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What knowledge and skills do early career social workers need to practice effectively with children and families?

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Open access

Abstract

There is an extensive literature base about the knowledge and skills required by social workers to work effectively with children and their families. However, making sense of how best to translate this into direct practice can be challenging, particularly when newly qualified. The paper is based on a wider rapid evidence assessment (REA) of the post-qualifying knowledge and skills required by early career social workers (ECSWs) to practice effectively with children and their families. The REA involved searching for relevant English language literature (2012–2023) in ASSIA, Social Care Online, SocINDEX and PsycInfo and specialist journals. However, it was soon apparent that the literature was not segmented by career stage and wider searches relating to knowledge and skills needed to be undertaken. In total, 51 papers were included for review. Studies identified were largely qualitative, exploring the knowledge and skills required through observations of direct practice and self-report studies from the perspectives of social workers and children and families themselves. Where knowledge and skills were identified, relationship building and good authority skills were associated with some improved outcomes for family members. The review presents findings through practice-near descriptions of what works to build early career expertise with children and their families.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 521-532 (12 pages)

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Child and Family Social Work (Volume 31, Issue 1)

Publication milestones

  • Accepted/In press - 22/04/2025
  • Published - 07/05/2025

Publication status

Published - 07/05/2025

ISSN

1356-7500

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/626642
  • Scopus: 105004362830

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