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2008-09 Scottish Crime & Justice Survey: Drug Use
The Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2008-09 first findings have been published; to view their findings on drug use within the survey follow this link: www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/
UK Alcohol Related Deaths Rise
The Office for National Statistics has released a statistical bulletin outlining deaths relating to alcohol in the UK from 1991 – 2008. Rates have doubled since the early 1990’s from 6.7% per 100,000 of the population to 13.6%. 2008 also saw an increase in the number of alcohol related deaths from 9,031 to 8,724. With regard to gender female deaths appear to have remained stable, however male deaths continued to increase and have doubled since 1992 from 9.1% per 100,000 of the population to 18.7%. To View the whole statistical bulletin
Local Government Association Predict Rise in Court Applications
The Local Government Association (LGA) is predicting a 32% rise in court applications based on figures from CAFCASS surrounding the rise in referrals. This prediction will equate to an extra £39m in preparation, support and the court proceedings. The number of children entering local authority care rose 9% in 2008 to 2009 and is expected to see a bigger rise this year.
Councillor Shireen Ritchie, who chairs the LGA's Children and Young People Board, said: “The system which looks after children in care is feeling the strain – it was never designed to deal with the increase in numbers which we have experienced in the last year.
“There is no question of money being a factor in deciding how a vulnerable child is cared for. Wherever a child is identified as being in danger, councils and the courts will take them out of the family home if that is the best way of protecting them.
“It would be wrong to pretend that there is no cost involved in the changing attitudes to child protection. There is a price to be paid, particularly if it means a reduction in the help and support councils can offer to other families.
“There have been well-publicised arguments about whether social services should step in sooner and more frequently where children are thought to be at risk. If it is decided that, as a nation, we must play a bigger role in how families raise their children there will have to be a debate about how to fund and manage a system which can do this properly.”
View the LGA press release
Wales Innovation Award 2009
In early December, our laboratory was awarded the Wales Quality Centr's Innovation Award 2009. The award ceremony took place Cardiff City Hall in December and was hosted by Lucy Owen from BBC Wales.
The award marks the third accolade our laboratory has achieved in three years, in addition to the Welsh Small Business of the Year award in 2007, and The Queen's Award for Enterprise in Innovation in 2008.
Innovation is essential to any business and we are pleased to be recognised as one of Wales' most innovative organisations.
Social Work Taskforce Publish their Final Report
The final report has been published outlining fifteen recommendations to improve both social work and the public's understanding of social work. All of the recommendations have been accepted by the Government and a new board - the Social Work Reform Board - has been established to implement the recommendations alongside the Government.
View the whole report