This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/6079174.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Social workers warn of funds gap Social workers warn of funds gap
(about 10 hours later)
Funding for children's services in Scotland is facing a £160m shortfall, social work directors have warned.Funding for children's services in Scotland is facing a £160m shortfall, social work directors have warned.
The Association of Directors of Social Work said there had been a 10% rise in the number of children being looked after by local authorities since 2001.The Association of Directors of Social Work said there had been a 10% rise in the number of children being looked after by local authorities since 2001.
They said there was a 60% gap between what councils were spending and the funds given by the Scottish Executive.They said there was a 60% gap between what councils were spending and the funds given by the Scottish Executive.
Holyrood's education committee was set to study the report and expected to call for a funding increase. Holyrood's education committee was set to study the report and was expected to call for a funding increase.
The association said there were currently 1,500 children in residential care, 3,600 in foster care, and 7,000 receiving support either at home or in the community.The association said there were currently 1,500 children in residential care, 3,600 in foster care, and 7,000 receiving support either at home or in the community.
It said the number of social workers must be increased by a quarter to 4,700 to cope with the extra workload.It said the number of social workers must be increased by a quarter to 4,700 to cope with the extra workload.
Scottish Executive funding has not kept pace, according to the directors.Scottish Executive funding has not kept pace, according to the directors.
A report by Professor Arthur Midwinter of Strathclyde University puts the shortfall at £161m or 63% of the budget.A report by Professor Arthur Midwinter of Strathclyde University puts the shortfall at £161m or 63% of the budget.