Practice: Social Work in Action, 11(4), 1999, pp.15-26.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Using material derived from an empirical study in the London area of 58 parents whose children have cerebral palsy, this article examines the role and tasks of professional social workers. The subject is approached both from the perspectives of local authority social workers and those of parents. The findings that social workers feel restricted by community care responsibilities and by shortage of resources, and that parents are hostile and adversarial in their approach to them, echo the most recent reports from the Social Services Inspectorate. Argues for improving the training of social workers and for recognising that community are involves more than organisational responses.
Using material derived from an empirical study in the London area of 58 parents whose children have cerebral palsy, this article examines the role and tasks of professional social workers. The subject is approached both from the perspectives of local authority social workers and those of parents. The findings that social workers feel restricted by community care responsibilities and by shortage of resources, and that parents are hostile and adversarial in their approach to them, echo the most recent reports from the Social Services Inspectorate. Argues for improving the training of social workers and for recognising that community are involves more than organisational responses.
Subject terms:
local authorities, physical disabilities, social services, social work, social work methods, social workers, training, cerebral palsy, community care, children;
Social worker Jennifer Dixon faced a difficult situation when she tried to help a couple who were dependent on one another, but needed outside help which they were not keen to accept. Reports on the risk factor.
Social worker Jennifer Dixon faced a difficult situation when she tried to help a couple who were dependent on one another, but needed outside help which they were not keen to accept. Reports on the risk factor.
Subject terms:
informal care, intervention, physical disabilities, risk, social work, social work methods, social workers, stress, carers, health;
Finds out how a social worker in a children with disabilities team in Hackney tackles the difficult issue of whether the needs of a child with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and learning difficulties could be met at home from a vulnerable mother who lacks parenting skills, but nonetheless provides love.
Finds out how a social worker in a children with disabilities team in Hackney tackles the difficult issue of whether the needs of a child with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and learning difficulties could be met at home from a vulnerable mother who lacks parenting skills, but nonetheless provides love.
Subject terms:
learning disabilities, mothers, needs, parental role, parents, parents with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, risk, social work, social workers, child development, children, decision making, families;