§ 23. Mr. Allan Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has issued guidance to local authorities on the questions arising from violence against social workers by their clients.
§ Mr. WhitneyWe have not issued general guidance to local authorities on this subject but in 1981 we sent them copies of the report of the working party on control and discipline in community homes which included consideration of violence in that type of home and how it might be avoided. It is for employing authorities to assess the level of risk to their staff and to take the necessary action. The nature of a social worker's job is such that risks of this kind are inherent especially when it brings him or her into contact with emotionally disturbed or mentally disordered clients.