by Sophie Baker
When I announced my decision to study social work, the reactions from my family and friends were a mixture of disbelief and concern.
I was the child who clung to my mum’s coattails, shied away from meeting new people and flatly refused to try anything remotely out of the ordinary. For me to step into a field that demanded courage, resilience and confronting the unknown? It seemed unthinkable.
And yet, in 2001, aged 22, I found myself freshly qualified and wide-eyed in a children and families’ team.
Those first years were undoubtedly the most challenging of my career. But they taught me so much.
The whirlwind of the first few post-qualification months
Sophie Baker has over 20 years of experience working in children’s social care
In my first months as a young newly qualified social worker, I wasn’t just learning the intricacies of my new profession; I was also learning how to navigate the complexities of adulthood.
Moving out of my family home, figuring out how to pay bills, negotiating the ups and downs of a relationship with a demanding boyfriend and carving out time to laugh, dance, and drink cheap wine with friends – it was a lot.
Meanwhile, my professional world introduced me to different realities.
I worked with a teenager who had abused his younger sister, assessed a family living in constant fear of an abusive stepfather and supported a mother with bipolar disorder to create a safe and happy life for her children.
My personal and professional lives couldn’t have felt more different. By day, I was immersed in helping vulnerable families to make difficult changes. By night, I was a young adult trying to figure out my own path, laughing too loud and making mistakes.
During this time, I suffered from terrible imposter syndrome. I was certain it wouldn’t be long until someone exposed me as a fraud.
I wish I had realised that somehow it would all balance out over time.
I wish I had known the value I brought
Naturally, one of my biggest fears was that families would see me as too young and inexperienced to help them.
It wasn’t uncommon for parents to question whether I could understand their struggles when I didn’t have children of my own. At the time, these challenges felt deeply personal.
“It isn’t me we are here to talk about,” I often responded, defensively.
Looking back, I cringe at those words because they shut down a real opportunity to connect. Families needed reassurance that they were in capable hands.
Behind my defensive response was my own insecurity – an uncertainty about the value I could bring so early in my career.
I wish I had known that my perspective, authenticity and willingness to learn were powerful tools.
Instead of rushing to prove myself, I should have leaned into the parents’ questions with empathy and curiosity.
I should have said, “Can you tell me what you’re worried about?”, or, “It’s clear how much you care about getting this right for your children.” Such responses acknowledge their concern and invite conversation.
I would tell my younger self, and newly qualified practitioners today, that families don’t need perfection or years of experience. They need someone who shows up, listens and works with them to find the best way forward.
I wish I hadn’t obsessed over theory
In my early days of practice, I often found myself overthinking every conversation and intervention, second-guessing whether I was applying the “right” theory or tool.
This focus on “getting it right” was in danger of distracting me from what mattered most.
My understanding of theories, models and tools developed as I grew, but now I recognise that it’s okay not to have all the answers.
Families don’t care what theory you’re drawing from or which framework guides your practice. They care about whether you treat them with honesty, respect and genuine care.
They value your ability to listen and follow through on your promises far more than the technicalities of your approach.
So, I wish I had let go of the pressure to name every model or approach.
What matters in the beginning is your willingness to learn and focus on what the family needs.
Celebrate those who’ve inspired you
Photo by Daniel Laflor/peopleimages.com/ AdobeStock
For our My Brilliant Colleague series you can write about anyone who has inspired you in your career – whether current or former colleagues, managers, students, lecturers, mentors or prominent past or present sector figures whom you have admired from afar.
Nominate your colleague or social work inspiration by filling in our nominations form with a letter or a few paragraphs (100-250 words) explaining how and why the person has inspired you.
If you have any questions, email our community journalist, Anastasia Koutsounia, at anastasia.koutsounia@markallengroup.com
I wish I had known supervision is a lifeline, not a test
I wish I had considered supervision an opportunity to grow professionally, rather than a test of my calibre.
I remember working hard to build what I thought was a trusting relationship with a mother until she requested a new social worker during a period of deteriorating mental health.
I felt hurt because we had always worked so well together, and I spent a long time worrying that I had done something wrong.
