Social Work, Social Science and Practice WisdomSHEPPARD,, MICHAEL
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a056180pmid: N/A
Abstract SUMMARY Social work has for some time had an ambiguous and ambivalent relationship with its social science knowledge base. However, this has arisen, at least in part, because of the emphasis on the outcome or product of social science rather than the process by which research is conducted. This paper, focusing on assessment, argues that an emphasis on process goes some way to closing the gap between social science and social work, that the methods used by social researchers are, in many respects, simply refinements of the methodology of everyday life, and that social workers, when conducting assessments operate rather like practical qualitative researchers. Using Analytical Induction as an heuristic device, it proceeds to explore critical characteristics of good practice in social work assessments. It concludes that practice should be characterized by critical awareness, involving imaginative development of alternative hypotheses, a sceptical attitude towards case assessments and a principle of adopting hypotheses least likely to be in error. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1995 British Association of Social Workers
Ethical Dilemmas in Social Research: no easy solutionsGALLAGHER,, BERNARD;CREIGHTON,, SUSAN;GIBBONS,, JANE
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a056181pmid: N/A
Abstract SUMMARY Ethical dilemmas have been encountered in many areas of social research and have at times been the subject of much controversy. Despite this, the problem of how to tackle ethical dilemmas has received little attention in the literature. As a result, researchers faced with these dilemmas have little knowledge to draw upon, and groups associated with research, such as participating agencies and ethics committees, may not fully appreciate all the issues involved in dealing with ethical dilemmas. These issues are not only philosophical in nature but relate also to the methodological and practical implications of following one, rather than another, ethical principle. The researchers encountered a number of ethical dilemmas in their research in child protection. By discussing different approaches to solving ethical dilemmas, they intend to show that this is a complex problem and one which, along with ethics in general, requires greater attention in the literature. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1995 British Association of Social Workers
Occupational Stress in Social Services: a Comparison of Social Workers and Home Help StaffBRADLEY,, JENNIFER;SUTHERLAND,, VALERIE
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a056182pmid: N/A
Abstract SUMMARY An investigation of occupational stress among professional and support staff within a social services department in north-west England was carried out, with the aim of optimizing the use of resources in the planning of stress management interventions. A two-phased research design was used to collect qualitative (by interview) and quantitative data (by questionnaire). The results reported here are based on data from 63 social workers and 74 home helps, who were involved in ‘front-line’ work with clients. Sources of stress, measures of individual well-being, job satisfaction, rganizational commitment and absenteeism data are described. Comparisons with other occupational groups are included. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1995 British Association of Social Workers
Understanding ‘Going Missing’: issues for social work and social servicesPAYNE,, MALCOLM
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a056183pmid: N/A
Abstract SUMMARY Recent research about young people and adults who ‘go missing’ raises important issues for social work and the social services. Large numbers of young people go missing each year, becoming vulnerable to exploitation and at risk of committing crime and suffering from other social difficulties. Adults leave behind families with practical and emotional difficulties. A definition of ‘going missing’ should focus on absence from social expectations and responsibilities. Five groups of missing person are identified: runaways, pushaways, throwaways, fallaways and takeaways, reflecting different social situations in which going missing occurs. It is argued that going missing is one of a range of choices which people in difficulties may make, depending on their approach to problems in their lives and the availability of opportunities. Effective local co-ordination to focus on reasons for going missing, on reunions and returns to residential care or home, and to provide emotional and practical help to people ‘left behind’, are required, provided that care is taken to protect people who go missing because they are subject to abuse and violence. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1995 British Association of Social Workers
Preventive Intervention as a Working Concept in Child-Care PracticeHARGREAVES, ROSALIND, G.;HADLOW,, JANET
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a056184pmid: N/A
Abstract SUMMARY Prevention persists in social work despite criticism of the term. In 1975 and 1990 identical surveys were carried out to discover what social workers were trying to prevent in sampled individual pieces of work. The study elicits the assumptions underpinning their thinking about prevention and notes differences between the two surveys. The findings are then discussed in relation to the 1989 Children Act. A model for individual preventive practice is presented and the discussion of issues concludes that the usage of the term will continue despite a change of focus in child-care legislation. Prevention can provide a more valuable framework for practice with the benefits of greater specificity and clarity of thinking on the part of practitioners. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1995 British Association of Social Workers
Parental Contact with Children Fostered and in Residential Care after the Children Act 1989BILSON,, ANDY;BARKER,, RICHARD
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a056185pmid: N/A
Abstract SUMMARY Research carried out since the implementation of the Children Act 1989 based on a sample of 848 children looked after by local authorities indicates that previous estimates of the numbers who have no contact with parents may have underestimated the extent of the problem, and that despite the emphasis placed on contact by the Children Act there is still much work to be done to improve practice. The research not only confirms earlier findings about the instability of placements in care but also shows differences in face to face contact which depend on the length of time in care or accommodation and the reason for entry, as well as differences between children placed in residential and foster care. Finally it was found that where children have spent long periods in care they tend to have little contact with fieldworkers, and it is suggested that there is a need to redefine the social work agenda for this vulnerable group of children. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1995 British Association of Social Workers