604/munro-debate-social-workers-need-time-not-new-interventions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116604/munro-debate-social-workers-need-time-not-new-interventions.htmlThe Munro Review has identified that parents make better progress if families are engaged without coercion. Scott Hunter and Helen Wosu argue that this cannot be done without more time and lower caseloads Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116602/bryncynon-strategy-breathes-life-into-ex-mining-community.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116602/bryncynon-strategy-breathes-life-into-ex-mining-community.htmlA forming mining community decided to arrest its decline by tackling its own health and social problems after residents felt abandoned by the public sector, reports Andrew MickelFri, 01 Apr 2011 15:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116599/arsenal-fcs-outreach-scheme-for-children-in-deprived-communities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116599/arsenal-fcs-outreach-scheme-for-children-in-deprived-communities.htmlAnecdotally, sport is known to be an effective way of engaging young people and diverting them from crime, but to date there has been little hard evidence. However, a report from New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) and Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, Teenage Kicks: The Value of Sport in Tackling Youth Crime, analyses three projects and concludes that sport is a cost-effective early intervention with young people at risk. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116590/simplifying-the-personal-budgets-process-for-older-people-and-adults-with-mental-health-issues.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116590/simplifying-the-personal-budgets-process-for-older-people-and-adults-with-mental-health-issues.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence presents findings from research into supporting older people and adults with mental health problems using personal budgets Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116589/social-work-in-rural-communities-and-small-towns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116589/social-work-in-rural-communities-and-small-towns.htmlSocial workers based in close-knit communities often live alongside the people they support. How should you react when your personal and professional worlds meet, asks Rosie Walker Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116548/munro-debate-the-tower-hamlets-model-for-assessment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116548/munro-debate-the-tower-hamlets-model-for-assessment.htmlThe interim report from the Munro review highlighted the Tower Hamlets model of assessment as a way forward. Here, Helen Lincoln, the council's head of children's social care, outlines its methodology Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116538/risk-factor-a-volunteer-engages-with-a-single-mother.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116538/risk-factor-a-volunteer-engages-with-a-single-mother.htmlA volunteer in Southend achieves a good outcome with a young mother with learning disabilities who rejects involvement with statutory servicesWed, 30 Mar 2011 10:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116549/hard-to-reach-groups-at-risk-of-poor-outcomes-under-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116549/hard-to-reach-groups-at-risk-of-poor-outcomes-under-personalisation.htmlThe coalition wants all users on personal budgets by 2013 but with older people and those with mental health problems left behind and resources drying up, the future of personalisation is in doubt. Jeremy Dunning reports Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116547/will-health-reforms-undermine-munros-vision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116547/will-health-reforms-undermine-munros-vision.htmlFor some, the health and education reforms are casting a shadow over Professor Eileen Munro's intention to improve child protection, but others feel that they will enhance joint working. Molly Garboden reports Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116539/abuse-goes-unchallenged-in-name-of-partnership-working.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116539/abuse-goes-unchallenged-in-name-of-partnership-working.htmlPotential elder abuse can go unchecked by social workers because they fail to stand up to professionals in partner agencies. Angie Ash reports Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/25/116541/social-care-work-across-the-uks-borders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/25/116541/social-care-work-across-the-uks-borders.htmlDevolution has led to increasingly diverse agendas in the social care sector. Is this presenting more obstacles to social care workers hoping to transfer their skills to a new working environment? Gordon Carson reports Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/25/116537/research-user-satisfaction-with-social-work-in-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/25/116537/research-user-satisfaction-with-social-work-in-scotland.htmlMany people in Scotland are satisfied with social work responses, but serious deficiencies remain in support for carers. Michelle Drumm reports Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/24/116536/bridging-the-generation-gap-to-help-people-with-dementia.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/24/116536/bridging-the-generation-gap-to-help-people-with-dementia.htmlNatalie Valios reports on how both young and old benefited from a project to improve the well-being of residents with dementia in a nursing home Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116495/dementia-and-sex-the-last-taboo.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116495/dementia-and-sex-the-last-taboo.htmlHow should care home staff deal with intimate relationships, which may flourish despite the disapproval of some staff and relatives? Sally-Marie Bamford, who has recently completed research on this issue, reports Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/22/116509/rising-petrol-prices-put-the-squeeze-on-social-work-practitioners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/22/116509/rising-petrol-prices-put-the-squeeze-on-social-work-practitioners.htmlSoaring fuel costs have left many social care workers out of pocket as mileage rates fail to match the hikes. Andrew Mickel considers the impact on an increasingly beleaguered workforce Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/21/116508/munro-debate-shifting-media-and-public-perception-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/21/116508/munro-debate-shifting-media-and-public-perception-of-social-work.htmlA key task of Professor Eileen Munro's review of child protection is to examine the public perception of social workers and the media coverage of the profession. Interim children's services manager and consultant Nick Berbiers proposes some changes Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/19/116493/hair-strand-testing-to-detect-parental-substance-misuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/19/116493/hair-strand-testing-to-detect-parental-substance-misuse.htmlHair tests have helped social workers with difficult child protection cases involving parental substance misuse, but they have their limits, reports Ben Willis Sat, 19 Mar 2011 12:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116490/research-adolescent-neglect-in-child-protection-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116490/research-adolescent-neglect-in-child-protection-work.htmlThe 'incident focus' of child protection has served teenagers poorly. Susannah Bowyer examines a literature review of adolescent neglect and finds the field sparse Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116489/embedding-language-workers-in-childrens-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116489/embedding-language-workers-in-childrens-social-care.htmlLanguage workers embedded in children's teams have improved engagement with Bangladeshi and Pakistani families in Oldham, reports Louise Hunt Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116472/how-the-court-of-protection-is-a-force-for-good-in-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116472/how-the-court-of-protection-is-a-force-for-good-in-social-care.htmlThe Court of Protection can be used to authorise a vulnerable adult's removal from an abusive home environment if the adult lacks the mental capacity to decide where to live and the court considers removal to be in the adult's best interests, writes Ed Mitchell. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116487/health-reforms-risk-medicalisation-of-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116487/health-reforms-risk-medicalisation-of-social-care.htmlAmong the numerous reforms in social care and health, the prospect of GP-led commissioning consortia is giving colleagues some cause for concern. Radical proposals will see these consortia take over the health commissioning function from primary care trusts, which are to be abolished by April 2013.Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116485/risk-factor-a-learning-disabled-adult-who-cannot-live-with-others.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116485/risk-factor-a-learning-disabled-adult-who-cannot-live-with-others.htmlFinding suitable supported accommodation for people with learning disabilities can be difficult, writes Mark Drinkwater. The task is even more of a challenge when an individual has problems living with other service users when options in community settings are few.Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116475/a-ray-of-sunshine-for-social-work-oranges-and-sunshine.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116475/a-ray-of-sunshine-for-social-work-oranges-and-sunshine.htmlCurled up, almost hiding, on an enormous sofa in a London hotel, Emily Watson is relaxed and dressed down: no make-up; no jewellery; a navy hoodie zipped up casually over a pink silk blouse. Elegant and softly spoken, she shows no sign of starriness or self-importance. In fact, she is disarmingly self-effacing and likeable.Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116453/self-neglect-cases-how-should-social-workers-intervene.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116453/self-neglect-cases-how-should-social-workers-intervene.htmlWith the law so unclear, professional intervention in cases of self-neglect can be fraught with difficulties. Yet, as Vern Pitt reports, the pressure on social workers to 'do something' is great Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116477/how-to-handle-media-pressure-in-cases-of-self-neglect.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116477/how-to-handle-media-pressure-in-cases-of-self-neglect.htmlSelf-neglect cases frequently end up on social workers' desks because other agencies do not know what to do with them, while the public and press expect action.Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116480/social-care-workforce-regulation-in-the-uk-explained.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116480/social-care-workforce-regulation-in-the-uk-explained.htmlThe divergence in social care policies introduced and proposed by the four home nations is matched by a similarly inconsistent approach to workforce regulation, writes Gordon Carson Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/15/116454/how-the-police-can-help-social-workers-assess-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/15/116454/how-the-police-can-help-social-workers-assess-risk.htmlFormer senior police officer Nigel Boulton looks at how the police approach risk and why the future lies in multi-agency assessment teams, as now being investigated by the Munro Review Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/12/116440/one-year-on-from-the-dementia-declaration-what-progress-has-been-made.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/12/116440/one-year-on-from-the-dementia-declaration-what-progress-has-been-made.htmlCommunity Care's Dementia Declaration campaign called for the ­condition to be made a political priority. The coalition has done this but the sector is pressing for more progress, finds Mithran Samuel Sat, 12 Mar 2011 15:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/12/116429/social-work-reform-promoting-rights-justice-and-economic-well-being.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/12/116429/social-work-reform-promoting-rights-justice-and-economic-well-being.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board has set out what is expected of social workers at every stage of their career. Maria Ahmed explores how practitioners can promote rights, justice and economic well-being in difficult times Sat, 12 Mar 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116455/dealing-with-parental-substance-misuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116455/dealing-with-parental-substance-misuse.htmlCommunity Care and Community Care Inform are examining how evidence informs important areas of practice. Here, Emilie Smeaton investigates issues relating to substance-misusing parents Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116446/social-workers-prepare-to-mark-world-social-work-day.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116446/social-workers-prepare-to-mark-world-social-work-day.htmlSocial workers are preparing for events around the UK to mark World Social Work Day on Tuesday (15 March). Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116444/self-neglect-starts-with-your-feet-says-michael-fitzpatrick.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116444/self-neglect-starts-with-your-feet-says-michael-fitzpatrick.htmlIn my experience the patients most likely to neglect themselves are those with chronic mental illness and learning disabilities, writes Michael Fitzpatrick Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116443/book-your-own-breaks-websites-help-carers-users-and-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116443/book-your-own-breaks-websites-help-carers-users-and-staff.htmlA system for carers to book breaks is showing how the internet can help personalise care, reports Natalie Valios Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116430/helping-children-through-sibling-loss.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116430/helping-children-through-sibling-loss.htmlSuccessful support for the siblings of children who have died should be continuous. Julie Griffiths reports on a hospice in Wales that provides long-lasting and honest therapy for bereaved children Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116431/foster-carers-need-welfare-flexibility-under-new-bill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116431/foster-carers-need-welfare-flexibility-under-new-bill.htmlFoster carers, most of whom receive no pay or very low pay for their work, are often dependant on welfare benefits to make ends meet. However the current system is complex and can be incompatible with the day to day reality of fostering, writes Madeleine TearseThu, 10 Mar 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116398/what-would-payment-by-results-mean-for-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116398/what-would-payment-by-results-mean-for-childrens-services.htmlHow would payment by results work in children's services? Gordon Carson finds mixed views about what is being seen as the solution to funding early intervention services Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116395/is-low-cost-budget-airline-style-social-care-workable.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116395/is-low-cost-budget-airline-style-social-care-workable.htmlAirlines and supermarkets show that cheap services can be provided without compromising too much on quality. Social care could take note, writes Brian Munday Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/06/116387/support-that-produces-good-outcomes-for-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/06/116387/support-that-produces-good-outcomes-for-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmlParents with learning disabilities are too often disregarded by statutory agencies, but, reports Gordon Carson, with the right support, their children can flourish in their care Sun, 06 Mar 2011 23:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116392/engaging-with-communities-to-prevent-female-genital-mutilation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116392/engaging-with-communities-to-prevent-female-genital-mutilation.htmlSocial workers and health professionals are working together in Bristol to convince communities that female genital mutilation is abuse, reports Louise HuntFri, 04 Mar 2011 18:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116399/cuts-are-no-excuse-to-skimp-on-social-work-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116399/cuts-are-no-excuse-to-skimp-on-social-work-support.htmlIt is inevitable that local authority social work will be affected as council budgets shrink by 28% over the next four years, write Maurice Bates and Corinne May-ChahalFri, 04 Mar 2011 17:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116394/a-simple-solution-to-measuring-childrens-social-care-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116394/a-simple-solution-to-measuring-childrens-social-care-outcomes.htmlThis week we begin a series of debate articles for consideration by the Munro Review of child protection services. The first, by senior interim manager and consultant Nick Berbiers, proposes an outcomes measurement framework for children's servicesFri, 04 Mar 2011 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116393/resolving-social-care-funding-disputes-between-councils-and-pcts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116393/resolving-social-care-funding-disputes-between-councils-and-pcts.htmlIndependent panels that settle care funding disputes between councils and primary care trusts avoid the need for costly court hearings and benefit joint-working, writes Louise Hunt Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116391/children-with-special-educational-needs-must-be-better-supported.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116391/children-with-special-educational-needs-must-be-better-supported.htmlA recent Ofsted report found schools were over-diagnosing special educational needs (SEN) among students. But not enough has been said about educational provision for those who do have special needs and the knock-on impact on health and well-being.Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116341/avoiding-cultural-and-racial-traps-in-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116341/avoiding-cultural-and-racial-traps-in-child-protection.htmlSocial workers involved with families from ethnic minorities can be bamboozled by some of their customs. Gordon Carson reports on how to demystify beliefs while engaging positively Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116353/we-need-to-prosecute-those-who-brand-children-witches.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116353/we-need-to-prosecute-those-who-brand-children-witches.htmlAfruca's Debbie Ariyo calls for legislation to link branding children as witches and incitement to harmWed, 02 Mar 2011 01:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116343/protecting-learning-disabled-victims-of-forced-marriage.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116343/protecting-learning-disabled-victims-of-forced-marriage.htmlThe forced marriage of learning disabled people is a hidden scandal. Mithran Samuel asks how practitioners might spot such cases and safeguard service users Wed, 02 Mar 2011 01:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116347/help-through-humour-for-prisoners-with-mental-health-issues.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116347/help-through-humour-for-prisoners-with-mental-health-issues.htmlA charity has enlisted a stand-up comic to challenge mental health stigma among prisoners. Andrew Mickel reports Wed, 02 Mar 2011 01:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116342/using-faith-to-help-muslims-face-mental-health-problems.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116342/using-faith-to-help-muslims-face-mental-health-problems.htmlMental health among Muslims is deteriorating as the community increasingly feels under siege. But, as Jeremy Dunning reports, services need to understand the importance of faith when treating the patientWed, 02 Mar 2011 00:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116352/promoting-diversity-in-social-work-practice-to-combat-oppression.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116352/promoting-diversity-in-social-work-practice-to-combat-oppression.htmlIn a multicultural society, social workers are expected to recognise diversity in their practice and actively tackle oppression. Vern Pitt reports on the challenges laid down by the Social Work Reform Board Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116346/research-reducing-race-inequalities-in-care-services-provision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116346/research-reducing-race-inequalities-in-care-services-provision.htmlSukhwinder Singh assesses research into how people from ethnic minorities can receive the care services to which they are entitled Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116351/strategies-for-success-in-cross-racial-adoptions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116351/strategies-for-success-in-cross-racial-adoptions.htmlTrans-racial adoption is now being encouraged due to the high number of ethnic minority children waiting to be matched with families. Julie Griffiths reports on how adoption groups are responding to this challenge Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116357/how-totackle-racism-against-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116357/how-totackle-racism-against-social-workers.htmlSocial work attracts people from a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds, but what should professionals do when they encounter racism? Narmada Thiranagama, Unison's national race equality officer, offers advice on how to react to racism from service usersWed, 02 Mar 2011 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116358/social-works-anti-racist-journey.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116358/social-works-anti-racist-journey.htmlSocial work has come a long way in recognising the racial diversity of the workforce and of service usersWed, 02 Mar 2011 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116360/services-must-change-to-make-personalisation-real-for-ethnic-minorities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116360/services-must-change-to-make-personalisation-real-for-ethnic-minorities.htmlThere are many barriers preventing people from ethnic minorities enjoying the benefits of personalisation, writes Patrick VernonWed, 02 Mar 2011 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116340/identifying-autism-in-children-from-ethnic-minorities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116340/identifying-autism-in-children-from-ethnic-minorities.htmlMany children on the autism spectrum from ethnic minorities are not being diagnosed properly, and their families often struggle to gain support. Dr Mitzi Waltz explains why Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116348/building-links-with-multi-ethnic-communities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116348/building-links-with-multi-ethnic-communities.htmlThe outcomes of social work depend on engagement with all sections of an increasingly diverse society. Daniel Lombard asks how professionals should go about doing this Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/25/116325/boosting-the-quality-of-social-care-leadership.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/25/116325/boosting-the-quality-of-social-care-leadership.htmlThe National Skills Academy for Social Care has been asked by the government to improve the sector's leadership. Kirsty McGregor dissects the qualities that will be needed by tomorrow's social care leaders Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116334/dla-reform-making-the-benefit-fit-the-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116334/dla-reform-making-the-benefit-fit-the-budget.htmlHow many of your clients receive disability living allowance? How will it affect them – and you – if the DLA budget for people of working-age is slashed by 20% in three to four years time.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116306/self-funding-social-care-users-left-in-the-cold-by-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116306/self-funding-social-care-users-left-in-the-cold-by-councils.htmlSupport for self-funders is so patchy that many do not bother seeking help, resulting in bad choices of care. However, advice services such as the one provided by the Relatives and Residents Association in Essex (pictured) shows good support is possible. (Image: John Behets).Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/21/116313/homeshare-good-for-service-users-and-for-council-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/21/116313/homeshare-good-for-service-users-and-for-council-budgets.htmlHomeshare schemes can work for the mutual benefit of older and young people, reports Natalie ValiosMon, 21 Feb 2011 20:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/21/116312/sun-sea-sand-and-sexual-exploitation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/21/116312/sun-sea-sand-and-sexual-exploitation.htmlBlackpool's reputation as a fun place to live is tarnished by the high number of sex offenders drawn to the town and its murky sub-culture. Now the council and police are working together to improve child safeguarding, writes Camilla Pemberton Mon, 21 Feb 2011 09:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116310/children-in-care-still-need-to-say-good-bye.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116310/children-in-care-still-need-to-say-good-bye.htmlWhat is a home? When you look at the word, it seems small and insignificant, writes Jarone Macklin-Page. But a dictionary defines it as a house, apartment, or other shelter that is the usual residence of a person, family, or household. Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116308/pooling-budgets-and-integrated-teams-boost-swindons-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116308/pooling-budgets-and-integrated-teams-boost-swindons-childrens-services.htmlSwindon Council's services were felt to be fragmented. But by pooling budgets – to the extent that it has been announced as one of the pilots for the much vaunted community budgets – it has transformed performance. Ben Willis reportsFri, 18 Feb 2011 12:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116307/non-violent-resistance-to-help-aggression-in-young-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116307/non-violent-resistance-to-help-aggression-in-young-people.htmlThe principle of non-violent resistance is being applied to challenge children with conduct problems. Peter Jakob explains how it works Fri, 18 Feb 2011 10:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116302/research-new-clinical-roles-for-care-home-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116302/research-new-clinical-roles-for-care-home-staff.htmlNew clinical roles for care home staff are being touted so the future needs of frail older people can be met. Jill Manthorpe reviews the findings of a three-year study Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116228/how-to-use-the-law-to-fight-social-care-spending-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116228/how-to-use-the-law-to-fight-social-care-spending-cuts.htmlWith more than 150,000 local authority jobs under threat, and councils proposing to cut services due to funding pressures, social care staff and service users are increasingly concerned about their prospects. But there may be ways in which they can use the law to challenge and overturn councils' decisions.Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116273/are-consultations-on-cuts-doomed-to-tokenism.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116273/are-consultations-on-cuts-doomed-to-tokenism.htmlCampaigners say care users are not being given a say in cuts to their services, but councils risk legal action if they fail to consult properly on their plans. Vern Pitt reports Wed, 16 Feb 2011 07:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116279/student-competition-for-statutory-placements-hots-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116279/student-competition-for-statutory-placements-hots-up.htmlStatutory placements are becoming gold dust as students compete for council social work roles, writes Gordon Carson Fri, 11 Feb 2011 17:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116274/using-human-rights-law-to-fight-service-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116274/using-human-rights-law-to-fight-service-cuts.htmlCampaigners are resorting to legislation to guarantee care and support for service users, with the Down's Syndrome Association leading by example, reports Vern Pitt Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116269/practice-panel-resource-allocation-system-sees-woman-pushed-into-depression.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116269/practice-panel-resource-allocation-system-sees-woman-pushed-into-depression.htmlProfessionals offer advice on a case in which a woman with learning disabilities can no longer afford her choice of carers Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116268/what-will-the-extra-powers-for-independent-reviewing-officers-achieve.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116268/what-will-the-extra-powers-for-independent-reviewing-officers-achieve.htmlIndependent reviewing officers are to be given more responsibilities but debate rages about how the cuts and the Munro review might affect their role, writes Gordon Carson Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116265/in-loco-parentis.-demos-research-and-report-on-the-looked-after-children-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116265/in-loco-parentis.-demos-research-and-report-on-the-looked-after-children-system.htmlThink-tank Demos has conducted an exhaustive study of the care system for children. Jo Dixon reports Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116263/the-dangers-of-conducting-assessments-overseas.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116263/the-dangers-of-conducting-assessments-overseas.htmlConducting assessments in other countries may be dangerous or illegal, so social workers must beware of the risks, writes Julie Griffiths Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116260/the-family-rights-group-template-for-assessing-kinship-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116260/the-family-rights-group-template-for-assessing-kinship-carers.htmlThe Family Rights Group has produced a template to help social workers assess friends and family carers, reports Julie Griffiths. Thu, 10 Feb 2011 12:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116252/social-care-management-cull-may-raise-costs-say-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116252/social-care-management-cull-may-raise-costs-say-experts.htmlPlans to slash social care management posts at three London councils, including Westminster (pictured) by merging departments risk costing them more in the long-term, experts have warned. Thu, 10 Feb 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116235/portsmouth-makes-the-case-for-joint-working-to-cut-bed-blocking.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116235/portsmouth-makes-the-case-for-joint-working-to-cut-bed-blocking.htmlHealth and social care services have joined forces in Portsmouth to ensure that patients experience minimal delay before being rehabilitated outside hospital. Jeremy Dunning reports Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/08/116236/how-childrens-homes-providers-can-survive-the-economic-chill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/08/116236/how-childrens-homes-providers-can-survive-the-economic-chill.htmlResidential provision for children in care will have to change as the economic chill continues. Camilla Pemberton reports on how providers can take ownership of the challenges ahead Tue, 08 Feb 2011 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116243/care-providers-make-councils-integrated-offer.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116243/care-providers-make-councils-integrated-offer.htmlA partnership of providers is offering councils an integrated set of services, which they say will deliver better outcomes at lower costs. Mithran Samuel examines their proposalMon, 07 Feb 2011 16:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116231/ethical-dilemmas-for-social-workers-at-a-time-of-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116231/ethical-dilemmas-for-social-workers-at-a-time-of-cuts.htmlWhat should social workers do when legal or financial issues conflict with their personal and professional values? Kirsty McGregor explores the challenges of holding on to ethics in pressing economic times Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116230/are-you-ready-for-the-children-and-young-persons-act-2008.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116230/are-you-ready-for-the-children-and-young-persons-act-2008.htmlLegal expert Ed Mitchell on changes children's teams will have to work under from April Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116156/indicators-of-disorganised-attachment-in-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116156/indicators-of-disorganised-attachment-in-children.htmlCommunity Care and Community Care Inform are examining how evidence informs important areas of practice. In the latest instalment, David Shemmings and Yvonne Shemmings look at disorganised attachmentFri, 04 Feb 2011 12:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116226/pooled-family-intervention-projects-prove-their-worth.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116226/pooled-family-intervention-projects-prove-their-worth.html...Fri, 04 Feb 2011 12:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116225/the-effect-of-corporate-parents-on-childrens-lives.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116225/the-effect-of-corporate-parents-on-childrens-lives.html As children's rights director for England, I have a statutory duty to find out the views and concerns of children in care and those receiving social care support or living in residential education. In our latest report, Having Corporate Parents, my team asked children in care how having corporate parents made a difference to their lives. What the children told us challenges our thinking about policy issues during this period of austerity. They did not demand more resources, but instead wanted more good practice. That is more deliverable in the times to come. Children spoke of their experiences of having many different professionals working with them. Perhaps surprisingly, the majority view was that it was better to have a range of different professionals doing different things instead of just one "personal professional" trying to do everything - as long as there were no more professionals than the child needed. Reassuringly, many children told us that they thought their...Fri, 04 Feb 2011 10:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116192/what-makes-a-professional.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116192/what-makes-a-professional.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board has set out what is expected of social workers at every stage of their career. Daniel Lombard looks at the first of nine core standards: professionalism Wed, 02 Feb 2011 21:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/01/116191/wales-unveils-new-serious-case-review-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/01/116191/wales-unveils-new-serious-case-review-system.htmlAll the UK nations are assessing the way they handle reviews into child protection cases, with Wales this week unveiling its new approach, writes Molly Garboden Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116189/top-college-of-social-work-priority-to-speak-with-a-strong-and-unified-voice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116189/top-college-of-social-work-priority-to-speak-with-a-strong-and-unified-voice.htmlNow that we have launched our drive for the future founder members of the College of Social Work, we look forward to a new era for social workers. Our top priority is to create a college which is led by social workers and accountable to the profession whose interests it will wholeheartedly champion.Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116184/improving-the-standard-of-serious-case-reviews.