FIX 5: Lib Dems propose extra money to solve Child Social worker crisis

8.04.24am GMT Thu 26th Feb 2009

The Liberal Democrats have yesterday proposed extra money to retain social workers but were rebuffed by the Conservative Group who refused to recognise the unworkable size of the caseloads currently experienced by the county's social workers.

Aislinn Lee, liberal Democrat spokesperson on children's services, said: 'If we are to be confident that we are doing all we can to protect our most vulnerable children from harm we must reduce these caseloads now. On top of this far too many social workers are inexperienced: only half the social workers have been qualified for more than one year. We need to retain good staff and increase the numbers of qualified social workers available.

'Cheese-paring in this area carries an enormous risk. The Tories are playing with the lives of vulnerable children.'