Executive Summary
In the recent past, there have been notable controversies and debates in the United Kingdom regarding the effectiveness of social workers to sufficiently protect the welfare of children and adults in the nation. That growing dissatisfaction with the functions of social workers in the recent past has been further compromised by the emergence of social abuse cases like that of Melissa Mathieson (2014), whose premature death could have been averted. In this research, the project will seek to analyze the resources available for social workers in the United Kingdom. Particularly, that is in reference to local, national, and international legislations that validate the significance of social workers’ need to protect the public from all forms of social abuse. The research will be ideal for stakeholders in the social work profession who would like to understand the protectionist policies in place to safeguard the welfare of people, especially the disadvantaged in the nation.
Keywords: Social Work, Policy, Legislation, Children, Adults
Effective Social Work, Multi-Agency Interventions, and Safeguarding of Adults and Children
All persons, regardless of their social or economic backgrounds, are entitled to welfare protection by local and international statutes on humanity protection. In the United Kingdom, this function falls under the professional dictates of social work, where workers in the profession play a crucial role in ensuring that the basic and human rights of children and adults are safeguarded. The focus of this project is to provide an illustration or explanation of effective social work implementation in the nation and appropriate multi-agency interventions that can be employed in safeguarding the rights of children and adults in the nation.
Case Context Background Analysis
The case in context to support the need for social work welfare protection is that of Melissa Mathieson, who was murdered while in an independent care facility situated in Bristol, United Kingdom (Buchanan, 2017). The deceased was an 18-year-old female who had ADHD and autism (Davis, 2017). The murder perpetrator was Jason Conroy, also 18 years old and also incarcerated in a residential care home facility. The deceased had reported that Conroy was stalking her – a phenomenon that made her feel that her life was in danger. Nevertheless, her appeal was not heeded on time by social workers assigned to her case, a phenomenon that was the primary contributor to her demise.
In light of this case, it can be evidenced that there is a need to execute a comprehensive assessment of the sufficiency of social work assistance services in the United Kingdom. Fundamentally, that is in reference to considering the multi-agency operations, legislation, policies, as well as practice guidelines that relate to harm and the overall safeguarding of children and adults in the nation. Essentially, this will aid in enhancing the audience of this report’s understanding of the available social and instructional frameworks put in place to promote the overall welfare of the public members in the United Kingdom’s contemporary society.
Effective Social Work and Multi-Agency Interventions
Effective social work should be one that is highly productive in safeguarding the welfare against all forms of social harm that may befall them (Knox & Marks, 2015). It should also be one that is executed by a team of highly qualified professionals with the right skills to manage challenges in social work services provisioning. Also, different social organizations should work collaboratively in promoting efforts aimed at ensuring early detection of challenges in social delivery are identified on time and appropriate solutions to address such problems identified. Multi-agency interventions in addressing the challenges of social work should also be adopted to enhance the attainment of success or positive outcomes in the efforts aimed at safeguarding the welfare of children and adults in society.
Application of Principles of Human Rights and Social Justice
There are several principles of human rights or social justice that can support the need to promote the administration of high-quality social work services among the community members. Such principles are as outlined below;
Interdependence and Interrelatedness: Each one contributes to the achievement of a person’s human dignity by meeting developmental, physical, psychological, as well as spiritual requirements. The fulfillment of one right often relies, entirely or partially, on the fulfillment of others. For example, in some situations, fulfillment of the right to health may be contingent on fulfillment of the right to self-development, education, or knowledge. For example, in some situations, fulfillment of the fundamental human rights may be contingent on fulfillment of the right to self-development, education, or knowledge.
Indivisibility: Human rights are measured to be unalienable. Additionally, human rights are considered inherent in the dignity that should be accorded to every human being. That is regardless of whether they pertain to civil, cultural, economic, political, social, as well as concerns. As a result, all human rights have an exemplary base and as such, they cannot be ranked in any way. Furthermore, the denial of one right can broadly render the enjoyment or attainment of other rights more difficult. Consequently, the right of all persons to a decent standard of life should not be sacrificed at the price or expense of securing other rights. In this case, examples of such rights are those that relate to the attainment of good health as well as the right to access high quality education.
Participation and Inclusion: All persons have the opportunity or chance of participating in as well as in receiving information regarding the decisions that impact the people’s life or well-being. Communities, minorities, women, civil society, youths, indigenous peoples, and other identifiable groups must all play an active role in rights-based methods.
