Joint work with Leith SWC

This project aims to improve the service to children and families by developing a joint service delivery model of practice between MCFB and the Leith Children and Families Team (City of Edinburgh Council). This approach combines experience in the delivery of statutory social work services with experience in working with diversity (particularly with black and ethnic minority communities).

A further aim was to increase the number, diversity and quality of practice learning opportunities for social work students undertaking the new degree course.

Historically there has been has been perceived to be a "gulf" between the statutory and voluntary sectors. The project offers a way of bridging this gulf while retaining the unique aspects of each, and preserving participating agencies' autonomy.

Since the start of the project in October 2006, the majority of students at Multi Cultural Family Base have benefited from being able to access work from the Leith Children and Families Team and many children and their families have received a high quality service that, due to resource constraints, may otherwise have been significantly limited or unavailable.

This work included:

• Participating in Children's Hearings, child protection case conferences and other formal meetings.
• Preparation of Social Background and other reports for the Reporter to the Children's Hearing.
• Assessment reports for children affected by disability.
• Direct family work on behalf of Leith Children and Families Team.
• Participation in the duty/intake work of the team.

Initial feedback from the students has been very positive, as is that from Joyce Wood, Practice Team Manager, Leith Children and Families Team (pictured). Practice teachers and tutors have also commented on the usefulness of this post to their students' learning and development.

Feedback from service users has been very positive with both parents and children commenting on the high level of support they have received.

The project offers a much greater range of practice learning opportunities than usual to social work students. As a consequence, they are able to develop a much fuller range of social work skills, applicable to all employment sectors.

This new post has been a valuable addition to both Multi-Cultural Family Base and Leith Children and Families Team and has enabled a number of children and their families to receive a better, more integrated service while significantly enhancing the learning and experience of a considerable number of social work students.

For further information please contact Janice Gammie at MCFB

Progress Report

© 2008 MCFB

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