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116184/improving-the-standard-of-serious-case-reviews.htmlGillian Downham is leading a bid to improve the chairing of serious case reviews and other inquiries, and to improve lesson learning from them. Vern Pitt reports Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116188/social-workers-need-protection-from-civil-negligence-claims.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116188/social-workers-need-protection-from-civil-negligence-claims.htmlThe decision not to cap legal aid for care and supervision proceedings will leave professionals vulnerable to litigation. To address this, the social worker's duty of care must be rethought, writes Peter Wake Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116180/guidance-for-social-workers-on-managing-risks-in-self-directed-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116180/guidance-for-social-workers-on-managing-risks-in-self-directed-support.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence has produced guidance for social workers on self-directed support and personal budgets to help service users make decisions and manage the risks safely Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116183/mental-health-stretched-to-the-limit-by-cuts-and-demand.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116183/mental-health-stretched-to-the-limit-by-cuts-and-demand.htmlMental health services are being hit by rising demand and diminishing resources, reports Jeremy Dunning Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116181/risk-factor-should-the-grandparents-look-after-the-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116181/risk-factor-should-the-grandparents-look-after-the-children.htmlA social worker describes a case in which a difficult decision must be reached over whether two children are looked after by their grandparentsFri, 28 Jan 2011 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116179/award-winning-mental-health-team-provides-hospital-alternative.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116179/award-winning-mental-health-team-provides-hospital-alternative.htmlAn award-winning project in Scotland is shifting the balance of care from hospital to home support for people with severe mental health issues, reports Louise HuntFri, 28 Jan 2011 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/26/116152/child-sexual-exploitation-in-the-spotlight.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/26/116152/child-sexual-exploitation-in-the-spotlight.htmlIt may be left to a television soap to move sexual grooming and exploitation of children further up the social care agenda. Camilla Pemberton reports on the risk of ignoring it Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/25/116153/protecting-vulnerable-girls-at-clare-lodge-secure-centre.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/25/116153/protecting-vulnerable-girls-at-clare-lodge-secure-centre.htmlA key facility for vulnerable girls is under the threat of closure despite its vital contribution, finds Camilla PembertonTue, 25 Jan 2011 11:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/25/116100/interactive-website-helps-care-leavers-learn-to-live-independently.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/25/116100/interactive-website-helps-care-leavers-learn-to-live-independently.htmlA scheme aiming to prepare care leavers for independence uses a website and a virtual house (pictured) to learn crucial life skills, reports Louise HuntTue, 25 Jan 2011 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116161/remploy-project-helps-people-in-pain-to-gain-work-experience-placements.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116161/remploy-project-helps-people-in-pain-to-gain-work-experience-placements.htmlA project involving Remploy and a general hospital is finding work placements for people whose lives are blighted by pain every day, reports Vern Pitt Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116162/learning-disabled-parents-set-up-to-fail.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116162/learning-disabled-parents-set-up-to-fail.htmlThe parents who are set up to fail n theory, people with support needs are entitled to pursue ordinary lives and enjoy equal rights. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116159/what-needs-to-change-in-the-supervision-of-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116159/what-needs-to-change-in-the-supervision-of-social-workers.htmlIn the first of a series of features on the Social Work Reform Board's proposals to overhaul the profession in England, Kirsty McGregor looks at what the proposed supervision framework will mean for practitioners and managers Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/23/116149/payment-by-results-enters-adult-social-care-field.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/23/116149/payment-by-results-enters-adult-social-care-field.htmlThe method of funding NHS hospitals may be extended to adult care. Gordon Carson examines payment by results' prospects Sun, 23 Jan 2011 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116141/closer-ties-between-yots-and-social-workers-heralded.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116141/closer-ties-between-yots-and-social-workers-heralded.htmlAlex Chard welcomes the criminal justice Green Paper, Breaking the CycleThu, 20 Jan 2011 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116140/on-the-road-with-londons-regional-safeguarding-advisers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116140/on-the-road-with-londons-regional-safeguarding-advisers.htmlThe capital's regional safeguarding advisers provide free support to agencies on local issues and stand by for emergency child protection situations, learns Louise Hunt Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116139/ed-mitchell-on-legal-judgements-affecting-disabled-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116139/ed-mitchell-on-legal-judgements-affecting-disabled-people.htmlIn this update, Ed Mitchell looks at the latest courts decisions about the provision of services to disabled people. Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116130/into-the-virtual-social-care-future.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116130/into-the-virtual-social-care-future.htmlKirsty McGregor examines the cutting edge of data recording and mobile conferencing technology coming to social care Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116103/making-technology-work-for-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116103/making-technology-work-for-care.htmlInvesting in technology is no luxury for adult care departments, says Julia RossWed, 19 Jan 2011 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116113/therapeutic-uses-for-console-and-other-computer-games.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116113/therapeutic-uses-for-console-and-other-computer-games.htmlFar from being a pastime for geeks, games can have therapeutic benefits, says Professor Mark Griffiths Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116102/robots-the-carers-of-the-future.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116102/robots-the-carers-of-the-future.htmlIn future, robots could be helping older people to stay independent, reducing care needs, finds Mithran SamuelWed, 19 Jan 2011 10:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116104/how-toprotect-yourself-and-your-identity-online.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116104/how-toprotect-yourself-and-your-identity-online.htmlIT and social care experts give their tips on safe use of technologyWed, 19 Jan 2011 10:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116105/how-technology-might-help-councils-deal-with-austerity.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116105/how-technology-might-help-councils-deal-with-austerity.htmlInformation technology could help adult social care departments to combat the severe financial and demographic pressures they face. But it may be some time before savings are fully quantified and realised, finds Gordon Carson, who looks at three contrasting uses of computer power Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116128/using-multi-media-advocacy-to-empower-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116128/using-multi-media-advocacy-to-empower-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlBarriers to learning disabled people shaping their own care and support are being broken down by technology and better relationships with staff, writes Andrew MickelWed, 19 Jan 2011 10:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116099/time-for-social-work-to-embrace-social-media.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116099/time-for-social-work-to-embrace-social-media.htmlAccessing information through social media may seem daunting but it does offer easy ways to communicate, collaborate and share resources. It has many uses in the social care sector, writes Shirley AyersWed, 19 Jan 2011 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116106/using-the-latest-technology-in-children-and-families-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116106/using-the-latest-technology-in-children-and-families-social-work.htmlAdvances in technology are opening up new ways to communicate with and help children and young people. Molly Garboden looks at some examples Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116075/how-the-cuts-are-affecting-the-voluntary-sector-a-tale-of-two-charities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116075/how-the-cuts-are-affecting-the-voluntary-sector-a-tale-of-two-charities.htmlSmaller social care charities are faring worse than larger ones as council cuts bite. Vern Pitt examines how two charities from different ends of the scale are coping with the downturn Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116068/helping-children-who-have-witnessed-family-homicide.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116068/helping-children-who-have-witnessed-family-homicide.htmlSurprisingly little attention is paid to the children of families where one parent is murdered by the other. By Julie Griffiths Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116069/bringing-the-college-of-social-work-to-life.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116069/bringing-the-college-of-social-work-to-life.htmlSome Community Care readers were disappointed by a lack of frontline social workers on the interim board of the College of Social Work. Kirsty McGregor spent a morning with one board member to find out more about those shaping the College Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116060/why-humour-is-so-important-in-the-social-work-workplace.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116060/why-humour-is-so-important-in-the-social-work-workplace.htmlWhat are the personal qualities of a good social worker? In among the usual suspects - empathy, integrity, objectivity and perseverance - perhaps we ought to add a sense of humour.Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116058/the-social-services-director-who-runs-a-hospital.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116058/the-social-services-director-who-runs-a-hospital.htmlJon Skone is Britain's first social services director also to run a district hospital. How does he combine the two roles? Jeremy Dunning reports Thu, 06 Jan 2011 13:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116057/will-cuts-kill-off-social-pedagogy-in-the-uk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116057/will-cuts-kill-off-social-pedagogy-in-the-uk.htmlSince 2004, when it emerged that just 6% of young people leaving care in England progressed to university or higher education, councils in England and Wales have had a legal duty to promote the educational development of young people in care. Thu, 06 Jan 2011 12:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116056/how-fostering-education-is-improving-the-reading-of-looked-after-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116056/how-fostering-education-is-improving-the-reading-of-looked-after-children.htmlA course for foster carers has achieved some success in improving the educational performance – particularly the reading skills – of looked-after children, reports Chloe StothartThu, 06 Jan 2011 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/05/116053/risk-factor-a-case-involving-palliative-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/05/116053/risk-factor-a-case-involving-palliative-care.htmlA hospice social worker discusses a case in which a man with only a few weeks to live is unaware of his diagnosisWed, 05 Jan 2011 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/04/116052/welfare-rights-2011-starts-badly-for-benefit-recipients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/04/116052/welfare-rights-2011-starts-badly-for-benefit-recipients.htmlBy the time you read this, the education maintenance allowance (EMA) scheme will no longer be available for new applicants, the £190 health in pregnancy grant will have disappeared (except for women who were 25 weeks or more pregnant by 1 January), child trust fund payments will have stopped and councils will have started sending out letters to families in private accommodation about reductions in housing benefit from April, writes Gary Vaux. So it was an Unhappy New Year for many of your clients. Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/17/116035/is-fair-access-to-care-services-dying.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/17/116035/is-fair-access-to-care-services-dying.htmlThe Fair Access to Care Services (FACS) guidance has formed the basis for deciding whether people are eligible for adult social care in England for the past seven years, but there are now concerns over whether it remains valid. Andrew Cozens, of the Local Government Association, and Ruth Cartwright, of the British Association of Social Workers, (pictured) agree there is a problem, but they differ on the extent of it.Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116028/peer-support-in-mental-health-services-could-save-nhs-cash.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116028/peer-support-in-mental-health-services-could-save-nhs-cash.htmlHelping mental health patients to support each other through peer support services could both improve outcomes and save money, according to clinical psychologist Dr Rachel Perkins. She spoke to Jeremy Dunning Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116023/christmas-with-dementia.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116023/christmas-with-dementia.htmlChristmas is a challenging time for family carers of people with dementia, but there are things that they, social workers and care services can do to ease the trauma of the festive period, says specialist nurse Madeline Armstrong.Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115960/dress-for-success-in-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115960/dress-for-success-in-social-work.htmlSocial work is one of the few caring professions without a dresscode, leaving many pondering the correct attire for different situations. Kirsty McGregor reports on what to wear Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115961/coventry-uses-its-resource-allocation-system-to-aim-for-better-client-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115961/coventry-uses-its-resource-allocation-system-to-aim-for-better-client-outcomes.htmlCoventry Council is using the resource allocation system to ensure support for users is based on the outcomes they want to achieve, not their needs, finds Gordon CarsonTue, 07 Dec 2010 00:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115952/fast-a-support-programme-to-reduce-intra-family-conflict.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115952/fast-a-support-programme-to-reduce-intra-family-conflict.htmlA programme to reduce family conflict and create a supportive community of parents is taking off in the UK, with the blessing of the United Nations, reports Chloe StothartMon, 06 Dec 2010 20:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115949/child-protection-should-be-split-into-investigation-and-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115949/child-protection-should-be-split-into-investigation-and-support.htmlHilary Searing, a retired social worker in Carmarthenshire, reflects on some of the changes to child protection that need to be considered by the Munro review Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115946/103-year-old-service-user-and-carer-gains-personal-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115946/103-year-old-service-user-and-carer-gains-personal-budget.htmlLocum Lorraine Smith has helped add another dimension to Frank Whipple's life by introducing him to personal budgets - at the age of 103. Amy Taylor reports Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115907/a-survival-guide-to-dealing-with-workplace-stress.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115907/a-survival-guide-to-dealing-with-workplace-stress.htmlReferral rises, caseloads, vacancies, cuts - there is much to add to social care professionals' stress levels. Daniel Lombard presents a survival guide Picture: REX FEATURES Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/30/115899/ask-the-expert-does-my-relationship-break-the-rules.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/30/115899/ask-the-expert-does-my-relationship-break-the-rules.htmlClaudia Megele and Peter Nelson (above) answer a social worker's question about her concerns over her relationship. Q: I am a 23-year-old hospital social worker and work with adults detained under the Mental Health Act. After we had been going out for four months my 22-year-old boyfriend told me that he was admitted to hospital three years ago with drug-induced psychosis and hallucinations. Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/29/115897/emily-thornberry-labours-shadow-care-services-minister.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/29/115897/emily-thornberry-labours-shadow-care-services-minister.htmlLabour's Emily Thornberry, shadow care services minister for the past two months, tells Jeremy Dunning why the coalition has so far proved to be more radical than anyone had suspected - but 'not in a good way'. (Pic: Chris Sharp).Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/29/115911/the-importance-of-attachment-theory-for-childrens-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/29/115911/the-importance-of-attachment-theory-for-childrens-social-workers.htmlA knowledge of attachment theories can be invaluable in helping children's social workers solve many of the issues facing them, Judy Cooper findsMon, 29 Nov 2010 10:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/28/115905/former-orchard-hill-residents-flourishing-out-in-the-community.