HC Deb 28 February 1978 vol 945 cc193-4W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what training is given to social workers for helping families in which a member has a hereditary disease such as Huntington's chorea; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moyle

Our prime commitment in the training of social workers has been to improve the present position, in which only about 40 per cent. of social workers are qualified. The wide range of training needed by social workers makes it impracticable to ensure that every student has training for every situation or condition with which he might be faced. The Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work discusses with the colleges and universities which provide the training the range of clients and situations that should be covered within training courses, and these include the wide range of handicap conditions. For the majority of social workers, training and experience in helping families in which a member has a hereditary disease such as Huntington's chorea will be gained only in service and particularly by those working with the hospitals and clinics in which the condition is recognised.

Formal courses of extensive study in specialised areas as well as short courses and day conferences are now developing, including some dealing with needs of particular handicap groups and their families.