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Does reflective supervision have a future in English local authority child and family social work?

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Open access

Abstract

Purpose – (1) to discuss the underlying assumption that social workers need reflective supervision specifically, as opposed to managerial or any other form of supervision or support; and (2) to consider whether our focus on the provision of reflective supervision may be preventing us from thinking more broadly and creatively about what support local authority child and family social workers need and how best to provide it. Methodology/approach – Argument based on own research and selective review of the literature Findings – Reflective supervision has no future in local authority child and family social work because (1) there is no clear understanding of what reflective supervision is, (2) there is no clear evidence for is effectiveness, and (3) a sizeable proportion of local authority child and family social workers in England do not receive reflective supervision and many never have. Originality/value – 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.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 164-173

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Journal of Children's Services (Volume 12, Issue 2-3)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 06/09/2017

Publication status

Published - 06/09/2017

ISSN

1746-6660

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/622180
  • Scopus: 85046539094

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