Journalist calls for independent investigation into social services' safeguarding

LCN Journalist Dwayne Hards has expressed his concerns regarding potentially"over-the-top" involvement of social workers across the UK.

Copyright: Dwayne Hards.

Social workers can be helpful and protect genuinely at-risk children but have also been known to overstep the line of safeguarding into bullying when they become aware of common behaviours — like consensual relationships, sexting, and using marijuana — of their younger clients. And, while technically offences, public services — including the police, CPS, and Judiciary — have no interest in criminalising young people without good reason. Yet, some social workers instantly jump to unrealistic conclusions that often do more harm than good to their clients and those around them despite there often being no immediate risk of harm.

An independent investigation could help ensure that all social workers have been trained well and are treating their clients equally and with respect and dignity. It would also hold the bad to account while keeping genuine support workers' reputation stronger than before, and this could be an effective step towards rebuilding the public's trust in local authorities and our public services.

The message is clear: I support the genuine work of those trying to make a difference but will never justify the actions of the ones doing avoidable harm to their clients.