Adult Learning: Implications for Teaching in Social Work EducationCOULSHED,, VERONICA
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a055937pmid: N/A
Abstract SUMMARY The new Diploma in Social Work (DipSW) requires practice teachers and academic tutors to foster student empowerment while at the same time ensuring practice competence. A model for achieving these aims is that of adult learning. This paper traces the development of adult learning research and offers suggestions for effective teaching methods. It argues that the principles of adult learning could provide a unified framework for professional training and that, moreover, this educational approach could be used to benefit social work practice itself. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1993 The British Association of Social Workers
Whatever Happened to Teamwork? Reflections on CMHTsMCGRATH,, MORAG
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a055938pmid: N/A
Abstract SUMMARY This paper is based on a survey of Community Mental Handicap Teams (CMHTs) in Wales undertaken in 1987. After briefly describing the range of community teams, individual planning is examined. It is argued that although other models for service co-ordination at a case level are possible, teamwork has the advantage of also providing a framework for service planning and development. Teams' progress in planning and their perceptions of barriers to effective planning are outlined. Despite deficiencies in different areas of team functioning, teams can be seen to have made much progress in terms of service development. Apart from resource limitation, a central theme in discussing constraints to more effective team working was the appropriate level of delegated responsibility. It is suggested that this is a crucial factor when considering three important concepts in the All-Wales Strategy for the development of mental handicap services—needs-led services, local community-based services and consumer participation. These three concepts are explored within a continuum of team development from ‘traditional’ through ‘transitional’ to a ‘needs-led’ service model. The necessary management support to achieve a needs-led model is summarized. Although further research is required to evaluate the different models of multi-disciplinary teams and the new arrangements advocated in the White Paper of separating service assessment and purchasing from service delivery, the experience of the CMHTs in Wales points to the potential of multi-disciplinary teamwork. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1993 The British Association of Social Workers
Stress and Coping in Social Workers: A Preliminary InvestigationBENNETT,, PAUL;EVANS,, ROBERT;TATTERSALL,, ANDREW
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a055939pmid: N/A
Abstract Three groups of social workers (child, adult mental health or handicap, elderly or physical handicap) completed a questionnaire examining sources of stress, coping strategies, and stress outcomes (e.g. anxiety, depression). All respondents reported high levels of stress, although stress resulting from factors intrinsic to the job, relationships with other people, and from the organizational structure were greatest among childcare workers. In addition, these workers reported greater emotional involvement with their clients and higher levels of general anxiety and depression, as well as job related mental distress. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to training, job design and support of social workers. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1993 The British Association of Social Workers
Patterns of Provision in Respite Care and the Children ActROBINSON,, CAROL;STALKER,, KIRSTEN
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a055940pmid: N/A
Abstract SUMMARY This article presents the findings of a three-year study into respite care services to disabled children and discusses these in the light of the 1989 Children Act. The aims and methods of the research are first outlined and the various services included in the study are described. Access to services was found to be uneven, with families from low socio-economic groups and from black and ethnic minority communities apparently having less choice. The characteristics of users are identified: some of these varied according to type of facility used or amount to care received. Agency records and registers were often found to be inaccurate: the Children Act will require authorities to maintain updated registers. New powers to charge for services may create further barriers to access although requirements to take account of children's racial and cultural background should extend it. The Act will help authorities regulate the amount of respite care children receive and introduces certain safeguards. Its emphasis on consulting young people is to be welcomed. Overall, the new legislation has the potential to improve many aspects of respite care; its ability to do so will depend on having adequate resources. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1993 The British Association of Social Workers