Sadly, I didn’t feel confident enough to explore my feelings, or how my experiences were affecting my practice, with my manager. I didn’t want to seem incompetent, overly anxious or incapable.
I wish I had opened myself up more meaningfully to emotional support and trusted myself to have those critical conversations that I came to rely upon as a more experienced practitioner.
I wish I had trusted that parents are the experts of their children
My lack of confidence led me to focus too much on risk and harm, rather than taking time to explore the strengths and aspirations of families.
I struggled to trust that parents were the experts in their own children and, although it is hard to confess, I wanted to be the author of their plans to gain control over the uncertainty.
An example was when I worked with a family where the father was arrested for viewing indecent images of children.
Despite the mother making excellent safeguarding decisions, including separating from him and supervising contact, I struggled to trust she would maintain this. This likely prolonged my involvement with the family, unnecessarily.
Managing risk is one of the most difficult aspects of social work. It is not an exact science and can feel like a heavy burden of responsibility.
However, I wish someone had reassured me that, while I shouldn’t be blindly optimistic, the best outcomes would happen when I worked with families, not against them.
I wish I had known that the time when I would be most successful in practice would be when I realised that social work wasn’t about eliminating risk. It’s about empowering people to manage and navigate risks independently, to become their own agents of change.
Share your story
Picture: daliu/fotolia
Would you like to write about a day in your life as a social worker? Do you have any stories, reflections or experiences from working in social work that you’d like to share or write about?
If so, email our community journalist, Anastasia Koutsounia, at anastasia.koutsounia@markallengroup.com
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 
Hampshire County Council 
Oxfordshire County Council 
South Gloucestershire Council 
Wokingham Borough Council 
Webinar: building a practice framework with the influence of practitioner voice 
‘They don’t have to retell their story’: building long-lasting relationships with children and young people 
Podcast: returning to social work after becoming a first-time parent 
How managers are inspiring social workers to progress in their careers 
Workforce Insights – showcasing a selection of the sector’s top recruiters 
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Instagram
This is a great article, thank you for being so open and honest about your experiences.
LA’s have high jacked Social Work profession and made Social Workers their budget before people stooges so that Social Worker have to compromise Social Care core values or leave and become independent . Even then LA”s won’t accept assessments.
I survived being LAC and wanted to be a social worker to make a difference as SW failed me. 31 years on I am reminded why I hated Social workers. Just finished working with a SW manager subject to fitness to practise warning from SW regulator and LA still have him working as a manager despite serious safeguarding concerns raised. Disgusted by this hypocrisy, I work with lots of amazing SW, Nurses, Dr , Therapists. It takes just one bad apple to sower the crop. I have raised objections with Regulator, a director of Social care. I know they will do nothing , corrupt just like it was when I was LAC.
Very interesting story
A recent survey commissioned by the Independent Newspaper which was released on 24th of November 2024.
Asked SW’s (2200 took part) what was the main reason they would leave their jobs?
62% responded with : ‘Poor Management’.
What does that say?
What’s wrong with health and social care in UK..?
Look at the incompetence and attitude of those who have power…Social Work destroys its own staff.The average time in the career is 7 years…..I know my ex employers are corrupt and incompetent..they punish and lie colluding with abusers..( they did it to me ) a social wofker with a faultless record) So what chance do service users who are victims have if they are capable of persecuting their own good staff …its a travesty….They exploit NQSW’s have no empathy and are void of empathy and perception…that’s what is wrong .
As Social work student, your honesty in the matter is very helpful. I appreciate and admire people that speak up!.
I found my voice and it’s great to speak out and help people realise that they can as well.
Thank you for sharing!
100% percent agree with Jo Smith.The attitude of some is to knock any confidence and dignity out of practising social workers.They appear unable to recognise the skills and knowledge of it’s workfore.Some have no desire to support its employees development. Is it no wonder potentially good workers leave a much needed profession.
Social workers need to be aware of theory based practice because it gives some insight into behaviours and attitudes of the children’s,parents and families emotions/behaviours.
Social workers do not decide on a day to day basis they are going to use one particular theory you are subconsciously using many forms of practice base theories and interactions are we not?
