social work

This is a blog post written by Professor Donald Forrester on the need for evidence-based approaches in social work. He argues that this will enable social workers to articulate and defend their practice and the contribution it makes.

Report that sets out a summary of progress at the mid-point in the implementation of seven Social Work Practice (SWP) pilots with adults. The programme was sponsored by the Department of Health (DH), managed through the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), and has been actively supported through a Project Support Group by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), the College of Social Work, the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), Skills for Care and the Local Government Association (LGA).

The care and support White Paper, Caring for our future, says: "Social workers have a crucial role to play in the reformed care and support system". The College of Social Work agrees, but believes that in a climate of austerity social work must be able to show not just that it makes a unique contribution to the lives of service users but that it makes financial sense too.

This discussion paper indicates where social workers fit into modern models of care and sketches the outlines of an argument that the cost-benefit analysis comes out in their favour.

Fully peer-reviewed online journal on the subject of sociology. Special sections and rapid response articles that address key issues in the public arena, are also produced.

Presentations from the ADSW annual conference 2012 held in Perth on the 20th and 21st June.

Survey undertaken by BASW between 14-30 March 2012, in partnership with its trade union arm, the SocialWorkers Union. Promoted via the Association’s e-bulletins to members, the survey elicited exactly 1,100 responses before it closed.

The findings indicate grave challenges facing the social work profession in all four UK countries. There are variations between countries, but they are matters of degree rather than anything more substantial. Social workers throughout the UK are dealing with similar difficulties.

Following a regional review of residential child care in 2007, the five health and social care trusts in Northern Ireland have introduced ‘therapeutic approaches’ in a number of children’s homes, and in the regional secure units, with the aim of improving staff skills and outcomes for young people. This At a glance briefing summarises an evaluation of the approaches conducted between May 2010 and February 2012. The full details can be found in SCIE Report 58 (Macdonald et al, 2012). Summary published by Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) in May 2012.

Children and young people in care are some of the most vulnerable in society. A small but significant proportion of looked-after children across the UK are cared for in residential settings such as children's homes. Following a regional review of residential child care in 2007, the five health and social Care (HSC) Trusts in Northern Ireland introduced 'therapeutic approaches' in a number of children's homes and in the regional secure units. This report gives the results of an evaluation of these approaches. Report published by Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) in May 2012.

Strategy that has a particular focus on social work in the Health and Social Care (HSC) System which is where the majority of social workers are employed. It is intended as a guide for social workers, their employers, commissioners, education providers and regulators.

Criminal justice, education, youth justice, voluntary and private organisations are also important employers of social workers and this strategy and its proposals will support social workers in these sectors.