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/28/115905/former-orchard-hill-residents-flourishing-out-in-the-community.htmlThree years after institutional abuse was found at Orchard Hill, England's last long-stay hospital, former residents and staff are flourishing out in the community. Natalie Valios reports Sun, 28 Nov 2010 14:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115901/health-visitors-and-social-workers-to-work-more-closely-in-early-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115901/health-visitors-and-social-workers-to-work-more-closely-in-early-intervention.htmlHealth visitors are set for a larger role in early intervention in the lives of vulnerable children. Julie Griffiths reports Fri, 26 Nov 2010 12:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115900/person-centred-reviews-for-older-people-in-care-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115900/person-centred-reviews-for-older-people-in-care-homes.htmlPerson-centred reviews are the norm in learning disability services, but older people can now benefit from an approach that bases their care on what they want, finds Natalie Valios Fri, 26 Nov 2010 12:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115895/just-in-time-car-manufacturing-system-helps-solihull-find-foster-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115895/just-in-time-car-manufacturing-system-helps-solihull-find-foster-carers.htmlSolihull Council has turned to principles used by Japanese car manufacturers to improve its recruitment of foster carers. Julie Griffiths reports Fri, 26 Nov 2010 11:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115902/research-inappropriate-sexual-behaviour-by-children-and-young-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115902/research-inappropriate-sexual-behaviour-by-children-and-young-people.htmlCommunity Care and Community Care Inform are examining how evidence informs important areas of practice. In this article, Andrew Durham tackles inappropriate sexual behaviour by children and young peopleThu, 25 Nov 2010 16:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115863/good-practice-portable-it-systems-for-childrens-assessments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115863/good-practice-portable-it-systems-for-childrens-assessments.htmlGateshead social workers have been pioneering mobile IT systems using tablet PCs, reports Molly GarbodenTue, 23 Nov 2010 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115849/ofsted-report-finds-commissioners-may-be-setting-some-childrens-homes-up-to-fail.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115849/ofsted-report-finds-commissioners-may-be-setting-some-childrens-homes-up-to-fail.htmlOfsted's annual report finds commissioners may be setting some children's homes up to fail, but, overall, standards are on the up. Molly Garboden reports Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115853/christine-bradley-using-a-therapeutic-approach-with-troubled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115853/christine-bradley-using-a-therapeutic-approach-with-troubled-children.htmlAfter 30 years of asking questions, Christine Bradley has some answers to improving outcomes for troubled children. Camilla Pemberton spoke to her Tue, 23 Nov 2010 02:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115848/should-independent-gp-style-social-work-practices-be-rolled-out-nationally.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115848/should-independent-gp-style-social-work-practices-be-rolled-out-nationally.htmlSocial workers Donna Fallows and Simon Cardy go head to head on whether independent practices should be rolled out nationallyFri, 19 Nov 2010 20:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115862/how-to-hire-a-personal-assistant.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115862/how-to-hire-a-personal-assistant.htmlHiring a personal assistant can be empowering for many disabled and older people with personal budgets, but it also poses a series of challenges for both parties. Daniel Lombard asks experts for advice on how to get the employer-PA relationship right Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115854/safety-versus-choice-should-hiring-a-personal-assistant-be-more-closely-regulated.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115854/safety-versus-choice-should-hiring-a-personal-assistant-be-more-closely-regulated.htmlSafety is a prime concern for disabled people when hiring a personal assistant, but must the price be extra bureaucracy and the loss of choice, asks Vern Pitt Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115850/integrated-services-for-people-with-long-term-neurological-conditions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115850/integrated-services-for-people-with-long-term-neurological-conditions.htmlRobin Miller and Helen Dickinson review research on the quality of local integrated services for people with long-term neurological conditions Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/15/115816/can-independent-adult-practices-learn-from-childrens-pilots.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/15/115816/can-independent-adult-practices-learn-from-childrens-pilots.htmlHealth secretary Andrew Lansley announced two weeks ago that independent, GP-style social work practices will be piloted in adult services.Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/15/115803/how-providers-are-failing-mental-health-in-patients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/15/115803/how-providers-are-failing-mental-health-in-patients.htmlThe Care Quality Commission has highlighted poor practice among some mental health providers. Gordon Carson finds out where improvements can be made Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115812/the-role-of-private-insurance-in-the-future-funding-of-long-term-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115812/the-role-of-private-insurance-in-the-future-funding-of-long-term-care.htmlPrivate insurance is likely to figure in any reform of long-term care funding. Chris Horlick's firm is waiting, he tells Mithran Samuel Fri, 12 Nov 2010 17:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115811/cafcasss-behavioural-programme-for-parents-who-are-splitting-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115811/cafcasss-behavioural-programme-for-parents-who-are-splitting-up.htmlA national Cafcass programme is increasing awareness of the effects on children of parents' behaviour during splits and divorce proceedings, reports Camilla PembertonFri, 12 Nov 2010 16:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115809/lets-get-the-city-on-board-to-propel-early-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115809/lets-get-the-city-on-board-to-propel-early-intervention.htmlGraham Allen MP, chair of the Early Intervention Commission is hoping to enlist the support of the City and the Treasury in solving the funding problems for services, finds Judy Cooper Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115805/preventing-burn-out-among-nqsws.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115805/preventing-burn-out-among-nqsws.htmlEfforts to provide greater support for newly qualified social workers in England are gathering momentum, but many challenges remain. Kirsty McGregor reports Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115801/why-councils-should-embrace-social-media-online.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115801/why-councils-should-embrace-social-media-online.htmlCare consultant Shirley Ayres tells Julie Griffiths that employers are denying practitioners a powerful way of engaging clients by restricting their access to social media websites Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115789/how-to.tackle-disguised-compliance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115789/how-to.tackle-disguised-compliance.htmlHow does disguised compliance present itself within families?Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115786/research-effective-support-for-learning-disabled-parents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115786/research-effective-support-for-learning-disabled-parents.htmlA study in Wales shows that parents with learning disabilities have mixed experiences of services. Nick Gore looks at how the findings could inform better practice Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115774/how-can-i-gain-a-statutory-placement.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115774/how-can-i-gain-a-statutory-placement.htmlI am a second-year social work student and have had major problems in finding a placement at a local authority. A lot of people on my course are getting worried because the local council recently cut the number of placements by half. I've ended up at an older people's charity - the people there are lovely but it's not ideal, and I really want some experience of working for a local authority. Please could you advise?Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115781/how-the-spending-cuts-leave-a-shared-sense-of-insecurity.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115781/how-the-spending-cuts-leave-a-shared-sense-of-insecurity.htmlGive it a few weeks, we thought, and it would all make sense. At least, that's what my colleagues and I hoped as we listened to the comprehensive spending review announcements last month. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115780/practice-panel-the-risk-of-a-disabled-man-returning-home.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115780/practice-panel-the-risk-of-a-disabled-man-returning-home.htmlProfessionals offer advice on a case involving a man who has become disabled after an accident and wants to return home Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115773/how-best-to-transfer-my-care-skills-to-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115773/how-best-to-transfer-my-care-skills-to-social-work.htmlI am a third-year student at the Open University taking a health and social care degree. I have been working as a senior care worker/co-ordinator with people with learning difficulties and special needs for eight years now. Although I love my job, the possibilities of improving my career and being able to use my studies in practice are very limited. I am looking for an organisation that could sponsor me to do the 200 days of practice that are required to get the degree or ideally, a position as an assistant social worker. Do you know of any ways to validate this 200 days of training with my eight years' experience? Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115760/how-davinia-miln-became-social-worker-of-the-year-2010.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115760/how-davinia-miln-became-social-worker-of-the-year-2010.htmlKirsty McGregor talks to Social Worker of the Year Davinia Miln about her talent for motivating and communicatingTue, 09 Nov 2010 10:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115759/social-care-staff-shortages-set-to-worsen-with-immigration-cap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115759/social-care-staff-shortages-set-to-worsen-with-immigration-cap.htmlA government crackdown on immigration is forcing overseas care workers out of the country, leaving the sector struggling with staff shortages. Mary-Louise Clews reports Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/08/115761/solent-councils-brace-themselves-for-the-impact-of-spending-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/08/115761/solent-councils-brace-themselves-for-the-impact-of-spending-cuts.htmlDespite council reassurances to protect frontline services while making cuts Jeremy Dunning finds that a major scaling back is underway in Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight Mon, 08 Nov 2010 10:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/07/115746/the-new-directions-teams-work-with-excluded-adults.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/07/115746/the-new-directions-teams-work-with-excluded-adults.htmlNatalie Valios visits a scheme that aims to connect excluded adults to services and society and finds that it could be saving the emergency services moneySun, 07 Nov 2010 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115740/the-role-of-family-group-conferences-in-preventing-the-need-for-care-proceedings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115740/the-role-of-family-group-conferences-in-preventing-the-need-for-care-proceedings.htmlFamily group conferences could benefit children who may face care proceedings and represent a long-term cost saving to councils, reports Gordon Carson Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115747/research-police-notifications-of-domestic-violence-incidents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115747/research-police-notifications-of-domestic-violence-incidents.htmlThe police notify social services when they attend a domestic violence incident. Jo Finch reviews research on what happens next Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115739/we-must-not-criminalise-the-very-young.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115739/we-must-not-criminalise-the-very-young.htmlThere has been a lot of debate about raising the age of criminal responsibility in this country. Any informed view needs to take in the perspective of the child.Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115706/drama-workshops-for-fathers-in-young-offenders-institution.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115706/drama-workshops-for-fathers-in-young-offenders-institution.htmlWhen director Jim Pope started drama workshops at a young offenders institution he did not realise that the experience would be translated into a play at London's Roundhouse Theatre. Louise Tickle reports Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115705/what-is-the-future-for-adoption.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115705/what-is-the-future-for-adoption.htmlAdoption rates are falling and courts are favouring alternatives such as special guardianship orders. Camilla Pemberton asks why this is happening and whether the situation can improve Fri, 29 Oct 2010 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115704/balancing-safeguarding-and-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115704/balancing-safeguarding-and-personalisation.htmlPersonalisation is about letting older and disabled people take risks others take for granted. But this means councils must find new ways of keeping them safe. Vern Pitt reports Fri, 29 Oct 2010 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115701/good-practice-time-to-share-scheme-for-dementia-patients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115701/good-practice-time-to-share-scheme-for-dementia-patients.htmlShared Lives schemes are increasingly being used to support people with dementia and they are proving cheaper than alternative forms of help, reports Natalie Valios Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115660/will-efforts-to-help-young-people-stay-in-foster-care-post-18-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115660/will-efforts-to-help-young-people-stay-in-foster-care-post-18-work.htmlA national scheme to give children the opportunity to remain in care past the age of 18 is producing some promising results, but, asGordon Carson reports, its future is far from assured Thu, 28 Oct 2010 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115694/care-implications-of-an-ageing-ethnic-population.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115694/care-implications-of-an-ageing-ethnic-population.htmlJill Manthorpe reviews research on the ageing of the black and ethnic minority population in the UK Thu, 28 Oct 2010 10:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115652/key-recent-research-findings-in-mental-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115652/key-recent-research-findings-in-mental-health.htmlProfessor Martin Knapp examines key research findings in mental health Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/21/115645/is-the-drive-for-more-personal-budgets-a-cover-for-service-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/21/115645/is-the-drive-for-more-personal-budgets-a-cover-for-service-cuts.htmlMinisters want more users to access personal budgets but councils must convince sceptics that this is not a cover for cutting services, reports Jeremy DunningThu, 21 Oct 2010 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/21/115644/carers-targeted-in-next-personal-budgets-push.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/21/115644/carers-targeted-in-next-personal-budgets-push.htmlPersonal budgets for carers will be at the heart of the government's new vision for adult care, due next month. Although uptake is patchy, they can transform lives, finds Gordon Carson Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/21/115640/alex-fox-on-the-future-of-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/21/115640/alex-fox-on-the-future-of-personalisation.htmlSoon we will have Putting People First 2.0 –a new vision and concordat for personalisation. What progress will it report and which aspirations will survive the brutal financial circumstances, asks Alex Fox?Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/21/115639/improving-support-for-an-11-year-old-carer.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/21/115639/improving-support-for-an-11-year-old-carer.htmlProfessionals offer advice on a case involving an 11-year-old carer who looks after both his mother and younger brother Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/21/115638/care-leavers-still-need-encouragement-and-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/21/115638/care-leavers-still-need-encouragement-and-support.htmlJennifer Sarumi says the need for support does not end when a care leaver turns 18Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/18/115589/educating-young-people-about-the-implications-of-violent-behaviour.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/18/115589/educating-young-people-about-the-implications-of-violent-behaviour.htmlA mentoring project in Hull is educating young people about the consequences of violent behaviour, reports Julie Griffiths Mon, 18 Oct 2010 23:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/18/115595/welfare-rights-campaign-to-improve-benefits-for-families-where-children-are-hospitalised.