The huge strain placed on social work services in Dumfries and Galloway during the pandemic is set to continue in its aftermath, the council’s social work boss has warned.
Lillian Cringles has given frequent updates about the increased workloads, staffing problems and financial shortfalls her department has faced because of the Covid crisis.
While restrictions across the country were eased this week, she insisted that the pressures of delivering key social work services, including foster care and looking after vulnerable adults, are not easing.
In her annual review for 2020/21 for next Tuesday’s social work committee she wrote: “This report reflects on some of the challenges we have faced in continuing to deliver a social work service whilst dealing with the ongoing global pandemic.
“As we continue to respond and deal with the aftermath of the pandemic, the challenges for social work will be significant.
“The evidence suggests that there will continue to be an increased demand for services which will place a significant strain on staff and resources.”
With two months still remaining in this financial year, the report provides a breakdown of figures.
The department handled 81,010 calls – the equivalent to 222 per day.
A total of 14,436 calls were received out of hours – which equates to 40 per day. These calls progressed to 5,375 social work case referrals and led to 273 callouts.
Meanwhile, the total number of referrals for support for adults, families and children was 22,217.
That was a five per cent increase on the previous year and the report adds: “The active workload across the service reflects a significant increase as we focused on ensuring that those already known to the service were supported to manage the changing situation and their concern about the impact of the virus as well as dealt with people through shielding and test and protect support making contact for the first time.”
The council’s ongoing struggle to provide enough foster homes, which is currently being addressed by increased remuneration, was also highlighted. As of March 31, 2021, there were 315 children in care, 71 foster households, 20 emergency transfers of children, and eight children were adopted.
