The City of Oslo audited four institutions that provide care services to minors. The inspectors talked to the charges under the care of these institutions. Some of them claimed that social workers pushed them against the wall so hard that they couldn't breathe. These are just some of the irregularities.
Audit assumptions
The audit was carried out in the four social welfare institutions in Oslo that they supervise care for children and youth aged 13 to 18. The inspectors ensured the anonymity of both the people interviewed and the facilities that were named institution A, B, C and D. However, no one expected that the inspection results would be so bad.
The worst was in the institution A.
The inspectors found the worst situation in institution A. All the examined pupils described everyday life in the institution. The report indicated that there was acts of violence and abuse of some children. Concerns were also raised about the behavior of social workers who used coercive measures against their charges. They committed acts such as pressing children against the wall so tightly that they had trouble breathing.
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The pupils did not feel safe
As a result of the coercive methods used, all interviewed pupils stated that they did not feel safe in these institutions. Most of them indicated that they were better off at home, although family relationships were different from the norm. Juveniles also suggested that it would be enough to talk to them if they were doing something wrong instead of resorting to abuse violence against wards.
Shortages in staff
The audit also showed staff shortages in the examined facilities. It was found to be exceptionally long sick leave skilled workers. The peak was reached in the fall of 2017, when 20% of employees were on sick leave or maternity leave. The average absence for the entire year 2017 was 16,9%, and in 2018 - 13,4%.
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The absences had their consequences
During the inspection, situations were also found in which duties were performed by people who did not have the appropriate qualifications to work independently - this was the case, for example, on a Saturday in February this year. There were two people on day duty who stayed after the night shift changed. As a result, there was no independent employee with appropriate competences during the day, and two of the three on duty were left after the norm working hours. By law, at least one person with a therapist's license must be present during the day shift.
Lack of Qualifications and Violence
As the city audit shows, there is a close correlation between the lack of qualifications and the violence committed by employees. It was people without the necessary authorizations who committed such actions. Additionally, the HR assumptions that at least 60% of employees would have qualifications were not met. In fact, they constituted 40% of the crew, which made it impossible to adequately change planning.
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Co dalej?
The report was presented to the Oslo Audit Committee. Now the audit will be sent to the Social and Health Committee. After this body issues its opinion, it will be sent for deliberations Oslo City Council. In the meantime, recommendations will be prepared to improve the social care system for minors in the capital of Norway.
