18 January 2002
The public sector auditors' report into social work management found that the proportion of staff in children's homes with an appropriate qualification rose from 45% to 47% in 2000/1.
The report, published on January 18, praised councils for their efficiency in processing social inquiry reports requested by courts. Just over 75% were allocated to social work staff within two days. More than 95% of reports were submitted to court by the due date.
The commission also found that children in residential care were enjoying more privacy. The percentage with a single room rose from 67% to 71% in the past year.
The report described the gradual reduction in the number of 'looked after' children placed in residential care since 1996/97 as 'encouraging', but East Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire are all named for placing more than 20% of 'looked after' children in residential accommodation.
Alastair MacNish, chairman of the Accounts Commission, welcomed the report's findings: 'I am pleased to see that there are a number of areas where real improvements are being made in social work services.
'I hope to see further improvements in other areas in future years.'
PFjan2002
