Failure to Escape: A Longitudinal Study of Foster Children's Educational AttainmentHEATH, A., F.;COLTON, M., J.;ALDGATE,, J.
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a056064pmid: N/A
Abstract SUMMARY Previous research has shown that children in care have low educational attainment. The present paper demonstrates that even those foster children in long-term, settled placements in middle-class environments fail to ‘escape from disadvantage’. Various explanations for this are considered. The notion of ‘self-fulfilling prophecies’ arising from low teacher expectations is rejected, but a history of child abuse or neglect before entering care appears to have lasting effects. The results are compared with French work on adoption, where an escape from disadvantage does seem to occur. The implication is that exceptional educational inputs are required. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1994 The British Association of Social Workers
A General Social Work Council — A Critical Look at the IssuesGUY,, PHILIP
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a056065pmid: N/A
Abstract SUMMARY As part of its inquiry into the role and tasks of social workers, the Barclay Report (1982), considered the idea that a General Social Work Council should be established in order to regulate the conduct of social workers. The idea was rejected as being premature. However, with the publication of the Parker Report (Parker, 1990) this idea has re-emerged. Taken collectively the contributions to this debate have taken on the character of a polemic in favour of a Council. The only voices questioning the efficacy of a Council have been offering an important, although somewhat restricted, critique. This paper is an attempt to redress the balance by examining two key claims that have emerged from this debate. Firstly, that a General Social Work Council will protect and improve the standards of social work. Secondly, that the public's confidence in social work will be enhanced. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1994 The British Association of Social Workers
Cognitive-Behavioural Social Work with ChildrenRONEN,, TAMMIE
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a056066pmid: N/A
Abstract SUMMARY The paper aims to explore the complex and important links between interventions with children, cognitive therapy, and social work. Although children comprise about half of the referrals to social work services, they do not generally receive direct treatment in these settings. Social workers are involved with children in the roles of mediator or counsellor and as the supervisor who is concerned with the placement of the child in appropriate settings. When the need for direct therapeutic intervention arises, children are usually referred to educational or clinical psychologists. Social work as a profession has been founded upon a psychodynamic approach; however, social workers have always been concerned with effective treatments, the definition of clear goals, and the clarification of client needs. These features link social work to cognitive-behavioural therapy. Cognitive therapy, although not frequently used with children, is presented in this paper as a means for conducting direct interventions with children which fulfil social work's basic targets and needs. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1994 The British Association of Social Workers
A Survey of Approved Social Work in England and WalesHUXLEY,, PETER;KERFOOT,, MICHAEL
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a056068pmid: N/A
Abstract SUMMARY A survey of approved social workers (ASWs) was undertaken with local authorities in England and Wales, to review the provision and organization of ASW services, and the contribution they make towards the establishment and maintenance of a comprehensive mental health service. The findings show some variation in provision which is in itself indicative of a variety of factors operating to produce local and regional patterns of provision. Some of these are related directly to policy decisions, others to demographic and geographic variables, while still more are related to team structure, workload demands, and generic/specialist issues. The future pattern of mental health social work following the implementation of the NHS and Community Care Act is considered in the light of the findings from the survey. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1994 The British Association of Social Workers
Identification of and Responses to Problem Drinking Amongst Social Services UsersLAWSON,, ALAN
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a056069pmid: N/A
Abstract SUMMARY The NHS and Community Care Act (1990) has required local authorities to plan for social care aspects of services for alcohol misusers. Research was therefore commissioned by senior managers of the London Borough of Hounslow's Social Services Department to investigate the effect of alcohol misuse amongst Social Services users on the work of the Department. Research methods are summarized and the main findings and their implications are discussed. The importance of relevant training was highlighted, in particular in relation to the identification and assessment of alcohol problems and to child protection issues. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1994 The British Association of Social Workers