I have never been aware of a social worker being removed from a case because they where considered to young or not having children (this is a common theme) Be prepared to be emotionally challenged from all areas of the profession,(this is the reality).Being removed from a case based on one’s skin colour is challenging.Providing evidence base pratice to ensure children’s needs are paramount is challenging.Having self doubts without the necessary support in place.This is the realities.
Not all managers should be managers in my experience and opinion. Some clearly want the power and job title without the skills,knowledge, management skills and understanding the role requires more than tick boxes and undermining the workforce.Be clear this is a profession you want to pursue and you are ready for the demands and challenges.
Believe in who you are,what you want to achieve until you decide to pursue another direction in your career.
Never have I related to an article more. Thank you for writing this. That first part resonates deeply. I remember sitting in a pub (aged 22) with friends on a week day evening riddled with guilt that this didn’t fit with the professional persona I was striving for. Meanwhile my colleagues sat at home with their families. I suppose it leaves the question of how much does the social work profession inadvertently force young adults into a world different to that of others their age?
Over years I have been reading Community Care not just for the articles and research, but just as importantly, for the responses from social workers. I completely agree with Jo Smith, Theresa Russell and Pauline O’Reggio. There is an extremely serious and concerning issue with management practices in social care. This does not mean there is not well rounded, well informed and balanced management practice within the profession. But this certainly appears to be in the minority, as per the research and my own 24 years of social work practice in 9 different local authorities.
I believe the poor management practice, is in part, due to a significant number of managers not being sufficiently trained in staff management or not at all. There also seems to be an invisible line drawn in the sand, were many manager appear to think that as they no longer practice front line social work the Social Work Standards do not apply to them. Though from my perspective all line management are the standard bears and should work to embody them in all aspect of their role. I have also worked with managers who have little knowledge of the Equalities Act 2010, or if they do, they are not supported through line management to demonstrate this in their management and supervision of staff.
All of which has lead to me leaving the profession, and my 24 years of knowledge and experience going with me. I also whole heartedly believe that the issues I’ve touched on above have lead to the appalling statics of discrimination that social workers are experiencing within the profession and why some many are leaving.
This profoundly concerns me as in the end the people most affected, one way or another, are the most vulnerable people in our society. Therefore I would like to suggest, that all social workers who read this and you truly care about the profession and the vital work we do, to write to Social Work England with your feedback, write to your local MP and write to the House of Lords. Baroness Louise Casey begins her work on the reform of Adult Social Care this April 2025 and your voices and what you have to say matters.
Very damning of management in Social Care. This reflects my experience. Hence I have chosen to leave the profession
The theory comment had me recall from cover of CASE CON a radical social work magazine some 50 yrs ago. On cover, 2 workers aguing theory over a young lad. Lad says “i dont care what you believe in, just stop my uncle bu****ing me”
Many thanks for this honest and very reflective article.
I think the article is not only for the newly qualified social workers but very applicable to all of us.
I will be sharing with my peer group.
Kathleen and Paul I agree with all your comments.Until we in the profession can have open and honest dialogue.
How do you gather clear insight into what is really happening,the demands and obstacles faced by children,families and the workforce,how do you know what works and what does not and how to address the issues faced by vulnerable children.
All of which are valued points faced by us all and which affect the profession and Safeguarding.Such insight may limit those with knowledge,skills and experience leaving the profession.
I agree there are good managers out there,however there are very few.Should they not be skilled knowledgeable professionals who can develop a team from newly qualified social workers to the most experienced worker, manager’s who listen, who take responsibility and can communicate with (all) on a human level.Instead the management style is to refer else where,say what you want,do what you want.
Safeguarding of children and the workforce is paramount.Understanding what we do and why we intervine is important.
Expertise is overrated, empathy underrated.
I agree with Jo Smith, Pauline O’Reggio, Kathleen Ditchfield et al. There is something terribly wrong in the social work profession, it is broken and cannot be fixed until we begin an honest and open conversation.
There are good managers but after 30 years as a locum, I think it is safe to say that there are far too many poor managers in positions of power, who have no place being in management. I do not want to bash managers since I appreciate that this level of negativity is unhelpful however, social workers are fearful of personal and professional consequence that may follow if they speak out.