Non-Discrimination and Equality: Equality and non-discrimination: All people are equal as human beings and because of their inherent dignity. As a consequence, no one should be discriminated against because of their race, color, ethnicity, age, language, gender, sexual orientation, property, religious beliefs, geographical or social origin, political, disability, birth, as well as another status.
The Need for Social Work Welfare Protection
Arguably, child welfare is among the most pervasive matter in question in United Kingdom’s social work today. In this context, children are mostly victims of sexual violence and sexual exploitation (Lindsey, 2003). This may happen due to poor background where some of the children are forced to leave school and search for jobs. As such, most of them end up meeting with people who take advantage of their situation and use them for commercial sex. The children don’t have better options since they are promised huge amounts of money, thus leading to them being used inappropriately. In addition, some children face displacement. Within this framework, displacements may cause psychological distress and mental disorders. Displaced children are mostly exposed to violence and abuse. Since most of them live in the streets, they are on the verge of being raped, especially girls. Moreover, boys are mostly forced to either join the army or armed groups, which may result in them being injured or being killed.
As such, many children are left traumatized by the events throughout their lifetime. Moreover, children are likely to get involved in physical violence and harmful practices. This applies where the child has been raised under harsh, poor conditions. Some are forced to get involved in substance abuse mostly to forget their struggles in life. Due to financial status, some are forced to look for employment where they encounter child labor which may, in turn, arm their health. When these children get tired of hard and tiresome labor, they start involving themselves in violent activities such as theft. Some go as far as trying to sell drugs on the streets, which exposes them to arrest and juvenile jail. Essentially, in order to promote child welfare, there are a number of policies and legislation implemented in the United Kingdom that are focused on children and young adults in the United Kingdom. Examples of such policies and legislation have been deliberated below.
Legislation, Policy and Practice Guidance Relating to Harm
Working Together to Safeguard Children
Safeguarding Children in a Collaborative Approach is a lawful guideline for inter-agency cooperation to protect and promote children’s welfare in accordance with the Children Act 1989 and the Children Act 2004 (De Keyser & Edgington, 2019). Its main focus is to assist experts in their work on a plan of action and what to expect when safeguarding children. As such, it has been stated that practitioners should be alert in helping disabled children and those with special education needs. In addition, they should be able to identify if the children are drained into anti-social or criminal behaviors such as being involved and associated with organized crime groups. According to the guide, practitioners should be able to collaborate to identify and provide services to children in need and those that are suffering harm (HM Government, 2018). As such, they have provided a child protection plan that is aimed at child’s health and development. Furthermore, it assists families in safeguarding and promoting their kid’s welfare Putting the child’s needs first.
A smart risk management technique for social workers and practitioners is to make judgments that are in the best interest of the child in mind. Moreover, if a service child is under a child protection plan and his or her family is moving overseas, the Ministry of Defense should be informed by local authorities. Child protection in the United Kingdom is a complex multi-agency; it is vital to reflect on the working of the system with organizations and individuals playing their part. The guide also advises on reviews since they are relevant and important to practitioners working with children. Reviews play a crucial role in reducing the risk of relapse of the same incidents, i.e., maltreatment (Department of Education, 2015). In addition, The Panel must be notified of major child safeguarding incidents in the local practice review. Within five working days of the local authorities becoming aware of the occurrence, notifications should be sent. There is an internet notification system that may be accessed at any time of the day or night.
The Education Act
As a response to the United Kingdom enacting the Human Rights Act, the Education Act of 2002 was conceived and drafted (Andrews, 2016). As a result of the law’s passage, it is now mandatory to protect children and adolescents from abuse or neglect. In this context, teachers, as well as those who have been assigned responsibility for child protection, are defined. Sharing concerns about a child’s safety and well-being is a legal requirement for those who work with children and adolescents. In the act, adults are advised against overarching unless when protecting the child, of which you should seek his/her permission. The education act of (2002) is set to create a safe learning environment (Robinson, 2oo2). As such, it has put up strategies to eradicate bullying in schools. Bullying in schools has negatively impacted children’s mental health conditions. Moreover, the act was set to help in improving children’s medical condition, dealing with substance abuse, and providing first aids to them.
In that framework, it gave the schools freedom to involve private sectors so as to support the management of successful and failing schools. Moreover, the act encourages the prevention of children from work-related dangers that pose a risk, such as disabilities, to them. It has stimulated in fostering a climate of mutual respect between teachers and students. As such, schools and FE colleges are advised to make sure that child policy and procedures are availed to pupils and parents to avoid a breach. Essentially, the children have to undergo Personal and Social Education (PSE) so as to be aware of unacceptable behaviors towards them by other people. The scaffolding for PSE is to provide opportunities for young adults and children to learn about keeping safe. In this context, most of the children will be able to take care of their selves even in the slightest absence of their parents or guardians.
