This is not about the film of the same title, although Mrs Wilt drools after Harrison Ford. Wilt looks a little like him, although better looking. <Edit note: Mrs Wilt falls off desk chair in howls of laughter and files for divorce on the ground that Wilt is utterly mad>

Anyway……..

Oh what a surprise, not: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/30/114819/Family-Justice-Review-to-examine-role-of-Cafcass.htm

Of course Cafcass is going to be reviewed and it is not going to be a pleasant sight when the knife (or hatchet) blade comes in contact with flesh.

There has to be some kind of Children’s Guardian service but it does not need a Cafcass to run it – Courts or solicitors can do a better job, “cooperatives” (I hear Mrs Wilt shout – she also a Guardian) can also do the job, provided I argue there is some effective accountability professionally for independent Guardians i.e. they are supervised and are not let loose to run around and create havoc (and consequential costs) in the Family and County Court Family Divisions, as they had been hitherto.

The Ivory Towers of some Guardians, some of whom are a positive liability to the welfare of children, is a real and present danger. They utterly lack the skills necessary and are nothing less than armchair social workers who press the remote control buttons, thinking they are doing good – or worse in some cases knowing they are doing no good and simply claim the salary/fees/expenses for doing the minimum possible – and then suddenly realise “oh my Gawd I need to see the child and consult them.”

There are however excellent Guardians, very child focused and very driven to achieve the best for children – what they think is best and what Wilt may think is best may not always be agreed, but at least I respect their commitment and efforts, and indeed sometimes their superiority of argument over Wilt, who generally takes a very pragmatic approach. I have learned an awful lot from colleague Guardians of substance and merit, regrettably  have learned a lot more from Dorks who just happen to have the same title – but learned for the better.

What future then Guardians?

We could become very radical and vest the role back to the Probation Service, as it was pre-Children Act 1989. Perhaps not – these days that service has gone to the wall too!

Whatever, Wilt sees his income stream, in the UK at least, declining as Cafcass (indeed the whole Guardian service) and professional witness scheme feeling the Cameron et al effect on budget reductions. Hopefully it will be the precision of the surgeon’s blade rather than the butcher’s hatchet.

Wilt

Quangoland is today looking over its shoulder to see if Michael Gove or one of his colleagues is approaching them with an axe. See BBC article here:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/politics/10221877.stm

Blooming brilliant – the General Teaching Council for England is as good as gone, although the GTCE seem to want to fight it. Fucking Dorks.

Who next, we wonder? The General Social Care Council must be on the hit list although of course that comes under the Department of Health. Here are a list of ministers: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/MinistersandDepartmentLeaders/Ministers/index.htm

Paul Burstow looks like the kind of man that could have an axe or three tucked up his sleeve. And then of course there are those nice people at Ofsted and indeed that utter mess Cafcass. Ofsted will not disappear but they certainly will be cut back in a way the term “cuts” has never before been used. After all with “people power” and parents running schools, who needs Ofsted inspectors.

Cafcass on the other hand would never be missed, by anyone – least of all children’s guardians and the Courts. Guardians are not needed in every case – indeed in some cases Guardians are simply an obstacle. Actually, some Guardians (like some social workers) are utter fucking Dorks and would not know one end of a child from the other – not unlike some Ofsted inspectors.

Get rid of Cafcass and a huge amount of dosh could be saved – allocate a budget to the Courts and they can determine if a Guardian is needed above and beyond a child’s solicitor. In fact, one could spot purchase the work of a Guardian in the same way as “expert” reports are purchased to address a particular set of questions. That is far more economical and will sort out the wheat from the chaff. They will live or die (professionally) on the basis of competence and not simply because the law says a Guardian must always be appointed or because have to have an overview of the complete case.

Talking of chaff, there are several more quango Wilt would add to the list, but Gove has made an excellent start. Example – the ISA.

Wilt

In a matter close to Wilt’s heart (and his wallet) Community Care report on the fiasco with the LSC (Legal Services Commission). See article here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/05/114425/lawyers-hit-out-at-court-fee-cap-on-social-workers.htm

Another article here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/04/114412/cut-in-independent-court-report-fees-imperil-expert-input.htm

This has been going on for months – it’s an effort to restrict the ever growing public law court costs in child care cases. Essentially reducing the costs paid out in expenses to expert witnesses in preparing reports and in giving expert evidence. However it is restricted to reducing the costs of social workers specifically, as distinct from other experts such as psychologists/psychiatrists etc., etc.

