Delays could put Dudley borough children at risk, claim Ofsted (From Halesowen News)

Delays could put Dudley borough children at risk, claim Ofsted

2:57pm Tuesday 14th September 2010 in Local

DELAYS by Dudley social workers in taking up cases of suspected abuse or neglect are putting vulnerable children at “risk of harm” a damning inspection report has revealed.

Ofsted inspectors have highlighted a series of failings in children’s services including “inconsistent” supervision of social workers and poor record keeping.

They found there was “considerable delay in the allocation of cases requiring an initial assessment” and “significant delays” in completing those that were being dealt with.

The department was also criticised for have no systems to regularly audit cases.

“This results in a lack of management oversight to improve work practice and performance,” according to the report.

However, in the cases seen by the inspectors, children and young people at risk of significant harm were identified and dealt with promptly and the department was praised for its work with the police on domestic violence cases.

The report follows complaints by parents that their children had been wrongly taken from them and put up for foster care or adoption in the wake of alleged abuse or neglect.

Cabinet member for performance and quality assurance in children’s services Councillor Patrick Harley defended the department.

“A few weeks ago we were accused of being over-zealous, then we’re criticised for not moving fast enough. It’s a no-win situation. Social workers are damned if they do and damned if they don’t.”

He added: “Ofsted could come in one day and see a totally different picture to another. I would put our record and performance up against anybody elses. We are one of the best performing authorities.

Cllr Harley said the criticisms, listed as six areas for development by the inspectors, had been taken on board by the department.