24-hour social work cover faces delay over talks

ROUND-THE-CLOCK social work cover for children at risk and families in crisis is unlikely to be implemented this year due to the slow progress of talks between the HSE and unions and the knock-on effects of the HSE recruitment freeze.

That’s despite a working group, tasked with examining the feasibility of 24-hour cover more than two years ago, presented its recommendations to the HSE seven months ago.

The lack of 24-hour social worker availability was highlighted in recent years when it emerged troubled parents had tried to access help or that the health authorities had been informed of a risk, only to be told social workers are only available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, in most areas of the country.