Now Wilt, even though this work is the backbone (although not exclusive) of his business, has mixed feelings.

YES, all budgets need cutting back, and in my opinion far too many experts are engaged and not always successfully, Dr David Southall being a prime example http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8661639.stm

But why single out social work experts? Use them less is my answer, not cap their fees – but of course the LSC aint got any control over that.

And it is true, very experienced and competent experts will simply “fade away” and do something else – no doubt the LSC will have factored that scenario into their equation – I would as a business person, managing a budget.

The overall problem lies with the Children Act. The so called “charter for children” (as it was hailed) was nothing remotely resembling anything concerning children or putting their needs as “paramount.” The pecking order is as follows:

i)             Lawyers

ii)            Children’s guardians

iii)           Expert witnesses

iv)           Parents

v)            Children

Court proceedings involving children is big, big money. Utterly hopeless cases are examined to such a degree that is bewildering – however justice has to be done and be seen to be done, but not before the lawyers, guardians and experts have taken their (several) pounds of flesh in fees, and yes sometimes very high fees – you ever seen a poor solicitor?

If the Act is to do justice to children, it needs a massive overhaul. Do not get me wrong, there are some excellent lawyers, very sound guardians, very competent experts and some brilliant magistrates/judges – between them they resolve some highly complex cases, and in others cut through the crap and get to the point.

Expert social workers are sometimes necessary because, we know, some local authorities (not necessarily their social work staff) are utter crap. But folk can we please also recognise some local authority social workers (because of or despite of their organisation) are experts in their own right – yes there are indeed good social workers, and good organisations. It should not, as is common practice, to require an independent social worker to confirm this.

The simple message is – reduce demand on experts and do not cap fees. How that is done?  Change the legislation.

Community Care reported earlier here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/16/114063/court-fees-insult-to-independent-social-workers.htm

Wilt being both an “expert” witness (I prefer the term professional witness) and Independent Children’s Guardian has some insight into these matters. How many social workers, for Gawd sake, does it take to change a light bulb or indeed resolve a court matter – typically there is the local authority social worker (even several in some cases), possibly an “expert” social worker and then a children’s guardian.

Wilt is of limited ability but even he can count – that accounts for a minimum of three, and very possibly more, social workers per case.

There is already an expert in the proceedings – they are called a Children’s Guardian. Does it really need several more social workers?

Wilt

This a load of tosh, £48 Million is a complete waste as it will not even begin to address any key issues facing frontline or even back office social work – Labour simply rely on the term “frontline” to mask the FACT that whoever wins the election the local authority budget (wherever you live) is going to be utterly slashed – by up to 30%.

See Ed (the fuck head) Balls article here from Community Care: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114067/frontline-social-work-to-be-transformed.htm

He obviously thinks that we are all idiots by thinking we will all jump up and down in delight and pay homage to the fuck head but who in fact cares shit about social care or children.

Extra money for Cafcass – more cash for another waste of space. “Oh it is failing” – let’s throw some money at it! It might help Balls sleep better at night but for certain it aint going to help one little bit anyone else.

Utter twat. He still reminds me of Damien (aka the devil) whenever I see his picture.

Wilt

There are some interesting news items this morning (apart from the no 10 bully).

First, Wilt had to vomit after hearing Ed Ferkin Balls on the radio “spinning” nonsense on sex education. It’s a shame his father/mother failed to use appropriate contraception.

Anyway, it seems Haringey are going to get a improved bill of health as according to Ofsted, those lovely people who first lose files then remarkably discover them again (Sharon Shoesmith) as distinct from a file which they never heard of (Mrs C).

See the article here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/8529249.stm

We are still waiting on the High Court to determine the Shoesmith case – we still predict she will win it and thereafter the GSCC cases against other Haringey staff will fail.

Meanwhile Cafcass are still hitting the headlines here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/8528239.stm and our friends at Wall have this perspective http://wallofbrick.wordpress.com/ and as usual insightful on this issue.

