HC Deb 12 December 1985 vol 88 cc752-3W
Mr. John Mark Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek to extend the training of social workers responsible in child care cases, especially in legal knowledge and application; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Whitney

The Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work recently decided to review the coverage of child care and child abuse, including knowledge of the relevant legislation, in existing qualifying and post-qualifying training courses. The council's earlier resolution that social work qualifying training should be extended from two to three years is the subject of consultations with Government Departments, universities and colleges and other interests as to the action and resources that would be required to implement it.