News / National
Shortage of social workers negatively affecting Zim justice system
21 Oct 2011 at 19:18hrs | Views
Mishrod Guvamombe the Acting Chief Magistrate has bemoaned the shortage of qualified and experienced social workers in the country which he said is negatively affecting the justice delivery system, ZBC News reported
In an interview with ZBC News on the sidelines of an annual conference for social workers in Harare, Mr. Guvamombe said the judiciary has not been supported by the social workers, a situation he said can lead to uninformed decisions by magistrates and prosecutors.
Victim Friendly Court National Coordinator, Mr. Idine Magonga said lack of resources for the available social workers has worsened the situation resulting in desktop reports instead of visiting offenders or victims.
The Minister of Labour and Social Services, Ms Paurina Mupariwa, who was guest of honour, said social workers are expected to register and renew their practicing certificates to encourage accountability.
According to Section 4 (2) of the Children's Act Chapter 5.06, a social worker is responsible for safeguarding interests of any child who is brought before the court and must be present during all court proceedings.
In an interview with ZBC News on the sidelines of an annual conference for social workers in Harare, Mr. Guvamombe said the judiciary has not been supported by the social workers, a situation he said can lead to uninformed decisions by magistrates and prosecutors.
The Minister of Labour and Social Services, Ms Paurina Mupariwa, who was guest of honour, said social workers are expected to register and renew their practicing certificates to encourage accountability.
According to Section 4 (2) of the Children's Act Chapter 5.06, a social worker is responsible for safeguarding interests of any child who is brought before the court and must be present during all court proceedings.
Source - ZBC News
