HC Deb 25 July 1990 vol 177 cc337-8W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps have been taken to improve the training of approved social workers resulting from the publication in February of the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work paper on refresher training for approved social workers.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

As CCETSW's paper says, responsibilities for continuing the work now firmly lies with local authorities and professional associations. CCETSW will continue to monitor the quality and content of training for approved social workers and to encourage their professional development. CCETSW will also continue to disseminate guidance and to provide training opportunities for training officers and supervisors of approved social workers.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans are being made to equip social workers and other local authority staff with the knowledge and skills to make assessments of the need for social care of mentally ill people receiving hospital treatment.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The training of approved social workers helps to equip them in making assessments of the needs of mentally ill people. Preparation for making assessments is also being incorporated in both qualifying and post-qualifying training for social workers and in the training of other social care staff.