[Commander]

I just read an article that makes grim reading.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...es-reveal.html

This is not acceptable in a modern society.

[*_ash_*]

Originally Posted by Commander

I just read an article that makes grim reading.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...es-reveal.html

This is not acceptable in a modern society.

Social services always seem to be in the first line of these stories.

Are they always to blame for bad parenting?

[Ms Macbeth]

Originally Posted by *_ash_*

Social services always seem to be in the first line of these stories.

Are they always to blame for bad parenting?

Social workers are damned if they do and damned if they don't. They don't get it right all the time, and some really shouldn't be in the job. But then again, who wants a job that involves visiting homes where they might be subject to violence? Perhaps social workers should have a team of minders, so that they don't feel intimidated by some of the 'parents' they have to deal with.

Too many people who don't understand the first thing about parenting produce children. Things that most parents understand, like: its a long term commitment; babies are demanding; parenting is about nurture and discipline, but in the right measure.

So no Ash, IMO they're not to blame for bad parenting, the parents generally are, but many of them will have experienced little 'parenting' themselves.

[Mathom]

Did you know Health Visitors no longer call round to parents' homes? You take the baby into a centre to be seen. While I can see that sending HVs out to homes on a monthly or bi-monthly basis would be very expensive, it's quite shocking that they don't do this as they'd probably be better able to spot potential risky family environments and flag them up. As it is, children at risk are never spotted because nobody sees them at home!

[Heyesey]

Originally Posted by Mathom

Did you know Health Visitors no longer call round to parents' homes?

Aren't they they same ones who got vilified for interfering with people's private lives by insisting on going to their houses?

[Mathom]

Originally Posted by Heyesey

Aren't they they same ones who got vilified for interfering with people's private lives by insisting on going to their houses?

Hmmm, turning up unannounced would be classed as 'interfering', but setting an appointment wouldn't be. And it would also make life much, much easier for new parents, rather than having to trek to a clinic with a new baby. It does depend on training HVs to see past things like a scruffy house (which can just mean either poverty, lack of space or simple tiredness) and look for other 'signs' though.

[Heyesey]

Originally Posted by Mathom

Hmmm, turning up unannounced would be classed as 'interfering', but setting an appointment wouldn't be.

As I recall, it WAS.

I may be thinking of other social workers, though; but the point stands. They're either accused of interfering with people's private lives, or crucified for not interfering with people's private lives when some poor child carks it.

[Petrol Girl]

Originally Posted by Heyesey

As I recall, it WAS.

I may be thinking of other social workers, though; but the point stands. They're either accused of interfering with people's private lives, or crucified for not interfering with people's private lives when some poor child carks it.

Those damned Liberal Lefties again

[Mathom]

Originally Posted by Heyesey

As I recall, it WAS.

I may be thinking of other social workers, though; but the point stands. They're either accused of interfering with people's private lives, or crucified for not interfering with people's private lives when some poor child carks it.

I know Social Workers do make unannounced visits. They obviously have to as they often are trying to build cases.

But I'd certainly have no objection to having the HV call round! It's a total pain in the backside having to trek to a health centre to see one and then fuss around undressing a baby in less than hygienic surroundings. You are also made to feel like you must rush as there are dozens of other people waiting outside and it makes it difficult to ask questions or for advice.

It does make me wonder what sort of people were objecting to home visits?

[*_ash_*]

Originally Posted by Ms Macbeth

So no Ash, IMO they're not to blame for bad parenting, the parents generally are, but many of them will have experienced little 'parenting' themselves.

I did mean that I don't think that they are to blame, which was why I put the '' smiley on.