The Role of a Health and Social Worker

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Roles and Responsibilities 3 INTRODUCTION 3.1 Although parents have the primary responsibility for safeguarding their children, statutory and voluntary agencies, relatives, friends and neighbours also have responsibilities. Everyone can help to safeguard children if they are alert to children’s needs, and willing and able to act if they have concerns about their welfare. This chapter describes the roles and responsibilities of agencies, professionals, and the community, in child protection. Awareness and appreciation of each other’s roles is essential for effective co-operation. Joint working should extend across the planning, management, provision and delivery of services. H E A LT H A N D S O C I A L S E R V I C E S B O A R D S 3.2 Health and Social Services Boards (HSS Boards), in consultation with other agencies, have a duty to assess the requirement for, and plan services for children in need as a whole (Children’s Services Plans). Boards also have the lead responsibility for the establishment and effective functioning of Area Child Protection Committees (ACPC’s) - the multi-agency committee which acts as a focal point for local co-operation specifically to safeguard children considered to be at risk of significant harm (see Chapter 4). H E A LT H A N D S O C I A L S E R V I C E S T R U S T S 3.3 Where parents are unable to discharge their responsibility for their children adequately, the child’s welfare becomes the corporate responsibility of the relevant Health and Social Services Trust (HSS Trust). The Trust should work in partnership with other public agencies, the voluntary sector and, where it does not compromise the well-being of children, with their parents. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES BOARDS AND TRUSTS 3.4 3.5 16 On appointment a Director of a Health and
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