I am asking for the Scottish Government to review social work powers as I believe that they are currently being abused. In my view, the following areas should be looked at:
Employability
Social workers should not be allowed to disclose any information to employers about a child or an adult’s past. Only Disclosure Scotland and Police Scotland should have the authority to do so.
Guardianship Orders
Social workers should not be able to apply for guardianship if the child has a family member able to take responsibility for them. The only time that social work should be involved is if a child’s family member is not willing to help, the relative poses a risk to the child or the child has no living relatives.
Care
Children should not be removed from home without going through a Children’s Hearing or court hearing. The parent should attend these hearings.
Contact
Social work should not stop young people over 16 seeing their family as they are classed as an adult.
Volunteer panel members
We should have an independent panel, appointed by Government, to review and have the final say about social work complaints. This will make sure young people and adults’ voices are heard.
Education
Children who are in school should have the right to stay in same school when they are taken into care. Moving them far away can affect their life and education.
Making these changes will make sure the social work system is improved and respects the Human Right Act 1998.