Independent fostering agencies (IFAs) have played a key role in helping local authorities meet the increased demand for foster care placements since the death of Baby Peter. In addition to supplying more foster carers, they
Continue ReadingCategory: Social work research
Applying Research Evidence in Social Work Practice
Applying Research Evidence in Social Work Practice is published by Palgrave Macmillan this week. This edited book brings together some excellent authors who offer insightful guidance on how to use research in social work practice. It
Continue ReadingResearch and practice in social work
November is shaping up to be a good month for applying research in social work practice, a key theme of this blog. Firstly, the Social Care Elf was launched last week. Joining other elves in
Continue ReadingSharing lived experience: how personal is ‘personal’?
Practitioners sometimes share things about themselves with the people they work with; sometimes personal things, sometimes non-personal, everyday things. But which ones are which? How personal is 'personal'? The International Centre for Mental Health Social
Continue ReadingSocial work practice and research: Is there a gap to mind?
This blog was initially established to help bridge a perceived gap between the worlds of social work academia and practice. I have used it to reflect on aspects of my work (with the odd post
Continue ReadingA day with the Chief Social Workers
On Friday I had the pleasure of spending the day with the Chief Social Workers (CSWs). Isabelle Trowler (CSW for Children and Families) and Lyn Romeo (CSW for Adults) spent the day in York to meet with
Continue ReadingPractitioner research and the visit of the Chief Social Workers to York
Practitioner research The two recent reviews of qualifying social work education in the UK have both argued that teaching and practice needs to be underpinned by rigorous research. Although there are several problematic aspects to these
Continue ReadingConnecting People in Torbay
One of the key issues we are grappling with in the Connecting People study is how local authorities and NHS Trusts can become more community oriented in their practice. We are investigating how different types
Continue Reading