Debate contribution: Social Workers: Safeguarding, Early Intervention and Family Support
Debate contribution by Mr Mike Nesbitt on .
- MLA
- Mr Mike Nesbitt
- Party at the time
- Ulster Unionist Party
- Date
- 29 June 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Social Workers: Safeguarding, Early Intervention and Family Support
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5644859
Read the official Assembly record
Text
The role played by social workers in delivering safeguarding and family support interventions is complex and challenging. The work frequently pivots on multidisciplinary collaboration, with parents and carers positioned as partners in the formulation and delivery of safeguarding and support plans. Their work ensures that concerns are identified early; that interventions are proportionate and specifically focused on identified need; and that a correct balance is struck between respecting the role of parents and ensuring that children are protected from harm. The independent review of children's social care services led by Professor Ray Jones reinforced our understanding of the wider systemic and structural challenges faced by social workers and other professionals working in the area. Twenty-five of the review recommendations are being progressed by the reform programme, including recommendations to improve support for families at an earlier stage as an alternative to high levels of protection activity by the trusts.
149 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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