Social Work Law

Social Work Law
Identify the appropriate legislation within the Children Act 1989 which relates to the case scenario.

Identify what duties, powers and principles are relevant.

Critically explore the full range of options which might be available to the out reach worker and Social services.
Practice Scenario one- Children at risk (seen question)

Clare has used drugs from the age of 16/17 years. Her lifestyle was chaotic and nomadic. She drifted from friend to friend often sleeping on the floor. At the age of 20 years Clare had a baby. The father has no contact. Her prenatal care was sporadic as she often missed appointments. Although she stated she was no longer taking drugs health staff were suspicious and referrals were made to Children’s Services. Clare was given assistance to find a flat. She did make preparations for the baby and re-established contact with her parents. Clare was encouraged to attend classes and courses available through the Health Authority and Sure Start.
When the baby, a boy Liam was born she was discharged home with him. Initially Clare managed well with support from her mother, a community support worker and health visitor. Liam was a fretful baby and Clare began to leave him with her mother for increasingly long periods of time. When her mother refused to have him Clare began to invite friends into her home. It became apparent that these friends were using Clare’s home to take drugs; there was paraphernalia left lying about and Clare became increasingly careless about this. Clare’s mother took Liam away from the flat while the social worker attempted to address concerns with Clare. After a period of 6 months there had been no change in Clare’s behaviour or lifestyle. She no longer visited her son. Clare’s mother applied for a Residence Order and this was granted. Liam now aged 8 years continues to live with his grandparents.
Aged 25 years Clare began a relationship with Peter. They were both drug users. They met in a rehabilitation centre and supported each other through the rehabilitation programme and transition back to the community. They obtained the tenancy of a flat away from previous friends and remained drug free. Clare became pregnant Justine was born, a healthy baby and was discharged home to the care of her parents. Justine’s care was monitored by the Health Visitor. She continued to thrive and Clare’s care of her was consistent.
When Justine was 3 years old Peter lost his job. He became depressed and began to go out for long periods of time. He became increasingly disinterested in his home and family. Clare suspected he was using drugs again. After 4 months her suspicions were confirmed and Peter was becoming increasingly short tempered with Justine and often abusive towards Clare. After a particularly violent outburst in which Clare was injured and that Justine had observed, Clare left, taking Justine with her and moved to a different area. She has a Local Authority rented flat and is unemployed. The flat is on quite a rundown estate with few facilities for young families.
Justine began attending the local Sure Start nursery. She attends for 3 half days per week. Her appearance has been deteriorating over the last three months to such an extent that staff have been concerned and other children are complaining that she smells. On two occasions last week she asked staff for something to eat as soon as she arrived, saying mummy had no food left for her. She is quite clingy to her key worker. The outreach worker has been to the house and found that there was very little furniture, or toys. Clare says the washing machine broke down and she has been washing Justine’s clothes in the bath but finds it difficult to get them dry. She feels exhausted all the time but is not sleeping well. She wonders if she is depressed and says it is a big effort to play with Justine who seems to her to demand a lot of attention. She is fed up at being stuck at home and would like a better place and to be able to get a better life for herself. Clare says she dare not ask her mother for help because of all the trouble in the past. Claire also stated that Peter is trying to re-establish contact with Justine, saying that he has changed and wants to see his daughter.
Recent Events
The outreach worker has contacted social services, Justine has not attended nursery for the past two weeks. She has tried to contact Claire on a number of occasions but has not been able to make contact. Today she went around to the flat and Justine answered the door, Claire was not at home and she was not sure when she would be back. Justine was frightened and said that she was hungry.
Answer :
Identify the appropriate legislation within the Children Act 1989 which relates to the case scenario.
Identify what duties, powers and principles are relevant.
Critically explore the full range of options which might be available to the out reach worker and Social services.
50% of the total mark.
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