I agree with that an open and honest dialogue is long overdue, but management is able to get away with diatribe of insults, insinuations, undermining, covering up of their incompetence, inflated sense of self-importance, risk averse practice, micromanagement/macro-management, personalisation, general lack of hands-on interest vs power and lack of management. To add balance, managers are led by other managers up the food chain eventually which leads to central government.
If social workers stood up and said “enough” there is no way central government will continue to turn a blind eye. We need a root and branch review into what is happening to the profession, the staff and the families we serve. social workers are no longer thinking about banding together to stand up for the voiceless. Community Care, I wonder if you would be encouraged to start the long overdue conversation. If we are all saying the same thing then we cannot all be wrong. This topic is far to important to simply be swept under the carpet.
Valerie,totally agree with all you say.If social workers can not be open and honest on a PROFESSIONAL level what then does this say about the service and the dangers which face vulnerable children and the workforce.
Must social workers continually be made the scapegoats? Newly qualified social workers want to learn I have observed this.Social workers want to work in an environment where you can question decision making, ask questions to inform development,instead decisions are made with no sight of a manager at the final hearing.Social workers need an environment which is supportive and informative. Should manager’s not lead by example and not a culture of hierarchical attitudes which in my opinion serves no purpose.
Should we therefore ask whether the profession is providing what we should be providing and what we trained to do.
The profession can not continue looseing committed experience social workers because of the current mind set of managers who do not reflect the principles and values of the profession.
If nothing is said nothing will change for vulnerable children and the workforce.What will change if only social workers are held accountable.Social Workers do not make decisions in isolation however appear the only ones taking the blame for a system which does not support its workforce but supports senior managers who are the only one’s who can speak up for the profession but do not.
How many attend court during proceedings to highlight budget issues which impact a vulnerable child and the workforce?
How many demonstrate confidence in its workfore, instead make the social worker the issue and not the wider issues which impacts the quality of life changing work we carryout.Bullying a worker to complete life changing documents without the necessary information should not happen and should be questioned should it not.
Most social workers work hard, are we looseing sight we work with vulnerable children who are dependant on professionals having their best interests at all levels of our intervention.Something I believe we are looseing sight of and something which is worrying.
At the start of my practice I worked in a residential setting which was your place of residence when on duty has did the manager.
Dispite there being laws in place such as the discrimination act to enable equal opportunities the Manager purchased a black cat yes named it (Sam…)each time she saw me she would call out the cats name has if trying to locate it.You may say this would never happen today.Everyone knows it still happens but in more subtle ways.
Some members of the workforce and those we claim to be the voice off are still experiencing these issues although those in senior position’s choose to turn a blind eye.
Yet I still remained in the job, you may ask why? because challenging inequalities on all levels especially when it comes to vulnerable children is something I believe in.
The challenges faced are far greater than your age or not having children.If you do not highlight issues nothing changes but become acceptable behaviours unless acknowledged and addressed.
Imagine how a vulnerable child/young person or adult may feel !!
This is the reality.
I liked the reflection from this article and as a health professional feel this is so important
However the other side of this conversation ….I am a parent of an adopted child with extremely challenging behaviours – he is still in primary school and we have been asking for help since just before he turned 3 – we gave an amazing Adoption SW but have had 4 different LA SW …. they have moved on for a variety of reasons but repeating our story is exhausting particularly when most of the SW. don’t seem to understand the basics of trauma, the issues we face and frequently but potentially inadvertently blame and shame and patronise us. We still feel we have inadequate support and inadequate offers of support which are not fit for purpose……. empathy and honesty go a long way but the reality is the system is shocking. We appreciate being a SW is demanding but it often feels the basics are lacking so is this due to inadequate training, poor management, inadequate listening skills, fixed agendas, a stretched system or something else? We are totally frustrated, bewildered, exhausted and bemused and often wish we hadn’t stepped onto the hideous rollercoaster with the additional negative impact the service and SW in particular provide but unfortunately for us due to risk we are stuck in a failing system with professionals that repeatedly fail to truly listen and understand and repeatedly upset and disappoint us.
Just food for thought……….
