Khyra Ishaq’s death was a terrible thing. Terrible things require culprits, and thus six social workers previously employed by Birmingham City Council have been fired.

They may be as guilty as sin for all I know. But I’d be willing to bet they were overworked, pissed off with endless target-setting, left to screw up by management, and underpaid. Like most social care departments in the UK, I would imagine there are several unfilled vacancies – a situation which can only be exacerbated by this ritual dismissal.

What I know for sure (thanks to ethical leakers) is that Stafford’s social workers are suffering from various mental illnesses that range from acute anxiety to complete breakdown: and as a result of this, the Council has one of the highest absenteeism rates in the country.

Scratch any social worker, and you’ll see a sneer about management. Give them a few pints, and you’ll hear about hypocrisy, spineless leaders, cover-ups and Government ministers unconnected to the problems they face.

There are paedophiles, bullies, control freaks and idiots working in social care. But there are also large numbers of confused and demoralised people who genuinely want to help society’s more vulnerable families.

The rethink required to make social care fit for purpose would have to be both comprehensive and truly open-minded. I see no sign that any of the existing Parties are up to it.