REGARDING your front-page story under the headline 'Carers in drunken mum rap' (LET, September 1), some readers were no doubt left with the impression that Blackburn with Darwen Social Services had failed to act and carry out its responsibilities. That is utterly wrong.

The Social Services Department's involvement in this case was extensive, sustained and fully in line with its statutory duties. I know the full facts and can say with great confidence that the borough's social workers acted in a very professional manner from the outset.

In fact, our involvement is still ongoing and we continue to support the family to protect the best long-term interests of the child.

But this work is also confidential -- for good reasons. Social Services strive wherever feasible to support people through the difficult periods of our lives and protect the interests and identities of children. This is not easy when their personal details become common knowledge.

As well as a national shortage of nurses and teachers, there is also a crisis in recruiting and retaining childcare social workers. Part of the reason for this is the unfailing critical comment they receive, even though -- as in this case -- their performance is excellent.

In Blackburn with Darwen, we are doing everything we can to retain our skilled and committed social work staff. The article has made this job even harder.

KEN FOOTE, Director, Blackburn with Darwen Social Services.