§ Mr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidelines the Scottish Home and Health Department issues to social work departments concerning the detection of non-accidental injuries and the defence of children at risk of such injuries.
§ Mr. John MacKayA joint circular on non-accidental injury to children was issued by Social Work Services Group and the Scottish Home and Health Department to social work departments and health boards in 1982. It consolidated earlier guidance, gave advice on the use of register systems, underlined the need for continuous review of procedural arrangements and professional 331W practice and emphasised the need for inter-professional and inter-agency co-operation in detecting and handling cases.
§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what training trainee social workers on certificate of qualification in social work courses in Scotland receive in the detection of non-accidental injuries and the protection of children at risk of such injuries.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe Central Council for education and training in social work has statutory responsibility throughout the United Kingdom for the promotion of education and training in all aspects of social work, and for the approval of courses leading to the award of the council's certificate of qualification in social work. There is no nationally set syllabus for such courses.
I understand, however, that courses contain specific teaching on work with children and families, and the relevant legislation. Most students will also gain some experience in these areas on practical placement.
§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what in-service training courses are provided in Scotland for social workers to be trained in the detection of non-accidental injuries and the protection of children at risk of such injuries.
§ Mr. John MacKayDetailed information on in-service training courses for social workers in Scotland is not held centrally. I understand that such training is generally provided by social work authorities, or arranged by them according to their needs.
§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what training is given to residential social workers in Scotland in the identification of non-accidental injuries and the protection of children at risk of such injuries.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe training of residential social workers in particular aspects of their work is a matter for their employers. Detailed information is not held centrally.
§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children were placed on social work department at risk registers in Scotland in each of the past five years; and if he will provide a breakdown of the figures in terms of regional and island council areas.
§ Mr. John MacKayThis information is not collected centrally. Each region maintains its own record of children who have been the victims of child abuse or who are thought to be at risk of such abuse.