Things aint going to get better soon! One of these days I will give my overview of Cafcass and its roots & recent history. In the mean time things are not looking good for children in Court proceedings for reasons beyond their control – it worked fine when the Probation Service ran the then GaL service.

Regrettably the Children Act 1989, well intentioned, fucked up big time by creating a “charter” for lawyers and some irresponsible and professionally dangerous and unaccountable Guardians (Children’s Guardians) – not as it intended a cross party “charter” for children.

Hence the creation of Cafcass – a similar disaster to creating the GSCC!

Personally I would dismantle both and start again. Both have damaged the social care profession.

And then there is this broadband tax! This is the greatest nonsense invented by some TWAT in Whitehall.

Wilt has the fastest (non-commercial) broadband connection yet available – and you know he had to pay for it, out of his pocket. Personally I find it worth it, others would say I was mad paying out hard earned cash for the benefit.

The BBC article is here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8529015.stm

The Government position:

“Our analysis shows that without intervention, the market will only reach up to 70% of the country, so it’s vital we act now to ensure no area is left behind,” said a spokesman.

“The 50p duty we have proposed is modest, fair and affordable and is the best way to drive further investment in our networks.”

The MPs Committee position:

It [Business Innovation and Skills Committee] also said that it was concerned that government intervention in delivering ultra-fast speeds – known as Next Generation Access – would distort the market and that there was little demand for such services, said the BBC report. It added the Committee said:

“We think the market can be trusted to deliver faster speeds,” committee chairman Peter Luff told BBC News.

“The real priority should be the universal service obligation and the whole effort to increase digital inclusion.”

Let the market decide, I say. If you need it – pay for it yourself. Do not come to me for a sub.

In the mean time Guido Fawkes http://order-order.com/ has observed on the bully story here http://order-order.com/2010/02/22/have-you-dodged-a-nokia/

and further here: http://order-order.com/2010/02/22/mandys-porky/ and here:

http://order-order.com/2010/02/23/anger-management/

Ah well, on with work.

Wilt

You know no sooner do I commend the GSCC but then find another case where they fuck up. It is indicative of the utter mess the GSCC are in – Gawd help us.

This is another REMOVAL of a GSCC imposed Interim Suspension Order, REMOVED sensibly by the Care Standards Tribunal but of course IMPOSED by those nice, idiotic, GSCC  TWATS.

This is the case of Robert Roach aged 66 years – YES SIXTY SIX Years in age. He has effectively retired to all intents and purposes from an unblemished career in social care and acted as a bank worker for Cafcass – big mistake. Cafcass are of course another disaster area, themselves in effect under special measures and thus should enjoy the company of the GSCC.

Roach was involved in a high profile case where (in a Cafcass role) he failed to ensure that a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau or Police National Computer Check) was not completed, although indicated in his report to the Family Proceedings Court that it had. The intended CRB check on a father would not have indicated a problem with him having contact with his children, but when he did (father) killed his two children and himself.

That is serious headline stuff and Wilt has been involved in similar risky assessments for Courts but has ensured, “belt and braces” fashion, that at least the “basics” were in place before concluding the assessment – the basics are the easy stuff, but even Wilt (nor others) can predict the madness of someone such as the father in this case.  We work in a risky business, for Gawd sake and mostly we get it right and sometimes we get it wrong, and sometimes it is just simply not within the reasonable efforts of the best professionals to predict a major catastrophe – one can only imagine Roach suffered enough in his nightmares of “what ifs “ and inevitably the survivor complex of guilt – not that he was guilty, it was the deranged (what else is it other than evil) actions of the father. His children had no choice to live or die. Their mother had no choice but to be deeply bereaved and rightly angry – what is that to do with Roach and his “Conduct” as a professional?

Well the GSCC felt it was relevant, and it is in part inferred by the CST and one can surmise based on hitherto actions of the GSCC intended, as it were , an easy “cull” to satisfy the bloodthirsty tabloids. This is despite the fact that Cafcass did not sack him but Roach then decided enough is enough, I am getting out of here – he was remember by this stage already retired and drawing (or near drawing) his well earned OAP pension. This is an elderly (middle aged by today’s standards – and we hope fit), highly experienced and valued professional. What were the GSCC doing?