I also adopted children worked as a Social worker yet echo empathise. Due to new manager who was about numbers not people no empathy to clients or staff. I left had loved my job but over 30 years given up. Now have several grandchildren 1 who am carer for. Suggest Adoption UK maybe helpful as well as prioritising your needs. I learnt more frommy children than any course. Now am appalled at standards and lack of insight shown by SW to my grandchildren who appear to not be seen or understood.
I agree with all of the above comments, as a long-term statutory children’s social worker, and I also have chosen to leave the profession. Quite frankly, it’s not worth the time, the stress, the little money, the lack of personal time, and the overall lack of managerial and casework support.
I am leaving with anxiety, stress, panic attacks, heart palpitations, and what I suspect is un- diagnosed post-traumatic stress syndrome, due to the long-term exposure to multiple episodes of cumulative harm over the past 20+ years. The so-called ‘Caring Profession’ is most uncaring towards their own Staff, and is filled with un-supportive and bullying managers, who do not value their own Staff, nor really care about anybody other than themselves.
I found a lot of Managers (especially in children’s social care local authority work) should not be managers as some genuinely don’t care for their Social Workers or the Families, they like the money , status, and power of their position, and try to do as little as possible.
I found some permanent (as opposed to agency) Team Managers who had been long-term in their particular authority (for years) would often ‘Rule the Roost’, delegate their work to the poor Practice Managers, whilst receiving considerable benefits of a higher salary, holiday pay, and sick pay etc. If they are not going to do any actual work, or give guidance or support, why do the role?
I had a Team Manager who would do very little via way of her own work, she did not support staff, would delegate everything, never gave out any praise or positive feedback, and would take all of the credit (for the work of her staff) given by senior management. She would fill up her work day with personal telephone calls, shopping, getting her hair and nails done, would rarely be available to consult, and would switch her phone off straight at 5pm. And, she was a massive bully, putting down her staff, giving out personal insults, gossiping to staff about other staff (we all knew, as we shared what she said with each other),all whilst senior management were aware and turned a blind eye to her unacceptable behaviour.
I had another Team Manager who declined initially to re-allocate a child protection case when I started to receive escalating threats of violence and assault from the Mother of children I was working with, who had a criminal history, which included physical assault. She had an issue with me (not with anybody else), and she rang the TM one day, and said if I ever showed up on her doorstep again, she would physically assault me, and asked for the case to be re-allocated. He refused, and jokingly said to me ‘Just Run’ (she was a big and intimidating woman), which showed no insight into the emotional impact of implied violence on me, no regard for my personal safety, and of course no care about putting me harm’s way.
I was so scared, but I put my foot down, and I told the TM I had clearly communicated to him verbally the risk (and she had a history, which spoke for itself), and I said if I was assaulted, I would sue the LA, for him knowingly putting me in harm’s way. The case was immediately re-allocated, only because the TM did not want either the bad publicity or a lawsuit, and it was not about him supporting or keeping me safe. Ironic, given we are supposed to be in the business of keeping children and adults safe, and we get forgotten and overlooked ourselves!
I think we can all think of cases where we have gone out on home visits, where we have all felt abused, threatened, and intimidated by our Service Users at some point, and the majority of us have never been offered a second Social Worker, nor for the Manager to come with us; yet Housing and Police Colleagues never go out alone, so all of this say’s how bad things have been for a very long time in the local authority.
If I could have my time over again, I would tell my younger self not to be a Social Worker, as whilst it can be rewarding and fulfilling, this comes at an enormous personal cost and sacrifice, and there are more enjoyable careers out there, and you only get to live your life one. Make the most of it.
It’s a shame Abdul,your wealth of experience should not go unnoticed, your very presence would I am sure have inspired some young person to choose the career. It would me.
What inspired me to choose this career are several reasons,however the main one is my experiences of feeling different placed by society has a young person and the feeling of helplessness has a young vulnerable person facing the work enviroment.
I believed being in a position to be the voice of a vulnerable child is what the profession was about.This is not the case unless professionals are open and honest about what really needs to change.
All are my experiences which I can expand on in more detail but will not do so.
Hi Pauline,
Thank you for your lovely and gracious reply, it is much appreciated.
