Chief Social Work Officer Update
I hope you find the service bulletins we are providing helpful and provide you with answers to the many questions you may have during these extremely challenging times
We are now well into the dealing with COVID-19 and the impact for Social work services in delivering our statutory duties.
In some ways it will feel different for you as a member of the Social work service staff, who are working during these very challenging times. As you are aware there has been changes in the legislation which governs our service delivery, bringing new responsibilities as we tackle new risks However in some ways much remains the same. Social Work staff are still out in communities dealing with issues of public protection, assessment, review and working closely with all partners to meet the ongoing crisis within our communities.
We are and will continue to be the services within the local authority that remains at the front line of the COVID-19 response twenty-four seven. This is alongside our ongoing duty of managing risk and protecting the most vulnerable within our region.
The way in which you have responded to this current situation and your commitment to your service in meeting the demand has been second to none and you should all be rightly and extremely proud of yourself I know I am as the Chief Social work officer.
We are unsure how long we will be in this period of response; however, I am confident that, however long this takes, Social work Services in Dumfries and Galloway have the commitment and skills to meet the demand.
I thank you all
Lillian
Thanks given to staff of the Leaving Care Team
Throughout COVID-19 our Social Workers continue to deliver front line support to those in need. One of our service users contacted the Leaving Care Team to thank them for their support and helping to turn their life around. The service user has been accepted for college and is looking forward to the future. This really shows the positive impact that Social Work have on people’s lives and how grateful service users are for the support they receive.
Criminal Justice Social Work Reports Procedure
Stranraer Sherriff Court is currently closed so all Court matters are being heard at Dumfries Sheriff Court. All cases are being administratively continued and Justice Social Work do not have access to the Court. Requests for Criminal Justice Social Work Reports will be sent electronically to Justice Social Work and the completion timescales will be different to normal circumstances: 4, 6 and 8 weeks. The length of deferment will be decided by the Sheriff based upon the complexity of the case. The court will provide Justice Social Work with complaint details and contact telephone details of the service user.
We Need You!
We want to highlight the extremely challenging circumstances we are facing and the efforts of our dedicated staff which have supported the public in many ways.
We are looking for front line staff to record a 30-90 second video or audio clip that covers the following
- Who you are – your name and job role
- What you do – how have you been involved in your services response to Covid-19
Staff should feel comfortable to use examples of their experience, or those of colleagues within their department or service.
We are also looking for people who have received a service to share their experience in a 30-90 second video or audio clip, or written submission that covers the following
- Who they are – their name and the service, group or activity they’ve used
- What difference it’s made – how has it impacted on them?
Information on the work you have done can be shared in any way that you prefer, you can write about your work and share photos if you prefer. Previously we have shared positive feedback from a service user leaving care and one who received a food parcel through our shielding team.
If you have anything you would like to share, please send this to jamie.shankly@dumgal.gov.uk or heather.carnochan@dumgal.gov.uk
 Shielding Team Update
Our shielding team continue to work hard, ensuring that vulnerable people across the region who are self-isolating continue to receive the supplies they need. To date, this team of 20 staff have contacted over 1700 individuals. Many of these people already have support in place but for those who don’t the team organise help such as food parcels, medication supplies or dog walking. Another five members of staff from various Council services will be joining the team at Irish Street to support this vital work. Some staff have also set up a base in Annan Town Hall and help with shielding from there, they are pictured below happy to be helping!
Unpaid Workers
With the Coronavirus Scotland Act now in place, a 12-month extension can be given to all Unpaid Work Orders, allowing individuals more time to complete their orders. All individuals must be written to, to notify them of the 12-month extension
Her Majesty’s Prison Dumfries
The Scottish Prison Service have now suspended all Home Leave for prisoners, and Risk Management meetings until further notice. This means there will be no HLR1 requests or HLR reviews for the time being. However, the Scottish Government recently passed emergency legislation that paves the way for the early release of prisoners. Justice Social Work may therefore be required to undertake Home Detention Curfew Assessments. This will be managed by the Scottish Prison Service and accordingly to their criteria.
Interviews for Home Background Reports should be completed by telephone contact and/or a video link, wherever possible. However, it is acknowledged that workers may require additional information for complex assessments, and in extreme circumstances may be required to visit a property to clarify specific details. Workers should consult with their Line Manager before taking such action.
The Social Work office remains open at Her Majesty’s Prison Dumfries, staff are accessing the office on a rota basis. If you have any enquiries direct them to PrisonEnquiries@dumgal.gov.uk and we will endeavour to respond as quickly as possible.
Her Majesty’s Prison Dumfries remand reports can be facilitated via a telephone call or video link, workers should contact Jordan or Nicola on 01387 274654, and they will facilitate arrangements. The contact number for the teleconference suite is 01387 274620. If the case is complex and requires a face to face interview the Scottish Prison Service will facilitate a meeting. Please note that all face to face activities must be approved by a senior social worker.
Domestic Abuse Campaign
The Scottish Government’s new Domestic Abuse Campaign started on the 10 April to encourage victims to come forward for support. Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/news/supporting-domestic-abuse-victims/
There are also local organisations who can support women and children who are victims of domestic abuse.
Dumfriesshire and Stewarty Women’s Aid: 01387 263052 / 07710 152 772 (24hr)
Wigtownshire Women’s Aid: 01776 703104 (24hr on call)
 Get Help or Get Caught Campaign
New Police Scotland CSE campaign entitled ‘Get Help or Get Caught’ commences Tuesday 14 April 2020 and will run for 4 weeks. The key aim of this campaign is to identify and deter those individuals who pose a risk to children online.
The campaign will specifically target perpetrators, challenge their behaviour and signpost them to relevant support pathways through our partners, in an effort to prevent offending.
The aim of the campaign is to reduce online offending in relation to child sexual abuse, by challenging perpetrator behaviour and increasing engagement with third sector support agencies such as Stop It Now! Scotland and Barnardo’s.
Further info available online via the Police Scotland website:
https://www.scotland.police.uk/whats-happening/campaigns/2020/child-sexual-abuse/our-campaign
Personal Protective Equipment
Health Protection Scotland have created four simple posters, highlighting what PPE is needed when caring for people in particular situations. An example is shown below, demonstrating what should be worn when caring for someone in a community setting with no suspected Covid-19.
 This poster, and the three others can be found by following this link: https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/web-resources-container/personal-protective-equipment-ppe-posters-a4/
 
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