counsellor claimed yesterday.

Jackie Basden, president of the Bermuda Social Workers Association, told Hamilton Rotarians the Health Department had no social workers.

Ms Basden suggested that social workers would complement the Health Department's current programmes by offering follow-up and prevention services.

Upcoming middle and senior schools could also use social workers to help identify high-risk students, like those who live in unstable families, she added.

Ms Basden explained that social workers could help ensure that early measures were taken to avoid violence and other disruptive activities in schools.

Although she applauded the recent creation of five new posts within Child Welfare, she said it was only "a start''.

Ms Basden also noted that parents had to compete with a drug culture that offered "immediate gratification'' and economic rewards to children as young as 11.

Ms Basden claimed that social workers could enhance preventive programmes which were needed immediately.