4.3.4 The social worker shortage and the DCS' inability to attract and retain their skills are often cited as major stumbling blocks to the delivery of correctional programmes. Disturbingly, the LMN region reported that, four months after having submitted requests for advertisements to be placed, social worker posts had not been advertised by the DCS' Head Office. The DCS should indicate the challenges they are experiencing in ensuring that funded posts are advertised and filled within reasonable timeframes, and without impacting on its core business.