... and real case records. This is an advantage over the more common methods of vignettes, role plays and self-reports because it allowed the authors to examine directly what happens in practice. The findings from the study are strengthened via the use of a focus group with social work managers, helping...

... practice, and I was able to organise a seminar that brought many of the innovators just described together to ask the questions: What does it take to be a good social worker? What do good social workers do? How can we best support good social workers? What, in ideal conditions, can good social workers...

... and judgement. Further, the most complex and challenging part of the social work task, namely, direct work in the family home, is rarely subject to formally structured analysis or feedback. There is insufficient analysis of good practice, and the organisational conditions that will promote and sustain...

... provides insights into implementing the Reclaiming Social Work model and how systems can better support social work practice with children and families. Originality/value The paper offers a unique perspective on developments in the field and implications for the future of children’s social work...

... the quality in the workforce, especially at the senior level. The best authorities are practice focused, led by practitioners who are part of a stable team, and do well at a systems level. Originality/value Offers the perspective of the Chief Social Worker for Children in England on the process...

...Nigel Parton; Sasha Williams Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the changes in child protection policy and practice in England over the last 30 years, in particular to critically analyse the nature and impact of the “refocusing” initiative of the mid-1990s. Design...

... social workers in England do not receive reflective supervision and many never have. Originality/value The paper challenges the received wisdom about the value of reflective supervision and advocates exploring alternative models for supporting best practice in child and family social work. Given...

...Alison Hurst; Anna Price; Rebecca Walesby; Moira Doolan; Wendy Lanham; Tamsin Ford Purpose – Despite an increasing policy focus, routine outcome monitoring (ROM) is not common practice in UK children's services. This paper aims to examine whether it is feasible and valid to use measures from ROM...