Why?
Although continuity of social worker was much higher than in the Bright Spots comparator group, and children and young people found it easier to get in touch with their social worker, this did not translate into increased trust of social workers, and some comments indicated that relationships with social workers could be improved.
What?
Following this, Aberdeenshire undertook a comprehensive audit of visits to looked after children and young people by their social workers, and identified a number of areas of improvement activity which have been progressed within the service. This was also included in the fostering review, looking at children’s experiences and what could be improved.
What difference did it make?
Feedback was provided to practitioners following the audit. This is included reminder and use of the coming into care checklist, gathering the views directly from young people on what could be improved. Aberdeenshire updated their ‘accommodating a child’ guidance for staff and placed emphasis on trauma informed practice to improve relationships.
Their World Social Work Day in 2024 also focused on restorative practice and how they develop relationships. The feedback has been shared widely into further learning with the well-being team on direct practice, life story and understanding children with trauma sessions. All line managers also undertook trauma informed supervision training to promote further reflection by staff and discussion in supervision.