'Cultivating our humanity' in child and family social work in England. Issue 5 (3rd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Higgins, Martyn
• Is Part Of: Social work education. Volume 35:Issue 5(2016)
• Page Start: 518
• Page End: 529
• Publication Date: 2016-07-03
• Subjects: Child and family social work -- social work education -- humanity; Social work education -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Social workers -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 361.0071141
• DOI: 10.1080/02615479.2016.1181161
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-5479

Abstract

Abstract: The goal of the social work reform process was to provide a generic framework and single professional body within a broad conception of generic social work. However, debates about the role and nature of social work continue to exist. This paper explores whether contemporary child and family social work is inclined at times to make use of a less humane social work practice with families and children. The policy context and the culture of child and family social work are considered. Implications for social work education are identified. The key message of this paper is twofold. There is a tendency in contemporary child and family social work to become synonymous with a particular version of child protection. The type of child protection adopted tends to be authoritarian with at times a limited consideration of the humanity of parents and adult carers in particular.