8 June 2009 Our ref: RQST00002439670

J Cassidy

[FOI #12036 email]

Request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002

I refer your correspondence dated 15 May 2009 requesting the following information :

1) A summary of all the information you hold with regards the

Detention of children in Dungavel, [1] in relation to the

Alternatives to detention Family Return Project [2]

1.1) What is the name and designation of the Glasgow Council

employee with overarching responsibility for this project and the

name of equivalent in the UKBA or the name of the project contact

in the UKBA.

In the COSLA material listed below it states:

"The role of Social Work is central to the project, and will

involve the development of the Lead Professional role. The Social

Worker will begin working with the family before they move to the

unit and will support them throughout the process challenging

issues, empowering individuals and building up skills and

confidence for a return."

and then goes on to state, in 'Appendix 1: Process Summary':

"Project worker meets family two weeks before entry date and briefs

them on project and expectation."

and

"Orientation of area and project allocation of case worker"

2) Therefore can you confirm that the term Social Worker, Project

Worker and case worker are one of the same person and in effect

interchangeable? Therefore will the Project Worker, case worker and

or the Social Worker be registered with the Scottish Social

Services Council (SSSC)? As it is unlawful to use the Title Social

Worker without being so registered.[3]

3) Can you advise on whether you hold any information about plans

to evaluate this pilot project and if so when it has or will start

and who is conducting it?

4) Copies of the agreements you hold on the Family Return Programme

and the Gateway Protection in Glasgow

" This included agreements to operate the Family Return Programme

and the Gateway Protection in Glasgow" [4]

I can confirm that the Council is treating your request as a request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. Please find below the information you requested.

Request (1)

We do not hold information about the detention of children in Dungavel.

We hold an Executive Committee Council minute dated 12/12/08 (item 11), which refers to the Alternatives to detention Family Return Project. The minute is available on the Council website at

<http://www.glasgowcitycouncil.co.uk/committee_minutes/public/extcommain.htm>

Request (1.1)

John Donaldson, Head of Immigration & Emergency Services, Glasgow City Council

Colin Mitchell, Chief of Staff, UK Border Agency

Request (2)

Therefore can you confirm that the term Social Worker, Project Worker and case worker are one of the same person and in effect interchangeable? - Yes

Therefore will the Project Worker, case worker and or the Social Worker be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC)? - Yes

Request (3)

See paragraph 9 of the Memorandum of Understanding (attached in response to q4 below). It is expected that the evaluation will require to go out to tender and specifications are currently being developed. These cannot be provided until finalised, at which point it is likely that they will be made public.

Request (4)

Family Return Project - memorandum of understanding attached.

Reference to Gateway seems to be with regard to the Iraqi staff group. Glasgow City Council were approached by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the Home Office to accommodate Iraqis who had worked for British Services. So far this has been accommodated within the wider asylum contract with the Home Office and there is no specific agreement relating to the Iraqi Staff Group or the Gateway Programme.

GCC Executive Committee Minute 12/12/08 item 11 also refers and is available on the Council website at

<http://www.glasgowcitycouncil.co.uk/committee_minutes/public/extcommain.htm>

I hope the above information is helpful.

If you are dissatisfied with the way Glasgow City Council has dealt with your request you are entitled to require the Council to review its decision. Please note that for a review to take place you must:

The Solicitor to the Council

Glasgow City Council

City Chambers

George Square

Glasgow G2 1DU Email: [email address]

You will receive notice of the results of the review within 20 working days of receipt of your request. The notice will state the decision reached by the reviewing officer as well as details of how to appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner if you are still dissatisfied with the Council's response. You must request an internal review by the Council before a complaint can be directed to the Scottish Information Commissioner.

Yours sincerely,

Robert Gibson

Senior Officer

Rights & Enquiries Section

Social Work Services