United Nations Convention on The Rights of the Child Act
According to UNCRC, a person under the age of 18 is considered a child (Sutherland, 2018). It obligates the well-being of a child primarily to the parent-children and the state to assist them in carrying out the duties. In this context, the UN convection has this right. First are survival rights. This gives children the right to live and basic needs like food and shelter, access to medical services, and sufficient living standards (UNICEF, 2021). Second are the development rights which include education, freedom of thought, access to information, conscience, religion, and cultural activities. Moreover, in the attainment of education, most of the children are saved from involvement in substance abuse and engagement in immorally absurd behaviors. The third is the protection rights which include ensuring that children are protected from various types of maltreatment, negligence, and monetary gain, in addition to refugee children’s specific needs. As such, girls are prevented from sexual harassment and early pregnancies.
In implementing these rights, a high percentage of children are saved from exploitation and abuse of any kind. In addition, there is protection for children in employment. As such, most employees tend to take advantage of children due to their young age and social background by intimidating them to work for low wages. Lastly, are the participation rights, they close children freedom to freely express their thoughts and ideas, about issues that directly touch their own life, to form a group, and to peacefully congregate. In this context, most parents deny their children participation in the matters affecting their lives, thus leading to children being depressed. Mostly, out of fear, children just agree with what their parents decide of their lives which can be the major course of suicide among children. The purpose of these laws is to make sure that children’s views must be considered and considered in matters affecting him/them.
Children Act
The Children Act, which was introduced by The Lord Chancellor, Lord Mackay of Clashfern in November 1988, which was later formulated in 1989 by the United Kingdom, consolidates the regulations, guidance, and principles that govern the safety as well the welfare of children (Parliament UK, 2021). The Act dictates that the welfare and safety of children are taken care of by their respective families, which are inclusive of parents carrying out their roles unless otherwise compulsive interventions in the life of their families are necessary. According to the Act, an unmarried father has the ability to share the responsibility for a child’s upbringing with the mother, which is guided by joint registration at birth or court order.
Children Act (1989) clearly outlines the role of United Kingdom local authorities, which are inclusive of the provision of services that support children as well as young adults in their families. Additionally, it is the duty of local authorities according to the Act to return look after children to their families unless otherwise, it is against the interest of the child. Lastly, it is the responsibility of the local government, otherwise detrimental or impractical to children’s welfare, required to at least ensure the is contact between parents’ child and the child or any other family member.
The stated Act also provides guidelines on practice recognition as well as the enactment of best social customs, which are in relation to young adults and children’s welfare in the United Kingdom. The guidance with respect to the social welfare of children is the time which is a crucial element and should be quantified in days and months in lieu of years. Also, it is critical to maintain long-term relationships and develop attachments that are mutually beneficial between parents and children. Moreover, it is the responsibility of parents to hold on to as well as be consistent with their children’s welfare, regardless of the child’s ability to stay at home for a short or long time.
Apart from adhering to the aforementioned social welfare principles, the Act also dictates that it is important for parents and children to have access to the information they need in order to make an informed decision about the type of care that is best for them if they must live apart from their families. In conclusion, parental responsibility for their child’s well-being should be encouraged in a constructive manner. Also, Local governments are anticipated to work in tandem with parents in executing their assigned roles under the 1989 Children Act.
Children and Social Work Act
The Act was first discussed in 2016 in the House of Lords (Ali, 2017). That is with the aim of promoting and maintaining the safety of children through the provision of sex education as well educated with regard to relationships. The stated Act was enacted to support as well as improve decision-making regarding previously and currently looked after children in the United Kingdom. The Act legislators also aimed at educating individuals at the national and the local levels on the importance of adhering to child protection practices. Provision of improved services for children and care leavers, promotion of health and well-being as well as safety for children, and also making provisions for regulation of social workers are the key fundamental facets of the Act.
Local authorities in the United Kingdom, according to the Act, have to execute their roles in relation to young adults and children in ensuring that the provision and promotion of mental and physical health and well-being of the stated demographics are well taken care of. The stated authorities also have to motivate children to express their wishes, views, and feelings and also have the ability to account for the views and feelings of those young people and children. Local authorities, according to the Act, also have to ensure that children gain access and make use of services that are in provision by the local authorities and their partners.