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/18/115595/welfare-rights-campaign-to-improve-benefits-for-families-where-children-are-hospitalised.htmlWe all know this government is committed to welfare reform, but I will be interested to see how it responds to a campaign being launched by Contact a Family and The Children's Trust, Tadworth, writes Gary Vaux. Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/18/115588/detecting-child-abuse-among-elite-child-athletes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/18/115588/detecting-child-abuse-among-elite-child-athletes.htmlAwareness is growing of how to spot potential signs of abuse in elite child athletes. Louise Hunt reports Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/17/115596/budget-cuts-are-no-excuse-for-council-law-breaking.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/17/115596/budget-cuts-are-no-excuse-for-council-law-breaking.htmlAs councils consider how to implement the spending cuts set out in this week's comprehensive spending review, one issue they must bear in mind is the law, writes Ed Mitchell.Sun, 17 Oct 2010 15:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/16/115585/research-is-intensive-fostering-more-effective-than-custody.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/16/115585/research-is-intensive-fostering-more-effective-than-custody.htmlMany consider intensive fostering a better alternative to custody for troubled young people. Maggie Mellon reviews research supporting this viewSat, 16 Oct 2010 00:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115594/how-to-defuse-aggressive-situations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115594/how-to-defuse-aggressive-situations.htmlA survey of more than 230 social care workers indicated that 101 had never received training in defusing aggressive situations involving service users. Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115593/assessment-that-fails-its-own-test.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115593/assessment-that-fails-its-own-test.htmlThe government has started reassessing sickness benefit claimants on their fitness to work in order to boost job prospects. But campaigners say the assessment process ignores crucial factors and will lead to poverty and stress for service users. Vern Pitt reports Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115591/funding-for-welsh-graduate-social-work-students-at-english-universities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115591/funding-for-welsh-graduate-social-work-students-at-english-universities.html I am from Wales and have a place on a two-year social work master's course at a university in England. I was told I could not receive funding through the...Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115590/agents-of-permanence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115590/agents-of-permanence.htmlSome councils are cutting the number of agency social workers but, as budgets are cut and caseloads rise, they can provide a flexible, cost-effective solution, reports Kirsty McGregor Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115574/man-with-schizophrenia-decides-not-to-take-his-medication-how-should-social-workers-respond.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115574/man-with-schizophrenia-decides-not-to-take-his-medication-how-should-social-workers-respond.htmlA social worker and approved mental health professional discuss a real case in which a man with longstanding mental health problems decides to live without his medicationFri, 15 Oct 2010 00:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/14/115576/adult-legal-update-on-how-councils-must-check-the-law-before-making-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/14/115576/adult-legal-update-on-how-councils-must-check-the-law-before-making-cuts.htmlAs councils consider how to implement the spending cuts set out in this week's comprehensive spending review, one issue they must bear in mind is the law, writes Ed MitchellThu, 14 Oct 2010 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/14/115575/international-stammering-awareness-day-stuttering-is-not-funny.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/14/115575/international-stammering-awareness-day-stuttering-is-not-funny.htmlIrina Papencheva and Phil Madden demand a fresh start in attitudes towards stammering Thu, 14 Oct 2010 10:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115557/voluntary-sector-can-provide-the-answers-in-an-era-of-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115557/voluntary-sector-can-provide-the-answers-in-an-era-of-cuts.htmlIn these turbulent financial times there is an increasing recognition of the key role that the voluntary sector has in delivering social care. Recently, I attended a course about community resources for older people. Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/11/115515/enforcing-drugs-prohibition-is-a-waste-of-money.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/11/115515/enforcing-drugs-prohibition-is-a-waste-of-money.htmlUnless we are sorely mistaken, one area of expenditure that will not be subject to cuts in the spending review will be drug law enforcement, writes Danny KushlickMon, 11 Oct 2010 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/11/115537/emphasis-of-drugs-policy-shifts-from-harm-reduction-to-abstinence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/11/115537/emphasis-of-drugs-policy-shifts-from-harm-reduction-to-abstinence.htmlThe government is shifting the drug treatment emphasis. Gordon Carson hears concerns that, as a result, agencies may lose some flexibility in their approach to users Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115536/support-for-drug-misusing-parents-to-help-families-stay-together.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115536/support-for-drug-misusing-parents-to-help-families-stay-together.htmlMulti-agency working in Scotland and the efforts of the UK's only Family Drug and Alcohol Court are challenging the notion that children must be removed from substance misusing parents. Molly Garboden and Camilla Pemberton report Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115534/a-quick-turnaround-the-integrated-family-support-project-in-wales.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115534/a-quick-turnaround-the-integrated-family-support-project-in-wales.htmlBetween 200,000 and 300,000 children in England and Wales have a parent with serious drug problems. Most of the children stay with relatives and 5% are in care, according to the 2003 Hidden Harm report by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115535/dean-woodward-on-drugs-and-family-dysfunction.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115535/dean-woodward-on-drugs-and-family-dysfunction.htmlWhen working with young offenders the most difficult client is one from a grossly dysfunctional family. When that dysfunction involves parental drug addiction,...Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115533/how-turning-point-in-somerset-tackled-difficulties-of-providing-a-rural-substance-misuse-service.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115533/how-turning-point-in-somerset-tackled-difficulties-of-providing-a-rural-substance-misuse-service.htmlThe amalgamation of three Somerset substance misuse services has paid dividends.Natalie Valios reports Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115532/closing-the-drug-awareness-knowledge-gap-among-practitioners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115532/closing-the-drug-awareness-knowledge-gap-among-practitioners.htmlExperts have consistently warned of a knowledge gap in social work concerning substance misuse. Amy Taylor reports on efforts to help practitioners provide a more holistic approach Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115525/how-former-heroin-user-jim-keane-turned-his-life-around-is-now-helping-drug-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115525/how-former-heroin-user-jim-keane-turned-his-life-around-is-now-helping-drug-users.htmlUsing benefit withdrawal to steer people away from drugs would become just another failed anti-drug policy according to former user Jim Keane, who now works for a charity. Jeremy Dunning hears his story Fri, 08 Oct 2010 10:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115524/the-prospects-for-drugs-decriminalisation-in-england.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115524/the-prospects-for-drugs-decriminalisation-in-england.htmlWith a review of the drugs strategy for England and Wales under way, there are calls for possession of some substances to be decriminalised. Josephine Hocking considers how this might affect substance misuse workers Fri, 08 Oct 2010 10:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115538/service-cuts-and-welfare-reform-may-cue-storm-of-protest.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115538/service-cuts-and-welfare-reform-may-cue-storm-of-protest.htmlThe row over the government's decision to end child benefits for higher rate tax payers provides a taste of the storm to come once major spending cuts are announced on 20 October.Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115512/research-drug-misuse-and-stigmatisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115512/research-drug-misuse-and-stigmatisation.htmlSocial worker Jo Rees reviews research on the stigmatisation of substance misusers Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115455/how-social-workers-can-best-help-the-non-abusing-partners-of-child-abusers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115455/how-social-workers-can-best-help-the-non-abusing-partners-of-child-abusers.htmlFemale victims of sex crime struggle to cope following the revelation that their child has been abused by their partner. Chloe Stothart investigates how social workers can respond Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115507/denise-alcock-discusses-her-work-with-the-non-abusing-partners-of-child-abusers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115507/denise-alcock-discusses-her-work-with-the-non-abusing-partners-of-child-abusers.htmlAll abuse is demoralising. However, the mechanisms implemented by the perpetrator of abuse can be very different.Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/04/115481/good-practice-north-ayrshire-children-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/04/115481/good-practice-north-ayrshire-children-services.htmlNorth Ayrshire children's services have been hailed as a progressive model for the whole of Scotland. Julie Griffiths finds out whyMon, 04 Oct 2010 18:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/04/115480/helen-bonnick-on-early-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/04/115480/helen-bonnick-on-early-intervention.htmlPatrick Butler warned in The Guardian recently that we could expect cuts of up to 30% in early intervention projects aimed at tackling problems in high-risk families, as a consequence of ring-fencing child protection services.Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/04/115467/interview-stephen-burke-outgoing-head-of-counsel-and-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/04/115467/interview-stephen-burke-outgoing-head-of-counsel-and-care.htmlThe short-term outlook for adult care is very bleak, Stephen Burke, outgoing head of older people’s advice charity Counsel and Care, tells Vern Pitt. Yet he retains some optimism Mon, 04 Oct 2010 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115472/axe-hangs-over-specific-grants-putting-vital-services-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115472/axe-hangs-over-specific-grants-putting-vital-services-at-risk.htmlIn the first of three articles on the imminent spending review, Jeremy Dunning examines the value of grants targeted at specific client groups as they face the axe Fri, 01 Oct 2010 21:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115471/dave-cassie-interview-escort-service-for-young-offenders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115471/dave-cassie-interview-escort-service-for-young-offenders.htmlLouise Hunt meets Dave Cassie who heads up a social worker-led escort service for young offenders that aims to make a difference in the lives of the troubled young people it works with Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115464/birmingham-council-grapples-with-personalisation-agenda-amid-cuts-threat.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115464/birmingham-council-grapples-with-personalisation-agenda-amid-cuts-threat.htmlBirmingham has a plan to transform services that has started making savings, but the forthcoming spending review will put it in jeopardy, report Vern Pitt and Mithran Samuel Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/27/115430/small-steps-back-to-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/27/115430/small-steps-back-to-work.htmlA talking therapies scheme in Berkshire is exceeding expectations in supporting people with mental health issues into employment. Julie Griffiths finds outMon, 27 Sep 2010 12:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/27/115429/danger-signs-that-lay-in-a-timeline.-how-social-workers-should-use-case-chronologies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/27/115429/danger-signs-that-lay-in-a-timeline.-how-social-workers-should-use-case-chronologies.htmlA clear chronology of events in a safeguarding case can show agencies where risks lie. But it can be hard to find the time to do them, reports Camilla Pemberton Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115424/family-stability-is-now-under-threat-says-quarriers-paul-moores.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115424/family-stability-is-now-under-threat-says-quarriers-paul-moores.htmlAs head of one of Scotland's biggest charities in cash-strapped times, Paul Moore tells Molly Garboden that Quarriers has had to develop new ways to deliver services for children Fri, 24 Sep 2010 17:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115422/research-and-evidence-user-involvement-in-commissioning-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115422/research-and-evidence-user-involvement-in-commissioning-services.htmlJon Glasby reviews an "unusual" paper that defies traditional research methods Fri, 24 Sep 2010 17:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115420/cut-public-health-initiatives-to-improve-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115420/cut-public-health-initiatives-to-improve-health.htmlHealth advisers need to go back on the frontline, says Michael FitzpatrickFri, 24 Sep 2010 16:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115417/are-you-a-social-care-leader-in-waiting.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115417/are-you-a-social-care-leader-in-waiting.htmlSocial care is crying out for good leaders, but what does it take to be one, asks Rowenna Davies Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115414/the-fuse-is-lit-on-free-personal-care-in-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115414/the-fuse-is-lit-on-free-personal-care-in-scotland.htmlA timebomb of rising demand and funding cuts is putting Scotland's flagship care policy at risk, yet it still has many defenders, reports Jeremy Dunning Fri, 24 Sep 2010 15:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115412/is-there-ever-a-case-for-restraint-of-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115412/is-there-ever-a-case-for-restraint-of-children.htmlJarone Macklin-Page asks whether restraint of children in care can ever be justifiedFri, 24 Sep 2010 10:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115410/how-social-workers-can-prevent-excessive-caseloads-at-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115410/how-social-workers-can-prevent-excessive-caseloads-at-work.htmlTaking on excessive work can lead to burnout and poor service. Kirsty McGregor looks at how social workers can keep a lid on caseloads by learning to say 'no' Fri, 24 Sep 2010 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115419/social-worker-fights-for-asbestos-victims.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115419/social-worker-fights-for-asbestos-victims.htmlHospice social worker Roy Nightingale tells Vern Pitt of his fight for Londoners whose lives have been blighted by deadly asbestos fibres Fri, 24 Sep 2010 10:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115409/how-childrens-home-consigned-restraint-to-history.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115409/how-childrens-home-consigned-restraint-to-history.htmlAggressive behaviour in Sunderland's children's homes has been reduced as staff take a more therapeutic approach and avoid using restraint, reports Gordon CarsonFri, 24 Sep 2010 10:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/22/115340/should-social-work-students-be-registered-with-a-national-body.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/22/115340/should-social-work-students-be-registered-with-a-national-body.htmlA social work student and an academic debate the merits of student registrationWed, 22 Sep 2010 14:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/21/115392/reablement-charges-councils-could-face-huge-repayment-bill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/21/115392/reablement-charges-councils-could-face-huge-repayment-bill.htmlCouncils could face bills of thousands of pounds in repayments after illegally charging for reablement services.Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/20/115390/reablement-charges-social-workers-should-blow-the-whistle.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/20/115390/reablement-charges-social-workers-should-blow-the-whistle.htmlSocial workers and other frontline practitioners should blow the whistle on their councils' charges for reablement services, professional bodies have said.Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/20/115345/council-charges-for-home-care-on-the-increase.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/20/115345/council-charges-for-home-care-on-the-increase.htmlA growing number of councils in England are planning to increase charges for non-residential care. This is likely to deter users and lead to increased crisis care later. Vern Pitt reports Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115354/research-the-need-for-training-and-workforce-planning.