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Should more vulnerable kids be placed in care?

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Graham Stewart | 08:46 UK time, Tuesday, 14 July 2009

Are we too reluctant to put vulnerable kids into care? It's often assumed the best place for a child is with their family. But, as a reveals, social workers in the community are struggling under massive caseloads. Is it now time to face the difficult choices?

We've discovered that in six areas of Scotland social workers dealt with more than 30 vulnerable children, twice the number recommended by the inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbie.

The Scottish Government says the percentage of children under local authority care has risen steadily in recent years and that shows that social work departments are getting support to those young people who needed it.

The government also said recent figures had shown that the number of social workers in children's services was at its highest since records began - up by more than 500 since 2003 - which it said demonstrated its commitment.

I want to hear your stories this morning. Phone lines open from 8am on 0500 92 95 00.

* You can watch Samantha Poling's investigation, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ is Where the Hurt Is, on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ1 Scotland tonight at 22:35.

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