I chose Social Work as I wanted to make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people, and qualified and have been working in (children’s) statutory services, since 1998.
I had worked initially for around 7 years in Child Protection abroad, where the system is totally different (few cases, and more support), but I always felt Managers there ‘Had my back’, and where Social Workers were given more support (i.e. for example, a Social Worker in R&A would always go out in pairs, and never alone, due to worker safety etc).
I came to the UK and practised for the next 20 years, and it was an absolute shock to see how the system was in disarray, and not fit for purpose. One of the main concerns is the high caseloads and the amount of paperwork and assessments required just to identify needs and risks – that is not even to provide any services or support to the child or family!
We are all working under extreme amounts of pressure and stress, from within the organisation and external from our partner agencies and central government, and something has got to give, and it is usually us.
It became a battle just to get through the working day, and then to have to go home and switch on the laptop in the evening for 3-4 hours, to just keep your hand in at a minimum level is not acceptable.
Sadly the children and the families get lost in the process, because there is not enough time or workers to do the job properly or effectively.
I would love the job I was trained to do, if there were fewer cases, more support, and a work / life balance.
I am so glad to be leaving the profession, as it’s not going to change, so I have to change, and enjoy the rest of my life.
Funding/ budgets cuts are increasingly being taken away from the most vulnerable.Managers are not being employed for their skills,knowledge or commitment. On the other hand and to be fair some attempt to fight agaist what is happening some do not .The attitude is to protect senior management those who hold financial responsibility and final decision making.
To attempt to challenge possible red flags leaves the social workers integrity called into question (with no basis simply because they can because a managers must have integrity no )or because you dear to question the decision making in respect of a child.
Having your contract terminated because you question the safety of a plan which does not meet the child’s individual needs, however you are being bullied to put your name to a plan you do not feel comfortable with.No manager in sight to expain the wider issues to the courts.
The social worker who fears looseing their job and near to tears when asked for their professional opinion which may differ from the reasons/evidence he/she must argue in court.
The social workers evidence appears inconsistent because they must argue the management decision making and not the real reasons.No manager in court to back up their decision making has to why a provision is not identified to meet the child’s individual needs.
Questionable management or poor pratice by the social worker.Analyse what is really happening for the child,social worker and profession.
Do you seek clarity for questionable decision making or do what you are told even when you can for see the dangers?
Just asking.
Abdul your words are so true.
Hi Pauline,
My experience was I rarely even consulted with my Team Manager or Senior Management on my cases, unless they were complex or court cases, and I was just left to get on with things.
I remember on one of my last Section 7 Private Family Law Court Cases around parental custody and contact, I wrote the entire Statement, including the final recommendation, without one consult or supervision on the case. It was just read and authorised by the Team Manager, who trusted my judgement (to be fair I probably had more experience than she had), but the issue I had was I was not employed as an Advanced or Senior Practitioner, I was just employed as an Agency SW etc.
The main and consistent challenge for me was dealing with volatile, aggressive, and threatening clients, which I came across often towards the last 10 years, due to my experience. I was never asked if I was okay, or supported with the offer of even a duty Social Worker to come with me, and as you get older (I’m in my early 50’s now), your tolerance and ability to put up with things you would normally accept and put up with in your 20’s and 30’s, goes down.
I only stayed in CP Social Work for 27 years, as I started in this job when I was 24, and because I got the proper grounding and training in another country – there is no way I could enter the job now, and put up with the high caseloads, and lack of support.
The other issue for me was I was not prepared to ‘Write rubbish assessments’, and all my Single Assessments’ I can say were all well-written, quality work, and evidence-based, and that takes a lot of time, which I did predominately at home in my own time – all free of charge.
I have read some horrible reports, which were either one liners, or one paragraphs; which were not factual or evidenced based, and should never have been authorised by managers. This means the next Social Worker who gets the case, has to start from scratch again, as the previous report was so inadequate. However, I know that Social Workers have to cut corners and choose to do this, just to survive, and have a life outside of work etc.
There there were just the sheer volume and number of cases, which was another main issue. I remember one of the worst caseloads I had was of 38 children on my list (Duty & Assessment), and they were almost all single children, and not families.