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115354/research-the-need-for-training-and-workforce-planning.htmlProfessor Jill Manthorpe picks out key recent research findings on social care staff Fri, 17 Sep 2010 16:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115346/good-practice-preparing-blind-children-for-their-new-residence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115346/good-practice-preparing-blind-children-for-their-new-residence.htmlA residential school has formed a close relationship with a construction firm to help its children, who are all blind and have complex needs, move in to a new building. By Jackie Cosh Fri, 17 Sep 2010 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115349/good-practice-reducing-the-cost-of-expensive-residential-placements.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115349/good-practice-reducing-the-cost-of-expensive-residential-placements.htmlHertfordshire Council has cut the costs of its residential placements in adult care while maintaining its level of service, reports Jeremy DunningFri, 17 Sep 2010 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115342/gaining-the-trust-of-troubled-teenagers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115342/gaining-the-trust-of-troubled-teenagers.htmlGaining the trust of teenage members of a family in crisis can be testing for social workers. Molly Garboden looks at how professionals can build support for effective outcomesFri, 17 Sep 2010 09:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/16/115269/book-review-social-work-placements-a-travellers-guide.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/16/115269/book-review-social-work-placements-a-travellers-guide.htmlSocial Work Placements: A Traveller's Guide reviewed by Keith Popple.Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/16/115341/managing-challenging-behaviour-in-dementia-sufferers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/16/115341/managing-challenging-behaviour-in-dementia-sufferers.htmlTwo practitioners, Walter Brennan and Alison Kingston Miles, advise on how social care professionals can handle challenging behaviour among people with dementia Thu, 16 Sep 2010 15:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/16/115338/how-the-catholic-church-in-britain-is-challenging-child-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/16/115338/how-the-catholic-church-in-britain-is-challenging-child-abuse.htmlAs incidents of child sexual abuse continue to damage the Catholic Church, Chloe Stothart speaks to the head of its safeguarding watchdog, Bill Kilgallon Thu, 16 Sep 2010 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/16/115303/step-up-to-social-work-graduates-discuss-their-course.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/16/115303/step-up-to-social-work-graduates-discuss-their-course.htmlKirsty McGregor meets the high flying graduates on the Step Up scheme looking for the fast route into a social work career Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115300/identity-theft-by-another-name.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115300/identity-theft-by-another-name.htmlIs it fair to change the forename of adopted children or does it erode their identity? Social worker Wendy Brain and Elaine Dibben from the British Association of Adoption and Fostering examine the arguments Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115297/treatment-for-young-abusers-left-to-chance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115297/treatment-for-young-abusers-left-to-chance.htmlWith access to therapy for children who display sexually harmful behaviour resembling a postcode lottery, experts believe a national strategy is essential, writes Chloe Stothart Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115296/can-faith-groups-help-deliver-the-big-society.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115296/can-faith-groups-help-deliver-the-big-society.htmlIs there room for religious groups as players in the Big Society, asks Jeremy Dunning. Yes, says the Bishop of Oxford, Rt Rev John Pritchard, but only with caveats Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115294/early-intervention-its-time-we-commissioned-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115294/early-intervention-its-time-we-commissioned-outcomes.htmlInstead of buying a service, why not buy an outcome, says Michael LittleFri, 10 Sep 2010 12:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115292/risk-factor-dealing-with-an-aggressive-teenager-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115292/risk-factor-dealing-with-an-aggressive-teenager-in-care.htmlSocial worker Declan Henry (pictured) discusses with Mark Drinkwater how he dealt with a girl of 14 who had a history of violence in residential careFri, 10 Sep 2010 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115291/alex-fox-allow-service-users-to-take-ordinary-risks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115291/alex-fox-allow-service-users-to-take-ordinary-risks.htmlWill the future social care workforce be "professionalised": rigorously CRB-checked and highly qualified?Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115289/good-practice-thrive-gardening-project-in-battersea-park.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115289/good-practice-thrive-gardening-project-in-battersea-park.html A variety of social services’ clients are referred to a large-scale garden project that looks to build physical and mental strength, reports Natalie Valios Project Profile ● Project name: Thrive Battersea Garden Project ● Manager: Susan Stuart - susan.stuart@thrive.org.uk ● Location: Battersea Park, London. ● Aims and objectives: To use social and horticultural therapy to improve the health and well-being of people with disabilities or long-term conditions. ● Annual cost: £449,000 for 2010-11 ● How it is funded: A mixture of local authority, primary care trust, mental health trust and charitable trust funding. ● Timescale: While time-limited programmes are run at the park, Atheldene gardeners' attendance is open-ended. ● Number of service users: 150, of whom 90 come to the park on a regular basis, including 11 gardeners from the Atheldene day centre in Wandsworth, while 60 have regular outreach gardening sessions. ● Number of professional staff: Seven...Fri, 10 Sep 2010 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115288/how-to.integrate-new-recruits-from-overseas.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115288/how-to.integrate-new-recruits-from-overseas.htmlMeaghan Roland explains how managers and HR directors can successfully integrate new international team members.Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115286/ask-the-expert-should-i-delegate-case-to-support-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115286/ask-the-expert-should-i-delegate-case-to-support-worker.htmlRoger Kline responds to a question concerning delegating a caseThu, 09 Sep 2010 15:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115273/is-health-taking-over-social-care-again.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115273/is-health-taking-over-social-care-again.htmlHealth seems to be taking over social care again, says James Churchill, who is about to retire as chief executive of the Association for Real Change. Vern Pitt reports on his fears for the learning disability sector Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115272/opportunities-for-social-workers-in-the-east-of-england.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115272/opportunities-for-social-workers-in-the-east-of-england.htmlDespite its relative affluence, the East of England has many vacancies for social workers, writes Rowenna Davies Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115241/social-work-overseas-and-how-to-get-it.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115241/social-work-overseas-and-how-to-get-it.htmlGordon Carson looks at possible destinations for social workers thinking of packing their bags and practising overseas, and presents tips on planning for a new life abroadThu, 09 Sep 2010 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/07/115257/book-review-childrens-mental-health-problems.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/07/115257/book-review-childrens-mental-health-problems.htmlThis small, accessible book aims to provide readers with concise and practical information, writes Tina Coldham.Tue, 07 Sep 2010 09:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115254/welfare-rights-the-reassessment-of-incapacity-benefit-claimants.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115254/welfare-rights-the-reassessment-of-incapacity-benefit-claimants.htmlThe implications of the fitness-to-work regime for social services usersMon, 06 Sep 2010 17:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115258/book-review-mindfulness-and-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115258/book-review-mindfulness-and-social-work.htmlAlmost anywhere you go in mental health these days, somebody will mention mindfulness, writes Peter Gilbert. Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115255/book-review-motivate-to-communicate.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115255/book-review-motivate-to-communicate.htmlA Straight Talking Introduction to Children's Mental Health Problems; Motivate to Communicate! 300 Games and Activities for Your Child with AutismMon, 06 Sep 2010 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115253/legal-update-court-guidance-on-dealing-with-child-protection-crises.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115253/legal-update-court-guidance-on-dealing-with-child-protection-crises.htmlEd Mitchell on when a child can be removed from the parental homeMon, 06 Sep 2010 12:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115250/a-fresh-start-for-sure-start.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115250/a-fresh-start-for-sure-start.htmlThe previous government's flagship programme, Sure Start, is being refocused on hard-to-reach families. Louise Hunt looks at what this may mean for children's social workers Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115246/mental-capacity-and-the-battle-of-best-interests.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115246/mental-capacity-and-the-battle-of-best-interests.htmlSocial workers can come into conflict with families when deciding whether a person should be deprived of their liberty. So whose view should prevail? Vern Pitt reports Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115244/practice-panel-an-older-person-with-a-drink-problem.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115244/practice-panel-an-older-person-with-a-drink-problem.htmlSubstance misuse staff and a service user offer advice on a case involving a man on a downward spiral of alcohol abuse Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115242/why-people-try-to-avoid-meetings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115242/why-people-try-to-avoid-meetings.htmlMeetings? What do you mean you 'don't like meetings'?" bellowed the obstreperous drunk. It had been a fairly genteel party until this bore had taken umbrage at a friend's throwaway comment. "What about this?" he continued. "This is a meeting," he announced whilst toing and froing his pointing finger between himself and my browbeaten friend.Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115236/young-carers-of-parents-with-mental-health-issues.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115236/young-carers-of-parents-with-mental-health-issues.htmlIn 2009, The Social Care Institute for Excellence introduced guidelines for practitioners to support families in which parents have mental health problems. Here, Scie presents a case study demonstrating how the guidance could be successfully applied Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/02/115235/short-detention-orders-that-change-nothing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/02/115235/short-detention-orders-that-change-nothing.htmlA recent Ofsted report on secure accommodation for young offenders found that most were held too far from the family home for resettlement to be effective, writes Dean Woodward.Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/02/115234/other-parents-know-best.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/02/115234/other-parents-know-best.htmlA peer-to-peer training scheme is helping parents of children with mental health issues. Chloe Stothart reportsThu, 02 Sep 2010 17:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/02/115176/a-watchful-eye-on-malnutrition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/02/115176/a-watchful-eye-on-malnutrition.htmlOlder people with social care support often need help to eat healthily. But is this best achieved by providing them with good advice and personal budgets or nutritious food, asks Vern Pitt Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115224/research-into-the-use-of-direct-payments-by-people-with-dementia.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115224/research-into-the-use-of-direct-payments-by-people-with-dementia.htmlResearch institute director Alison Petch reviews findings from Scotland on the use of direct payments by people with dementiaWed, 01 Sep 2010 17:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115202/do-you-need-to-be-a-qualifed-social-worker-to-be-a-good-social-work-manager.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115202/do-you-need-to-be-a-qualifed-social-worker-to-be-a-good-social-work-manager.htmlHilton Dawson and Blair McPherson debate management qualifications in social workWed, 01 Sep 2010 14:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115170/is-obesity-a-child-protection-issue.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115170/is-obesity-a-child-protection-issue.htmlHow should social workers react when presented with a very overweight child? Julie Griffiths reports on whether official guidelines are needed Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115174/cant-cook-will-cook-cook-start-scheme-in-calderdale.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115174/cant-cook-will-cook-cook-start-scheme-in-calderdale.htmlA scheme in Yorkshire is reaching out into a deprived community to engage families in healthy eating, using mentoring and one of the UK's top kitchens. Tina Walsh reportsWed, 01 Sep 2010 12:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115178/masterchef-interview-with-craig-dewhurst-care-cook-of-the-year-2010.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115178/masterchef-interview-with-craig-dewhurst-care-cook-of-the-year-2010.htmlCooking tasty, nutritious meals to a tight budget for older people in a care home is a challenge Craig Dewhurst relishes. Natalie Valios spoke to the award-winning chefWed, 01 Sep 2010 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115175/cafe-society-serves-up-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115175/cafe-society-serves-up-jobs.htmlTwo self-financing cafés in London are raising horizons for people with learning disabilities, reports Andrew MickelWed, 01 Sep 2010 12:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115193/a-menu-for-social-workers-on-the-go.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115193/a-menu-for-social-workers-on-the-go.htmlSocial workers with high caseloads may find little time to eat, relying on eating crisps and chocolate to sustain themselves. Poor choices, says Carolyn Humphries who shows it is easy to eat healthily Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115196/a-taste-for-school-dinners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115196/a-taste-for-school-dinners.htmlA specialist school is breaking new ground by letting students cook for their teachers and peers - with some of the young chefs gaining an NVQ in catering. Julie Griffiths reports Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115145/councils-battle-to-fill-empty-social-work-posts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115145/councils-battle-to-fill-empty-social-work-posts.htmlOver the past year social work vacancy rates have improved in many English councils, but deterioration in others has pushed up the overall rate. Daniel Lombard reports Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115130/the-future-of-employment-support-for-people-with-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115130/the-future-of-employment-support-for-people-with-disabilities.htmlEmployment support for people with learning disabilities and mental health issues is at a crossroads finds Mithran Samuel Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115120/capital-role-models-give-boys-direction.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115120/capital-role-models-give-boys-direction.htmlThe ability to fully understand young black men is crucial to ensuring they remain engaged with society. Camilla Pemberton talks to Ian Joseph, who has helped former gang members into careers Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115117/risk-factor-helping-a-man-with-hidden-brain-injuries-to-settle-in-accommodation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115117/risk-factor-helping-a-man-with-hidden-brain-injuries-to-settle-in-accommodation.htmlHidden head injuries are challenging for professionals because, while the individual may appear well, they often have residual cognitive problems affecting their memory, emotions or behaviour, writes Mark Drinkwater. Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115116/care-funding-commission-chair-denies-government-pressure.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115116/care-funding-commission-chair-denies-government-pressure.htmlThe chair of the commission on the funding of long-term care, Andrew Dilnot, tells Jeremy Dunning that the government has not pressurised him to deliver the most politically convenient outcome Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115114/should-childrens-social-work-be-a-touch-free-zone.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115114/should-childrens-social-work-be-a-touch-free-zone.htmlAlthough physical contact is a human need, children's social workers are starting to take a hands-off approach in order to reduce the risk of misunderstandings and false accusations. Camilla Pemberton reports Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/10/115069/service-users-personal-budgets-and-amsterdam.