Today the BBC reports that research by the Local Government Association finds sixty percent of English local authorities are reporting problems of retaining child protection staff. This represents an increase of 50% compared to last year. Public and press anger at social workers following the Baby Peter tragedy are said to be an important factor.
No surprise there. The effects of stoking up the blame culture are entirely predictable. A year ago ministers, the leader of the opposition and, of course, some newspapers were remiss in not exercising greater restraint in this regard. The effects will be long-lasting and profound.