Some colleagues had the same numbers, but less individual children (i.e. families of 3 – 4 children) which meant fewer assessments and less work for them. When I asked my TM about this, she said it was because I was so capable and quick, and I pointed out I was working until midnight – every night to just sustain it.
Sadly, the majority of older Social Workers such as myself, either leave when they became too sick and burnt out to continue; or when something serious happens on their caseload (because they are too overloaded and overworked to keep their hand in on everything), and then they leave in shame.
It’s just sad all around.
A word of honest advice for those who want to become social workers.Be clear you will experience inequalities,rejection, self doubts,emotional distress and many forms of challenges has with any profession.We work with human emotions on all levels.
When I started my career you were not required to have a formal qualification in the field I then worked,certainly not to the level expected today.
As the profession developed new laws and regulations where put in place to strengthen safeguarding but also close down a lot of residential homes. The level of skills necessary to safeguard vulnerable children became clear those working in the field had to have some form of formal qualification I believe it was the (CCETSW not sure about this ? ) everyone was offered training by the manager who in my case bought the black cat and gave it an offensive name.
Those who were given the opportunity was not of my skin colour I was the only one living and working in an opulent area , I was one of a few younger employees ,those who were offered the opportunity did not want the training but saw it has a day of work, some did not even attend the training.
The only way the manager allowed me to attend the training was by me offering to pay for it myself .Being young and just has committed as today I believed if I worked hard I would also have the opportunity to progression.I committed to the training which was the very first recognised social work qualification?
Since then I have kept up to date with relevent training life events permitting. When the training relevent to the service users I may be working with is not available I have taken the time to gain some insight/ understanding.
My point is, it is important to develop resilience belivie in who you are,your own strengths and areas which you may not be so good at (we all have such area’s )Racism marginalisation,those who are visible and those who are not still exists to date and will continue to erode a much needed profession if nothing is acknowledged ,if nothing is said nothing is done about it.
Unfortunately opportunities for some and not others continues today however tell yourself you deserve respect,opportunity and dignity has does the vulnerable children and service users whom we work closely with.As social workers you also do not work in isolation it takes a variety of agencies to provide a professional service with a confident and efficient workforce.Such has leadership skills.
These are some of the realitys for which some will face some will not.If the reality does not affect some why then would anything change? Why be open and honest?
Just asking.
These are my opinions based on my experiences this may not be experienced by some .Social work involves carrying out diffrent types of assessments to inform decision making.Direct work being one of them.The work also involves being aware of non verbal clues both with the younger child and young person all of which are important,not only helps support the child talk about their lives,how they are feeling some of which may be anger or indifference at this stage.
There are work sheets to help the older child with direct work,however this may not be a preferred option for the young person therefore speaking with and planning with the young person what would help them can help the young person in expressing their feelings therefore giving better insight into the young person’s lived experiences and may be Informative for the court process.
My point is the work is necessary,should take time,should involve planning to understand the child’s cultural needs,what may be viewed as normal behaviour/expectation for the child may not infact be, the childs age,the childs learning capacity for example (the child with autism who may be high functioning but may not be)what works for one child may not work for all.Speaking with the child about what would be helpful for them takes time and is not a tick box exercise.
Children are human beings who may be traumatised, who may want to talk about their lives or who may not be ready to do so.They may have suppressed their feelings and or view their lives as normal when it is not.My point is the work is an important process.Is it not?
The profession needs a confidence workfore who can bring about positive change for (All) service users who’s life we intervine in,whether that be for safeguarding or support reasons .We pursued this profession for a reason.We are all entitled to respect and dignity are we not?
For me having some understanding about the service where the profession started, mistakes made, how and the reasons the profession faces today’s challenges all play a part in shaping the process.
These are my opinions based on my experiences.I accept others will not have the same experiences and challenges but it does not mean these experiences are not relevant.
I would like to point out over the years what started out as a role needing no qualifications,to in-house training, now to requiring a recognised qualification such as a degree or masters degree indicates the level of professional skills and expectations required.It should also indicate the level of resources and on going training needed otherwise standard deteriate on all levels.