The government’s response to radical plans to reform Northern Ireland’s mental health and learning difficulties services has disappointed the sectors. Mithran Samuel reports
Posted: 09 November 2006 | Full ArticleNorthern Ireland’s health minister announced a major overhaul of the province’s mental health and learning difficulties services this week. Paul Goggins’ announcement comes on the back of four years of work by a government-commissioned review, which will continue into next year.
Posted: 03 November 2006 | Full ArticleThe health minister for Northern Ireland has promised major reform of the country’s “outdated” mental health and learning difficulties services.
Posted: 02 November 2006 | Full ArticleOnce regarded as a model for the UK to follow, the system of integrated health and social services in Northern Ireland is to be completely rebuilt. Directors and managers see some advantages but others aren’t so sure, reports David Callaghan
Posted: 26 October 2006 | Full ArticleThe government’s new Options for Excellence report flags up the need for a proper definition of social work. Here, Malcolm Payne offers a few thoughts of his own
Posted: 26 October 2006 | Full Article"Cameron's words could signal a major break from the "hang 'em, flog 'em" Tory tradition. What is of concern is how he proposes to improve the situation"
Posted: 20 July 2006 | Full ArticleOne of our team of practitioner columnists gives his take on whether the UK has become more classless
Posted: 06 July 2006 | Full ArticleThe chair of the Youth Justice Board has accused the government of failing to act on its rhetoric about using restorative justice schemes for young offenders.
A charity plans to sue an NHS trust alleging it has failed to cover the costs of running five residential care homes, in a case that could set an important precedent.
Posted: 30 March 2006 | Full ArticleNorthern Ireland children's commissioner Nigel Williams died yesterday at home, his office has announced. He was diagnosed with cancer two years ago.
Posted: 28 March 2006 | Full ArticleA single safeguarding children board for Northern Ireland is to be set up to co-ordinate efforts to protect children.
Posted: 23 March 2006 | Full ArticleAsylum seekers and failed asylum seekers in Northern Ireland could lose contact with lawyers and their support networks, it is feared.
Foster carers in Northern Ireland receive allowances below recommended levels, research has found.
As social workers, we can learn much from books and films but downmarket TV shows can be instructive too, writes Helen Bonnick
Posted: 05 January 2006 | Full ArticleCampaigners have welcomed David Bell as the new top civil servant at the Department for Education and Skills.
Posted: 05 January 2006 | Full ArticleRoger Singleton, who recently retired as chief executive of children's charity Barnardo's, was awarded a knighthood for services to children in the new year honours.
Northern Ireland's social services face a major overhaul under plans unveiled last week.
"Identification with the unelected monarchy is at odds with some of the values implicit in social welfare"
Posted: 17 November 2005 | Full Article