Obviously trying to be seen as the upholders of social care standards – not it seems by the standards applied to this case. See it here: http://www.carestandardstribunal.gov.uk/Public/View.aspx?ID=1062

I really do wonder about the “moral compass” (as Gordon refers to) and competence of these people at the GSCC. Rather than uphold standards and the confidence in the profession, they seem time and time again (with some exceptions) to simply destroy it – so it can be seen as Mr Terminator in the eyes of fools like Balls and the tabloid press. “Oh look”, says frilly dress “pin up lass” Chairman of the GSCC, “we know how to fuck social workers.” At least I hope that is what she might say, but alas nothing close to it will ever emerge – it’s all “problem, what problem” for that TWAT.

What a firkin mess at the GSCC.

Wilt

These are the search terms resulting in hits on regulator watch, as of 15 October. Unless otherwise indicated it is one single search term:

regulator watch wilt (47 times)

regulatorwatch wilt (7 times)

wilt on csci (3 times)

regulatorwatch.co.uk (3 times)

gscc fucked (2 times)

cafcass conservatives (2 times)

eleni cordingley (2 times)

tax payers alliance and cafcass (2 times)

robin weekes gscc (2 times)

gscc incompetence (2 times)

rod ryall (2 times)

care standards tribunal decision in the case of tony williams & the gscc (2 times)

www.regulatorwatch.co.uk (2 times)

john hemming cafcass (2 times)

london metropolitan university complaints

wilt community care the purpose of fish

sssc disciplined

dr rod ryall

cuts in cafcass

cafcass cuts

wilt regulator watch

redundancy cafcass

regulator watch social care

mike wardle gscc

scie quango social care institute for excellence

care standards tribunal gscc v tony williams

regulatorwatch

boris Johnson

hilton dawson

bbc iplayer question time 15/10/0910

lorraine brimelow

rod ryall Calderdale

rod ryall scout

wilt community care october 200910

rgulator watch wilt

www.regulatorwatch.co.uk

local government pensions bbc

cafcass wasting government money

Another good blog, see here: http://wallofbrick.wordpress.com/

“Wall” is another social care blogging site. Will be added to our “sites we like to visit.”

Excellent.

Wilt

It seems the beginning of government cut backs have begun. See the community care article here:

http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/25/112686/cafcass-cuts-jobs-to-tackle-post-baby-p-budget-crisis.html

And this will only be the beginning – local authority cuts will be made too, and inevitably there will be numerous Whitehall losses. Not a bad thing, but obviously traumatic for those involved, except of course for those who crave a redundancy and/or early retirement package.

When you think about it, do we still need CAFCASS (putting children first in family courts) <mmmmmmm>.Children are represented by solicitors – do they really need a social worker independently appointed too – assuming you can find one?

Wilt thinks not, or at least not always. And Wilt has acted as a Guardian, before some nerd thinks Wilt should know better. So Wilt suggests getting rid of CAFCASS, the end of another error.

All the Courts need to do, as they do frequently anyway, is appoint an “expert” of some description as and when absolutely necessary to assist the child’s solicitor or to independently advise the Court. Simple!

Just think of the financial savings. Blimey, the economy could be saved a major burden.

In addition, just think of all those unemployed children’s guardians who could be available to front line social work – ok they may not be keen on that, indeed it is probably true that some of them will be a total liability and outright dangerous – but hey what, it would swell the ranks and put bums on seats. The right bums, willing bums, probably not in all cases – becoming a children’s guardian is after all about not being accountable or having to put up with the shit of daily toil in the front office.

Just imagine Anthony Douglas at the local office of XYZ Council taking a call from a service user and saying, ‘how can I not help you.’ Fucking brilliant, and far better use of my tax money.

All we then need is to disband the GSCC and the workforce can feel safe again. At this rate I am going to have to form the Wilt Party and stand for election – its rally call will be ‘Fuck the Quango – do some proper work, Dorks.’

Have I already said Ed Balls is a twat?

‘And what relevance is that’ someone asks Wilt?

Answer: ‘well nothing at all, but a smile comes to my face just saying it.’ Bloody marvellous!

Mmmmmmm.

Wilt