25 March 2002

Claims by Steve Maharey that he has been using "the best brains in the child protection field" to put CYFS on a firm footing are unbelievable, says National Social Services Spokesperson Bob Simcock.

"I don't believe him, and the social services sector clearly doesn't believe him. Who are these so-called experts? If what he says is true then they should be sacked.

"Everywhere I go I hear nothing but frustration and anger from community agencies dealing with children in need. After two and a half years of Maharey's leadership, community agencies have lost patience.

"This is not the fault of CYFS. They have a Minister who talks too much and achieves too little. He has required unallocated cases to 'disappear' in election year. He has added dangerously to social worker case loads. And he has engaged his department in expensive and time-consuming consultations that are totally unneccesary."

Mr Simcock says the sector has been consulted to death about CYFS and it is simply time to get on and deliver a better service.

"We all know what needs to happen. CYFS just needs to answer the phone when people ring, respond to referals immediately and thoroughly, pass work on to other agencies if they can't respond adequately, and treat people who deal with the agency, and their own staff, with a bit more respect.

"If Steve Maharey can't deliver that he should step aside and let someone else do the job," said Mr Simcock.

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