Social Work Services

West Lothian aims to be a caring community, where assistance and support toward or to maintain independence is available to all citizens identified as requiring such services.

Social care services are provided for people who need help to live their lives as independently as possible in the community (either at home or in care settings); for people who are vulnerable and people who may need protection. The CHCP tailors services to meet the needs of local people, and in some cases services are operated by independent care providers. It does this within a framework of duties, responsibilities and national standards laid down by central government and regulatory agencies:

• Adults with disabilities or long term health problems and older people can be supported in the community through home care, respite, meals and day services or through residential or nursing home.
• Children and families are supported at home through child protection, social work, early years and other services. Sometimes respite care, fostering, adoption or residential care services may be needed as a back-up.
• Social work services are also provided to the courts and the criminal justice system.

Our key aims are to:

• Allow people who have difficulty maintaining their independence to live at home or in their local community.
• Work with other agencies to ensure the protection of vulnerable adults.
• Support those who look after or care for a vulnerable adult.
• Develop the use of IT and other technologies to support access to services and learning opportunities for a range of needs.
• Improve the care services by joining up health and social work services.
• Maximise the potential for children and young people to lead full lives.
• Build capacity within our local communities to address inclusion of vulnerable people.
• Develop our staff capacity.

We are working to achieve these aims within the framework of our council's values:

1. Focusing on our customers needs.1. Focusing on our customers needs

2. Being honest, open and accountable.

3. Providing equality of opportunities.

4. Developing employees.

5. Making best use of our resources.

6. Working in partnership.

Livingston Social Work Centre, Cheviot House, Owen Square, Livingston. Telephone: 01506 777777
Broxburn Social Work Centre, Strathbrock Partnership Centre, 189a West Main Street, Broxburn. Telephone: 01506 775666
Bathgate Social Work Centre, 69 Whitburn Road, Bathgate. Telephone

 Further information on Social Policy