Written Evidence submitted by Rose S Dagoo,
self-employed children's guardian (CAF 19)
This e-mail is from Rose S Dagoo, Self Employed
Children's Guardian with CAFCASS. I would like to draw to the
attention of The Parliamentary Select Committee Regarding CAFCASS
my concern about the extensive waiting list of children in Public
Law proceedings who do not have a Children's Guardian to represent
them for several months into the proceedings.
This severe shortage of Guardians is for a variety
of reasons but chiefly in my view, it reflects the national shortage
of social workers. This situation has reached a crisis point with
little attention paid to it by those in government. Much is reported
about the shortage of doctors, nurses and teachers but a shortage
of social workers is rarely ever highlighted. It raises the question
as to whether those needing the services of a social worker belong
to a constituency of people to whom society pays scant regard
as they are seen as a drain on the public purse. Yet, the children
of this section of society are the future and their wellbeing
deserves a major investment.
I respectfully submit these views for consideration
by the committee.
Rose S Dagoo B.Sc & CQSW
12 March 2003
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