At the Nagalro AGM in London on 3 October 2011 members expressed frustration and concern about social work expertise that benefits vulnerable children being lost to courts. Despite the message of the Munro review social work is being devalued within court proceedings where crucial decisions are made about children's futures. Such vital decisions really need skilled and expert advice from the most experienced social workers who are being driven away from this work.
The following resolution was unanimously carried:
This AGM calls on the Government to:
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(a) undertake an urgent review of the position and contribution of Independent Social Work expert witnesses in the family courts.
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(b) expedite an impact assessment of the consequences for children and families of the disproportionate cuts in ISW fees relative to all other experts.
Nagalro AGM on 3 October 2011