SASW MHO Forum 2011 | Thursday 6th October 2011

Meeting people’s needs - competent and confident services

Peter MacLeod, Vice President, ADSW

Overview

• Unique Scottish position• Intervention vs. rights and ethics• Accountability• Role of the CSWO• Leadership (integration)

Competence and Confidence

• Fully rounded experience in working with the range of clients MH covers• Should MHO service be a specialist service?• Assist other agencies to understand the MHO role• Importance of CSWO and senior managers

MHO training

MHO course – positives of new course is its comprehensive nature and level of detail.

Importance of support for individuals:

• Prior to commencing course – need for candidates to be well prepared.

• During training – ensure that candidates are given the necessary time and opportunity.

• After training – ensuring appropriate level of mentoring/guidance/support along with adjustments to case load

• Post qualifying training/CPD – what should this be and how to provide it?

MHO’s & Tribunals

•“Litigious” lawyers – pursuing appeals and tribunals on legal loopholes. Legal process itself can be damaging to the relationship with the client.•How do we equip MHOs to deal with such situations? •Time demands of tribunals•How do we help newly qualified MHOs to feel confident and competent without legal training?•Should there be standards for lawyers working in mental health?•Need for good managerial support and also admin/IT.•Payment for MHOs

AWI

• Increasing demands for statutory MHO reports for guardianship applications?• Increasing numbers of guardianships require supervision• Transition from children's services• A challenge for parents appointed as guardian• Tension of the role of private solicitors – varying level of knowledge, skills and understanding

Personalisation

• Guardianship (Transitions)• Individual Budget Pilots Study (Manthorpe et al)• O’Keefe (2007) – financial exploitation• Adult support and Protection

Conclusion

• 'Centrality’ of MHO Services• Leadership• Autonomy versus Accountability• Tribunals and the future

Association of Directors of Social WorkFloor 1Verity House19 Haymarket YardsEdinburghEH12 5BH

T: 0131 474 9220

www.adsw.org.uk