New social work strategy for Northern Ireland

The strategy confirms the role of social work in protecting children and vulnerable adults as well as putting a focus on early intervention and family support. It also sets out a strategy for change to strengthen the support for social workers in the frontline and to improve social work services.

Speaking as he delivered the opening address at a major international child protection conference organised by the British Association for the Study and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (BASPCAN) held at Queen’s University Belfast, Mr Poots said: “Social workers help many vulnerable people in our society to live safer lives. They need our support and they deserve our appreciation. I am delighted to launch this strategy which sets out the direction for social work services for the future in Northern Ireland. It will help improve outcomes for service users, strengthen supports for frontline workers and improve the quality of social work services.”

The Minister spoke of the challenges facing all health and social care workers and the need for reform and modernisation of the system to offer high quality services and to support staff to deliver better outcomes for service users. He said: “Social work in Northern Ireland leads the way in the UK in many areas. This strategy is a further sign of our commitment to the profession and our absolute determination to continue to improve social work services and make sure social workers are equipped and supported to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.”

In addressing the conference, Mr Poots spoke of the importance of a skilled and competent workforce in order to protect children and safeguard vulnerable adults effectively and praised the high quality social work training provided by both universities in Northern Ireland.

The BASPCAN conference brought together delegates to share national and international learning about best practice in child protection services.