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Theory, research and practice in child welfare: The current state of the art in social work
Author(s) -
Frost Nick,
Dolan Pat
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
child and family social work
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1365-2206
pISSN - 1356-7500
DOI - 10.1111/cfs.12824
Subject(s) - humanism , social work , work (physics) , sociology , welfare , quality (philosophy) , state (computer science) , practice theory , engineering ethics , psychology , public relations , epistemology , social science , political science , computer science , engineering , law , mechanical engineering , philosophy , algorithm
This paper aims to utilize social theory to inform relationship‐based social work practice with children, young people and families. We see ‘direct relationship‐based working’ drawing on theory and evidence as best placed to take forward high quality, humanistic social work practice. We outline the problems with policy and practice development led by the latest high profile ‘scandal’ or by the overemphasis on experimental design and systematic reviews. This issue was highlighted during a recent debate about appropriate methodologies for exploring Family Group Conferences: the debate is explored as illustrative of our concerns. A flexible model is proposed, which draws on eclectic sources of evidence, social theory and professional knowledge. We propose some principles for a reflective, humanistic and responsive form of social work professionalism.