| UNISON City of Edinburgh Branch |
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13 February 2001 Edinburgh council budget must address children services crisisThe City of Edinburgh Council cannot meet its pledges under the Edinburgh Inquiry unless it puts more money into childrens services at its budget meeting on 15 February, says UNISON. While the union is hoping that not all of the proposed £6.5 million cut in the Social Work budget will go through, it has slammed the annual threat to childrens centres. It has also demanded an increase in residential places for young people. "Childrens Centres are the only preventative measure social workers have to support young children and their families in the community. Three have been closed and three more earmarked for closure this year. We hope that can be avoided but since this crops up every year, there is massive uncertainty in the service for parents and staff. The council must come up with a long terms commitment to this service", said John Stevenson, spokesperson for UNISON's City of Edinburgh Branch. Abuse Inquiry "The Edinburgh Inquiry into abuse in childrens homes demanded more resources to allow young peoples units to hold vacancies (Recommendation 4). This was so there could be an active and 'positive' choice in placement. Despite accepting this, the Council has consistently cut the number of beds. Some young people at risk are waiting weeks for aplace, and then getting the first available rather than the 'matching' that the inquiry envisaged", added Mr Stevenson. "This means inappropriate placements and intolerable stresses on staff. With children at home who should be in care, we fear there is a tragedy waiting to happen". |
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