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/10/115069/service-users-personal-budgets-and-amsterdam.htmlDoes the spirit of personalisation extend to councils allowing people to spend direct payments on sexual services? Vern Pitt examines a debate that has divided social workers Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/04/115026/what-makes-for-a-successful-serious-case-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/04/115026/what-makes-for-a-successful-serious-case-review.htmlThe Scie model for serious case reviews currently being trialled is receiving positive feedback from the pilot schemes. Molly Garboden asks what is required for a successful review Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114968/councils-weigh-up-future-of-in-house-adult-care-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114968/councils-weigh-up-future-of-in-house-adult-care-services.htmlCost-cutting and personalisation are forcing councils to rethink their adult care services provision which could see social care staff working in new organisations. Jeremy Dunning looks at the options Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/23/114969/still-nothing-to-fear.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/23/114969/still-nothing-to-fear.htmlDisability minister Maria Miller tells Vern Pitt disabled people are a coalition priority despite astring of benefit cuts Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/23/114962/a-real-sense-of-community-in-the-north-west.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/23/114962/a-real-sense-of-community-in-the-north-west.htmlCo-operation between local authorities within the region and between agencies is the norm. This results in early interventions that avoid crisis management later, as well as promoting innovative practices for social workers, writes Rowenna Davies Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/21/114932/hackneys-steve-goodman-on-the-councils-social-work-units.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/21/114932/hackneys-steve-goodman-on-the-councils-social-work-units.htmlSteve Goodman has been campaigning to reorganise social work based on changes he helped implement in Hackney. Molly Garboden reports Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114933/lambeths-successful-restorative-justice-project.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114933/lambeths-successful-restorative-justice-project.htmlHow trust between young and old bloomed in garden Young offenders in south London built bridges as well as a garden in an inter-generational restorative...Mon, 19 Jul 2010 08:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114929/health-white-paper-poses-questions-for-social-care-sector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114929/health-white-paper-poses-questions-for-social-care-sector.htmlAlthough there are positives for social workers in the health White Paper, there remain many questions about power and accountability, says Richard Humphries of the King's Fund Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114916/is-child-protection-a-job-for-volunteers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114916/is-child-protection-a-job-for-volunteers.htmlVolunteers have undertaken social work for hundreds of years but should their involvement be formalised, particularly in the context of the Big Society? Natalie Valios reports Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114918/proven-practice-including-children-with-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114918/proven-practice-including-children-with-disabilities.htmlThe Centre for Excellence and Outcomes looks at overcoming the barriers that disabled children encounter, particularly in children's centres, extended schools and youth services Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114914/fears-over-dla-reform-and-the-new-medical-assessment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114914/fears-over-dla-reform-and-the-new-medical-assessment.htmlDisabled people are anxious about losing access to disability living allowance because of the government's cost-cutting plan to introduce mandatory medical tests. Gordon Carson reports Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114882/social-care-and-health-engagement-needed-for-to-help-end-of-life-strategy-effective.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114882/social-care-and-health-engagement-needed-for-to-help-end-of-life-strategy-effective.htmlTwo years on from the end-of-life care strategy, its aim of a dignified death for all in a place of their choosing is being stymied by a lack of social care involvement. Vern Pitt reports Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114885/are-call-centres-devaluing-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114885/are-call-centres-devaluing-social-work.htmlSocial care call centres are springing up around the UK, but critics say they could lead to the profession being devalued. Kirsty McGregor finds that this need not be the case Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/08/114866/croydons-blueprint-to-make-childrens-preventive-services-pay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/08/114866/croydons-blueprint-to-make-childrens-preventive-services-pay.htmlCan early years interventions succeed without draining resources? Croydon Council believes they can. Judy Cooper reportsThu, 08 Jul 2010 12:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114843/what-george-osborne-didnt-tell-you-in-the-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114843/what-george-osborne-didnt-tell-you-in-the-budget.htmlWelfare rights expert Gary Vaux examines what was in the small print of the Budget and what it will mean for disadvantaged clients and social care services.Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114786/will-more-cash-for-research-help-lead-to-a-cure-for-dementia.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114786/will-more-cash-for-research-help-lead-to-a-cure-for-dementia.htmlWith the coalition government committed to boosting dementia research funding, Vern Pitt looks at where increased resources could make a difference Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/02/114835/hospital-social-work-a-bureaucracy-free-zone.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/02/114835/hospital-social-work-a-bureaucracy-free-zone.htmlWith little paperwork and helpful multi-agency practitioners, life could hardly be better for hospital social worker Justin Wright. Molly Garboden spoke to him Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/02/114827/working-with-non-social-work-agencies-to-manage-risk-in-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/02/114827/working-with-non-social-work-agencies-to-manage-risk-in-child-protection.htmlChildren's services directors say it is time for GPs, the police, the courts and policymakers to carry more risk in safeguarding cases. Molly Garboden looks at how this can be done Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/02/114826/what-future-for-the-independent-living-fund.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/02/114826/what-future-for-the-independent-living-fund.htmlAlthough the Independent Living Fund has many advocates, its decision to bar new clients from support has put its future in doubt. Gordon Carson reports Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/30/114793/effective-thresholds-in-child-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/30/114793/effective-thresholds-in-child-protection.htmlCouncils have come under fire over child protection thresholds. But it can be tough to ensure consistency. Molly Garboden reports Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114800/bereavement-service-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114800/bereavement-service-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlA specialist bereavement service in Hertfordshire helps people with learning disabilities deal with loss and trains social care staff on how best to support clients. Vern Pitt reports Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114795/steve-aos-interview-investment-advice-for-childrens-social-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114795/steve-aos-interview-investment-advice-for-childrens-social-services.htmlUS social care analyst Steve Aos's visit to Britain has attracted the attention of governmentministers. A former economist,he applies Wall Street tools tosocial care interventions. Judy Cooper met him Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114790/risk-factor-should-stuart-have-the-kids-back.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114790/risk-factor-should-stuart-have-the-kids-back.htmlMark Drinkwater describes a case in which an independent practitioner's assessment makes all the difference for a father who wants his children to live with him and his new partner Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114787/unicef-uk-research-into-the-experiences-of-unaccompanied-migrant-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114787/unicef-uk-research-into-the-experiences-of-unaccompanied-migrant-children.htmlResearch fellow Ala Sirriyeh examines findings from a Unicef UK study of unaccompanied child migrants Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114744/targeting-parents-at-risk-of-sudden-infant-deaths.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114744/targeting-parents-at-risk-of-sudden-infant-deaths.html Judy Cooper and Camilla Pemberton profile two councils that have had enjoyed success in targeting families most at risk of cot death Lancashire: 'Awareness...Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114779/every-vote-counts-a-success-at-may-2010-general-election.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114779/every-vote-counts-a-success-at-may-2010-general-election.htmlWith dedicated support from charities, many more people with learning disabilities voted in the May general election. Natalie Valios reports Wed, 23 Jun 2010 10:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/117033/good-practice-in-residential-care-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/117033/good-practice-in-residential-care-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlWith proper recruitment and training standards, institutional settings for people with disabilities can be beacons of good practice. By Mithran SamuelTue, 22 Jun 2010 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114750/nhs-lets-down-those-with-learning-difficulties.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114750/nhs-lets-down-those-with-learning-difficulties.htmlA new Mencap survey confirms that people with learning disabilities receive poorer health care than others. But specialist posts are making a difference, reports Mithran Samuel Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114753/let-down-by-the-nhs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114753/let-down-by-the-nhs.htmlA new Mencap survey confirms that people with learning disabilities receive worse health care than others. But specialist posts are making a difference, reports Mithran Samuel Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/14/114696/can-health-and-social-care-really-work-together.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/14/114696/can-health-and-social-care-really-work-together.htmlA financial dispute seems to have killed off health and social care partnerships in Glasgow, but in next door East Renfrewshire integration is working well, finds Gordon Carson Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/28/114613/strategies-for-saving-money-what-councils-can-do-to-survive-austerity.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/28/114613/strategies-for-saving-money-what-councils-can-do-to-survive-austerity.htmlA on how social care responds to the public spending cuts begins with Community Care reporters looking at how councils can save money. Geoff Ettridge, meanwhile, examines the potential for savings Fri, 28 May 2010 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114568/social-work-job-opportunities-in-london.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114568/social-work-job-opportunities-in-london.htmlHouse prices and living costs may be high, but the variety of work and the support in place to help social workers survive in the capital more than compensate, writes Rowenna Davis Fri, 21 May 2010 16:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114318/is-barnet-council-the-testing-ground-for-a-cameron-government.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114318/is-barnet-council-the-testing-ground-for-a-cameron-government.htmlBarnet is seen as the testing ground for potential action from David Cameron to turn around the public finances - action with drastic repercussions for care services. Nick Golding investigates how service users and providers in two of its marginal constituencies have been affected by a Conservative revolution Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114221/checking-the-health-of-social-work-departments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114221/checking-the-health-of-social-work-departments.htmlEmployers in England are being urged to carry out "health checks" of social services departments, but will they deliver improvements on the frontline? Natalie Valios reports Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114165/will-the-national-dementia-strategy-targets-be-achieved-by-2014.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114165/will-the-national-dementia-strategy-targets-be-achieved-by-2014.htmlThe problems associated with dementia care have been well documented. So what are the chances of turning it around by 2014, the implementation date for the national dementia strategy? Vern Pitt examines the likelihood that the key objectives will be delivered Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114141/reform-on-dangerous-dogs-urgently-needed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114141/reform-on-dangerous-dogs-urgently-needed.htmlAttack dogs have become such a part of the streetscape that reform is overdue, writes Mark Drinkwater, whose arm is now fully healed Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/23/114105/research-realities-pooling-resources-between-health-and-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/23/114105/research-realities-pooling-resources-between-health-and-social-care.htmlJoint-working between health and social care can benefit service users and the public purse but an Audit Commission study, reviewed by Jill Manthorpe, found that it is under-used in the adults' sector Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113829/progress-at-evolve-yp-and-catch22-social-work-practices-for-children-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113829/progress-at-evolve-yp-and-catch22-social-work-practices-for-children-in-care.htmlThree years after they were proposed in the government's Care Matters white paper, the UK's first independent social work practices are now up and running. Kirsty McGregor reports on two areas to guage progressWed, 17 Feb 2010 15:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/11/113779/quality-in-practice.-tips-on-how-to-manage-your-workload.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/11/113779/quality-in-practice.-tips-on-how-to-manage-your-workload.html quality in practice... tips on how to MANAGE YOUR WORKLOAD Helen Donnellan and Gordon Jack explain how social workers can take control of their workloads The...Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/01/113689/are-unsuitable-social-work-students-allowed-to-pass.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/01/113689/are-unsuitable-social-work-students-allowed-to-pass.htmlUniversities are being accused of pushing poorly performing students through social work degree courses for financial reasons. Louise Tickle reports Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113652/the-search-for-leadership.-who-are-social-cares-leaders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113652/the-search-for-leadership.-who-are-social-cares-leaders.htmlWho can guide social work in England through an unparalleled period of reform? Kirsty McGregor examines the qualities they will need Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113519/your-guide-to-precious-featuring-mariah-carey-as-a-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113519/your-guide-to-precious-featuring-mariah-carey-as-a-social-worker.htmlEverything you need to know about the US film PreciousWed, 20 Jan 2010 14:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113567/the-past-and-future-of-the-gscc-conduct-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113567/the-past-and-future-of-the-gscc-conduct-system.htmlThe GSCC's conduct system is set for a major overhaul, writes Daniel Lombard Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113513/securing-useful-social-work-placements.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113513/securing-useful-social-work-placements.htmlMany social work students who are lucky enough to find a placement still end up feeling ill-prepared for the workplace. Amy Taylor examines efforts to involve employers in improving the quality of training Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113490/diary-of-a-social-work-student.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113490/diary-of-a-social-work-student.htmlDiary A social work student writes...Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/22/113463/decade-of-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/22/113463/decade-of-social-care.htmlSome of the key policy movements that have defined the past 10 years in social work Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113402/pay-increases-for-social-workers-to-be-capped-at-1.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113402/pay-increases-for-social-workers-to-be-capped-at-1.htmlSocial care workers in the public sector will see pay and pension increases capped at 1%, the chancellor announced today. Meanwhile, national insurance contributions by employers and employees are set to rise by 0.5% for those earning £20,000. (Picture credit: Rex Features)Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113375/social-work-task-force-what-the-final-report-means-for-you.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113375/social-work-task-force-what-the-final-report-means-for-you.htmlThe Social Work Task Force issued its final report to ministers in December 2009, outlining a comprehensive action plan to raise the quality and status of the social work profession in England. Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113356/managing-risk-at-christmas.