L.A. Social Workers Say ‘Social Worker-to-Child Ratios’ Unsafe

[marmar]

L.A. Social Workers Say ‘Social Worker-to-Child Ratios’ Unsafe
Posted on Dec 6, 2013


“More than 1,600 social workers in Los Angeles County have gone on strike for better pay and fewer caseloads, saying excessive demands were buckling the system and jeopardizing children’s safety,” The Guardian reported Friday.

It’s the first strike of its kind in more than a decade. The 721 local branch of the Service Employees International Union called it a last resort after talks broke down Wednesday night. The group said its members were overwhelmed with cases and unable to do their jobs correctly.

“We’ve made it clear that we’re serious about change and we will not stop until LA County commits in writing to safer social worker-to-child ratios,” the union declared on its website. Picketing would continue at more than a dozen locations and strikers would continue to occupy the space in front of the department’s headquarters, it said.

“We can’t make the right decisions when we don’t see our families enough; we’re so overwhelmed by paperwork and all kinds of other things that cases involve,” social worker Delmi Madrigal told radio station KPCC. “We can’t do it. We’re not going to make the right decisions in that kind of environment.” ......................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/la_social_workers_say_social_worker-to-child_ratios_unsafe_20131206?ln

[LWolf]

1. It's about time.

I hope they are successful, and I hope the nation is listening.