Keywordssocial work, residential care, Care Inspectorate, community support, children's welfare, trauma-informed care, social services, Scotland, child protection, family supportsummaryIn this conversation, Ian Henderson , a seasoned social worker, shares his extensive experience in the field of social work, particularly focusing on children's welfare and residential care. He discusses the evolution of care practices, the challenges faced within the Care Inspectorate, and the importance of community-based support for children. Henderson emphasizes the need for transparency, a trauma-informed approach, and the necessity of keeping families together. He also critiques the current state of social work in Scotland, highlighting the importance of speaking truth to power and advocating for systemic change to better support children and families.takeaways• Social work has evolved, but challenges remain.• Community-based support is crucial for children's welfare.• Transparency in care practices is essential.• The focus should be on well-being, not just risk management.• Siblings should be kept together whenever possible.• Care Inspectorate needs to balance partnership and regulation.• Trauma-informed care is vital in residential settings.• Social workers must advocate for systemic change.• Young people's voices are essential in shaping care practices.• Effective social work requires collaboration and community involvement.

Disclaimer : The views of the interviewee are that of the interview & not the interviewer