A poster on another thread posted that she thought that the Social Services were a "Necessary Evil". I have posted a link to this thread as we are used to discussing the Social Services and I did not want to detract from the discussion on that thread.
Unfortunately the poster is correct. but only partially in my view, and I should like to know your views?
The Social Services are Necessary. Child abuse DOES exist, and to say it does not, to me is plain silly. So, we do need a Social Services dept. However, I feel it was not fair on all the good social workers to describe them as "evil", and I am certain that it was not meant in this way. But it was just used as a 'turn of phrase'.
Putting MSbP asside for one moment...I think we have to accept that we do need social workers, however, I do think that something has gone wrong with the system when we start viewing them all as a threat. If I am truthful I think of them in this way and as people to be avoided, but then I guess I have 'cause' to think of them like this. It did make me wonder though, and want to put the question to you, "In light of recent press coverage, mis-carriages of justice etc. do you trust social workers?"
They seem to have a very difficult job, no one likes having their personal lives intruded into and yet they are there to protect our children.
I have recently read a lot of damning reports about SW's and I certainly have no reason to trust them, but I do think that they are necessary. I wondered how people in general feel about SW's, because I realise that my view is biased and no matter how hard I tried to change it, deep down I would still feel mistrust and yes, that they were 'evil'. I know my attitude is wrong, but I do not know if I am alone thinking this, along with other mothers who have been 'falsely accused'. So, what I would like to know is, "do you trust Social Workers" as individuals or is it the system they work in that you do not trust and consider them as "evil" because of this system rather than the people that they are"?
Does this make sense to anyone? or am I off on one of my tangents?
Next comes the harder question.....If it is the system that is at fault, and we agree (do we?)that we need a Social Services dept. How can we make it work for us, to protect our children, and make it 'user friendly' so we are not afraid to contact them if a child were say in danger or at risk? Or, is it Bunglie making too much of an innocent remark? And you would have no problem contacting them, talking to them and find them 'user friendly' already?
Finally I would like to thank the poster for making this comment because it has made me think. I hope that she does not take my views of her comment as being critical, that is NOT my intention, but it did set me wondering if we are blaming the social servises, who seem to get the 'dirty work', for a lot when we do actually need them to help us in so many other ways.
Do you understand what I mean? If so what are your thoughts and views? If you do think it is the system rather than the individual social workers is there an answer? Or should I get back to 'snail hunting' and forget about little things like this?
Please don't worry about offending me, I am still on cloud nine as my ds contacted me. I still need your advice regarding my ds and something else, which is a bit more 'legal' so any of you solicitors out there I would appreciate your advice but I will post again when I have come back down to earth and I have my head screwed on the right way around!
Love to all, and thank you to the MNer who made me realise that I WAS clumping all SW's together as an "evil lot of busybodies"!
Bunglie XX
PS might not be on line too much this weekend I have just ordered some Ben and Jerries Choc, Chip flavour etc. Tesco's are doing a special offer of 2 tubs for £5....So I could have a Bunglie Bear tummy ache!