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113356/managing-risk-at-christmas.htmlAs the festive season approaches, Vern Pitt looks at some of the unexpected difficulties for which social workers must be prepared Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/27/113287/gary-mckinnon-extradition-branded-disgusting-gps-told-to-step-up-the-swine-flu-vaccination-second-hospital-exposed-for-failing-patients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/27/113287/gary-mckinnon-extradition-branded-disgusting-gps-told-to-step-up-the-swine-flu-vaccination-second-hospital-exposed-for-failing-patients.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include: NHS rating system should be scrapped, says inspection chief; Young teacher, 26, hanged herself after being accused of helping pupils cheat in GCSEsFri, 27 Nov 2009 12:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113144/quality-in-practice-how-to-support-and-motivate-teams.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113144/quality-in-practice-how-to-support-and-motivate-teams.htmlIn the first of a series of regular articles, BASW learning and development chair Fran McDonnell offers tips for improving morale Recent reports have...Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112627/essential-advice-for-newly-qualified-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112627/essential-advice-for-newly-qualified-social-workers.htmlTo mark the national roll-out of Newly Qualified Social Worker programmes this month, Community Care has teamed up with Learning Matters to bring NQSWs essential advice to help them in their first year.Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112629/why-working-as-a-social-worker-in-a-hospice-is-so-rewarding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112629/why-working-as-a-social-worker-in-a-hospice-is-so-rewarding.htmlFar from being depressing, social worker Liz Gale says hospice work is rewarding - but support from your team is crucial in achieving this Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112638/age-assessment-dispute-leaves-young-afghan-asylum-seeker-destitute.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112638/age-assessment-dispute-leaves-young-afghan-asylum-seeker-destitute.htmlSocial workers and a service user comment on a case involving a young Afghan asylum seeker made destitute after a dispute over his age Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/27/112461/the-linx-project-tackling-the-link-between-domestic-violence-and-youth-offending.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/27/112461/the-linx-project-tackling-the-link-between-domestic-violence-and-youth-offending.html The Linx project is looking to improve the behaviour of young offenders through helping them come to terms with the domestic violence they have experienced....Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/27/112456/extract-from-girl-in-a-blue-dress.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/27/112456/extract-from-girl-in-a-blue-dress.htmlExtract from the book Girl in a Blue DressThu, 27 Aug 2009 16:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/27/112450/sheffield-hallam-university-pilots-student-placements-with-service-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/27/112450/sheffield-hallam-university-pilots-student-placements-with-service-users.htmlDirect placement of students in the homes of service users can provide insights into personalisation funding, but is the experience broad enough? Louise Tickle reports Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/25/112429/fostering-information-gap-puts-families-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/25/112429/fostering-information-gap-puts-families-at-risk.htmlCouncils are still not giving foster carers the information they need to care safely despite two court rulings, finds Gordon Carson Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/24/112396/a-fast-track-to-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/24/112396/a-fast-track-to-social-work.htmlCraig Kenny gauges the arguments surrounding the plan for professionals to switch careers and become social workers (Pic: AGB Photo Library/Rex Features) Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/20/112390/mps-and-social-work-task-force-propose-overhaul-of-social-work-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/20/112390/mps-and-social-work-task-force-propose-overhaul-of-social-work-training.htmlThe case for better training for social workers is gathering momentum. Amy Taylor examines what changes the Social Work Task Force and MPs believe are needed Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/20/112402/scie-on-how-early-years-interventions-can-benefit-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/20/112402/scie-on-how-early-years-interventions-can-benefit-disabled-children.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence looks at how early years interventions can benefit disabled under-eights and their families Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/19/112391/youth-crime-action-plan-success-in-lambeth.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/19/112391/youth-crime-action-plan-success-in-lambeth.htmlDean Woodward (pictured) explains how a programme in London intervenes with young people identified as at risk of offending Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/19/112392/risk-factor-using-animals-to-help-a-young-person-with-challenging-behaviour.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/19/112392/risk-factor-using-animals-to-help-a-young-person-with-challenging-behaviour.htmlYoung offender case study and risksWed, 19 Aug 2009 10:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/11/112337/fringe-benefits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/11/112337/fringe-benefits.htmlThe Edinburgh Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival with over 2,000 shows on offer. This year, the pick of the productions that explore social care themes include mental illness, alcoholism, suicide and teen knife crime. Oh yes, and there’s a musical about Madonna’s transcultural adoption. Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/07/112306/workloads-make-it-hard-for-social-workers-to-take-a-holiday.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/07/112306/workloads-make-it-hard-for-social-workers-to-take-a-holiday.htmlFor some social workers high caseloads and lack of cover make planning holidays very stressful. Louise Tickle reports Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/24/112187/review-bbc4s-getting-on-with-jo-brand.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/24/112187/review-bbc4s-getting-on-with-jo-brand.htmlBeing old and sick is not funny, but the care system itself can provide a rich vein of humour, Lauren Revans discovers Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/21/112140/bridgend-suicides-the-lessons-learnt.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/21/112140/bridgend-suicides-the-lessons-learnt.htmlA spate of suicides in the Welsh town of Bridgend prompted local services to work together to pre-empt a repeat. Andrew Mickel reports on the strategy and the lessons learned Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/10/112052/nqsws-benefit-from-protected-caseloads-and-supervision-time.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/10/112052/nqsws-benefit-from-protected-caseloads-and-supervision-time.htmlThe government has approved the roll out of a training scheme for all newly qualified social workers. Louise Hunt reports Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/26/111941/what-will-the-tories-do-if-they-win-the-next-election.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/26/111941/what-will-the-tories-do-if-they-win-the-next-election.htmlThe prospect of a Conservative government need not mean doom and gloom for social workers, writes Andrew Mickel Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/24/111873/david-behan-praises-self-directed-support-in-surrey.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/24/111873/david-behan-praises-self-directed-support-in-surrey.htmlSurrey social worker Gail McCulloch has been praised for helping a family overcome their problems by using delf-directed supportWed, 24 Jun 2009 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/19/111884/cancer-patients-need-social-care-support-says-macmillan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/19/111884/cancer-patients-need-social-care-support-says-macmillan.htmlThe specific needs of cancer patients continue to be ignored by social care, finds Natasha Salari, but examples of better services do exist Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/08/111762/telecare-and-assistive-technology-fits-in-to-the-personalisation-agenda.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/08/111762/telecare-and-assistive-technology-fits-in-to-the-personalisation-agenda.htmlThe futuristic technologies that older people might have read about in their youth are close to reality and might just help many of them live independently for longer. Bronagh Miskelly and Andrew Mickel consider the promises of telecare and the barriers to implementation Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/06/111739/risk-factor-rehabilitating-a-brain-injured-woman.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/06/111739/risk-factor-rehabilitating-a-brain-injured-woman.html Weighing up the risks ● Desire to give up alcohol Joan is physically able and says she does not want to drink alcohol again. ●...Sat, 06 Jun 2009 10:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/05/111737/how-should-we-define-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/05/111737/how-should-we-define-social-work.htmlThe Social Work Task Force has signalled its intent to come up with a new definition of social work to counter public misconceptions. Anabel Unity Sale reports Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/05/111746/the-importance-of-refugee-week.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/05/111746/the-importance-of-refugee-week.htmlShowing a group of young volunteers from Africa the grimmer parts of London gave Mark Drinkwater a new perspective on service planning Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/05/111740/proven-practice-11-june-2009-measuring-care-staffs-skills.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/05/111740/proven-practice-11-june-2009-measuring-care-staffs-skills.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence analyses the use of an online training resource to boost staff's literacy, numeracy and communication skills Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/26/111642/whistleblowers-lack-sufficient-protection.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/26/111642/whistleblowers-lack-sufficient-protection.htmlWhistleblowing is protected by law but social care practitioners who reveal inconvenient truths could find their career at an end. Mark Hunter looks at the options for those who want to challenge bad practice Tue, 26 May 2009 15:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/25/111643/practice-ideas-from-the-past-that-could-benefit-social-work-today.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/25/111643/practice-ideas-from-the-past-that-could-benefit-social-work-today.htmlRevivals are all the rage in music and the arts. But perhaps not yet in social work. Here, three professionals look back over the previous three decades to see what should be brought back Mon, 25 May 2009 16:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/19/111597/how-social-workers-can-use-the-media-post-baby-p.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/19/111597/how-social-workers-can-use-the-media-post-baby-p.htmlSocial workers may feel like giving up on the press because so many stories are negative. But there are ways of getting more positive stories into the media, writes Amy TaylorTue, 19 May 2009 12:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/11/111514/review-of-the-unloved.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/11/111514/review-of-the-unloved.html A care home is no haven for a young girl in Samantha Morton's directorial debut, says Anabel Unity Sale The Unloved, the directorial debut of Oscar-nominated actress and former care leaver Samantha Morton, opens with gentle birdsong and a black screen. A young girl's voice recites the prayer "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?" as it cuts to a shot of her lying motionless at the bottom of the stairs. Lucy, the 11-year-old speaking, has a lot to be fearful of. Her father, played by a desperate-looking Robert Carlyle, is angry because she is empty-handed and two hours late back from the shops to buy his cigarettes with his last £5 ("that's all we had" he sobs). He takes off his leather belt and viciously beats her - not for the first time. Based on original material by Morton and written by Tony Grisoni, The Unloved is an intense, dark glimpse into what life in care feels like for a young girl. Morton was in care several times herself as a child in...Mon, 11 May 2009 13:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/11/111509/welfare-reform-plans-to-remove-benefits-from-alcoholics.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/11/111509/welfare-reform-plans-to-remove-benefits-from-alcoholics.htmlThe government has suggested forcing benefit claimants with an alcohol dependency into treatment. But rehabilitation staff are adamant compulsion will not work. Mark Hunter reports Mon, 11 May 2009 13:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/08/111458/newcastles-talking-lampposts-help-people-with-visual-impairments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/08/111458/newcastles-talking-lampposts-help-people-with-visual-impairments.html Blind and partially sighted people in Newcastle are benefiting from an innovative scheme that provides talking signs to guide them around the city centre. Anabel Unity Sale reports There are 37 talking lampposts in Newcastle city centre. No, they do not battle with David Tennant in a Geordie-based episode of Doctor Who but are an innovative way to increase accessibility for those with visual impairments. In March this year Newcastle Council became one of only 12 local authorities to introduce the React system of talking signs as part of an initiative to assist blind and partially sighted people to get around. Under the React system - using technology created by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) - a speaker is attached to a lamppost or sign, or is wall-mounted. The speaker contains a recorded message which, when activated by an electronic fob in its range, tells the person carrying the fobthe location, and what is to their left and right. Speaking signs...Fri, 08 May 2009 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/08/111493/managing-the-media-in-times-of-crisis-and-celebration.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/08/111493/managing-the-media-in-times-of-crisis-and-celebration.htmlThe media is a difficult beast to tame, and the sensitive nature of social care stories makes this even more the case. Here we have created two scenarios, one positive and one negative, and asked three media professionals to give their opinions on how a council should manage the situation. While the press will always lean toward negative stories, each professional we talked to agreed that there is also space for positive coverage - as long as it is presented in the correct way. Fri, 08 May 2009 13:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/08/111508/press-treatment-of-social-care-stories.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/08/111508/press-treatment-of-social-care-stories.htmlThe media may have difficulty in finding good news, but that shouldn't deter services from focusing on the positives, writes Mark Drinkwater Fri, 08 May 2009 13:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/01/111460/health-public-health-campaigns-on-alcohol-dont-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/01/111460/health-public-health-campaigns-on-alcohol-dont-work.html If alcohol experts accept that public health campaigns are not working, then surely it is time to abandon them, writes GP Michael Fitzpatrick One finding in a recent survey of more than 200 gastroenterologists, hepatologists, acute physicians and nurses engaged in treating alcohol-related harm has been widely reported. About 81% of these experts believe that, if alcohol was more expensive, consumption would decrease. Earlier this year the chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, proposed a minimum duty of 50p a unit alcohol in off-licences and supermarkets. The other main finding of this survey, carried out by the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Nursing, was generally ignored. But an even greater majority of the alcohol experts - 84% - believe that public health campaigns have been ineffective. Yet medical authorities, politicians and commentators alike are reluctant to draw the obvious conclusion: if these campaigns, in which enormous resources have...Fri, 01 May 2009 13:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/04/28/111320/good-practice-creative-ways-to-promote-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/04/28/111320/good-practice-creative-ways-to-promote-personalisation.htmlThere is little point in expanding personalisation if service users - and the practitioners supposed to assist them - don't know enough about it or where...Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/04/28/111276/lifestyle-review-inclusive-dance-company-breaks-new-ground.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/04/28/111276/lifestyle-review-inclusive-dance-company-breaks-new-ground.htmlCandoco dance troupe has been amazing audiences with its mix of able-bodied and disabled dancers, writes Mark Drinkwater Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/04/09/111195/the-mental-distress-of-detained-asylum-seekers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/04/09/111195/the-mental-distress-of-detained-asylum-seekers.htmlPeople denied asylum in the UK but unable to return to their country of origin are being detained in immigration centres, in some cases indefinitely. Louise Hunt reports Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2003/12/13/4762/risk-factor-a-cry-for-help.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2003/12/13/4762/risk-factor-a-cry-for-help.htmlEpisodes of extreme domestic violence present a huge challenge to social workers with the protection of the client, and of themselves, requiring a multi-disciplinary, team effort.Sat, 13 Dec 2003 09:58:00 GMT