The Act also explores the guidelines and the roles of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel, which are inclusive of identifying serious child abuse cases in the United Kingdom, which tends to raise complicated matters of national importance. The stated panel plays the role of arranging for those cases to be looked into and reviewed under their directives. Additionally, the review identifies key areas that should be improved by children safeguarding partners and every individual in the United Kingdom to help in promoting children’s welfare. In a scenario where the panel has arranged a case review, they have a responsibility to provide a report and also make satisfactory progress in relation to the children’s case reviews.
Lastly, the Act addresses the importance of the whole council being the pre-eminent parent possible. This is largely a compilation of existing responsibilities that local governments have towards children in their care. Children who have been adopted or placed in other long-term arrangements will be required by local authorities to publicize their educational achievements and support services.
Keeping Children Safe in Education Act
The safety of children in a school environment legislation is a fundamental facet that should be taken into consideration by all school workers and staff (GOV.UK, 2015). The guidelines that are listed on the statutory government, which also entails the major changes in relation to child safety in class, are the key issues under discussion in this context. Fundamentally, the promotion of the welfare of children in a learning environment and young generation of age below 18 years improves the quality of learning as well as building good learning and discussion environment for the stated demographic.
Schools and colleges, according to this Act, play a crucial role in maintaining the welfare and well-being of children in a school setting. School staff has the responsibility of ensuring that the learning environment for children is safe and conducive. They should clearly have an identification of children who may need and also benefit from help at an early stage. In this premise, early help is the ability to solve a problem as soon as it emerges at any point in a child’s learning environment. Also, every learning institution has a role of providing a designated lead in ensuring the safety provision are carried out optimally and encouraging liaison with other stakeholders such as Children’s Social Care.
In addition to the stated requirements, schools have a duty to clearly come up with a safeguarding system. The system will be in a position to provide policy for child protection and also have the ability to solve as well as deal with issues relating to peer-on-peer abuse in the school setting. Behavior principal policy, which is also a key facet in the stated system, aims at reducing and preventing bullying such as prejudice-based discrimination, discrimination as well as cyberbullying in the learning environment. The system also should be at the forefront in outlining the required staff behavior and staff conduct in a learning environment.
In relation to neglect and abuse in the learning institution, the Act brings to attention that staff should be in a position to identify key indicators which can lead to child neglect and abuse in school. Among the indicators of abuse are inclusive of maltreatment of a child, deliberate indulgence of harm or illness to a child as well as abuse to a child emotionally by causing adverse effects on his/her emotional development. Behavior linked issues such as drugs and misuse of alcohol are also the key indicators that children are at risk in the learning environment.
Literature Review
There is a number of scholarly studies that have been executed in the past detailing the challenges that social workers in the United Kingdom face in executing their functions. For instance, research by Ferguson et al. (2021) affirmed the challenges that social workers in the nation have been facing in assisting clients during the covid-19 pandemic, especially due to the need for social distancing. In different research developed by Higgins (2015), the need for reform of the social work profession was identified in the study to be an integral phenomenon that would aid in the elevation of the performance of social workers in the United Kingdom.
In different research by Levine et al. (2020), it was ascertained that the lack of an effective interconnection of agencies functioning together in protecting beneficiaries to be a notable challenge affecting the effectiveness of social workers in offering essential welfare protection services. In a different study by Korpinen and Pösö (2020), the lack of children and parents’ competence in protection was ascertained to be a significant contributing factor that hampers the effectiveness of social workers in executing their functions. Collectively, these are a few of the publications that evidence the need to promote the effectiveness of social workers and associated organizations in the United Kingdom.
Reflection
Based on the executed discussion, it is evident that there is a number of legislations in the United Kingdom, which have been enacted in the past and with the aim of promoting welfare protections for both children and adults. Nevertheless, the case of Melissa Mathieson demonstrated the lax performance of professionals in the social work field. In today’s contemporary United Kingdom society. As such, there is a need for more efforts to be promoted in ensuring that workers in the social work profession have a sufficient understanding of the prerequisite of their work as well as the provisions of local and international provisions designed in promoting the protection of all people in the society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is evident that there is a need to enhance the legal and social frameworks for child and adults’ protection in the United Kingdom. The social work profession, as the epitome of such protection, has to be nurtured through the enforcement of legal and institutional guidelines, which are dedicated to ensuring that the fundamental rights of people in society are safeguarded. Ultimately, promoting due diligence in identifying instances of violence against others in society is imperative. Fundamentally, that is because it can facilitate the early detection of abuse against some individuals in society and facilitate the adoption of effective strategies for addressing such needs.
References
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