In October, 2007, the post-qualifying (PQ) framework for all social workers in England will be transformed, and this handbook will supply fundamental guidance for all practising social work professionals and the staff who support them.

This handbook provides guidance for all practising social work professionals, and the staff who support them, on the post-qualifying (PQ) framework for social workers. The book introduces the framework and outlines how post-qualification accreditation and professional registration affect social workers. Covering the theory and practice of social work, the Handbook provides a set of tools and resources that enable social workers to develop their practice while coping with the demands of operational duties. The book looks at working with a range of service user groups such as children, people with learning disabilities and young offenders, as well as examining common issues that social workers may encounter, such as inter-agency work, and issues such as loss and participation. Tackling the increased post-qualification training necessitated by the new framework, this handbook contains resources and materials to help practitioners continue their own professional development. This definitive guide is an invaluable resource for all practising qualified social workers, students and trainers, and educators. Consultant editor: Robert Adams is Professor of Social Work in the School of Health and Social Care at the University of Teesside, UK.

`The first text to systematically address the learning needs of post-qualifying child care social workers. Soundly organized and engagingly written with useful summaries and reflective exercises for students, it is a very fine text that will be widely used′ - Nick Pike, Principal Lecturer in Social Work, University of Gloucestershire This textbook provides an overview of the Post Qualifying Child Care Award in social work. Written in response to recent policy and training guidelines, it provides the underpinning knowledge for candidates following the Post Qualifying curriculum. It helps child care social workers acquire and develop the breadth of knowledge and understanding that characterise best practice. Key features include: - Chapters on reflective collaborative and critical practice; child development; child observation; case management and managing risk; working in partnership with children and families; inter-professional working and practice education - Links to the relevant post qualifying standards for social work - Contributions from a team of practice assessors and programme candidates - A practice-based approach - clearly links theory, research and practice - An inter-professional perspective - Case studies, activities and points for reflection that encourage the reader to develop ways of challenging and improving their own practice. The book equips social workers with the relevant training, knowledge and skills to improve the quality of services and their delivery. With an emphasis upon continuing professional development, this text is suitable for social workers studying for the Child Care Award, those already in practice and other social care professionals working with children.

It is vital that social work managers and leaders are able to deliver and manage effective supervision to their teams. Recent social work reports such as the Munro Review into Child Protection (2011) identified poor supervision as a barrier to good and effective social work practice and highlighted the need for quality supervision to become embedded within departments. This book demonstrates how both managers and their staff can engage with supervision with a view to successful outcomes. There are detailed sections on audit tasks and reflection questions to enable readers to increase awareness of their role as well as develop action plans for improvement in their practice.

The first year of practice can be a particularly challenging time for newly-qualified social workers. This book is therefore essential reading not only for NQSWs entering the workplace but for students on qualifying programmes who wish to develop their skills beyond graduation. This new edition draws upon recommendations from the Social Work Reform Board and includes material on the Assessed Year in Practice and how new practitioners working in both Adults and Children and Families settings can get the very best out of supervision.

Many students and qualified workers in all areas of social work feel apprehension at the prospect of writing a formal report for a court or tribunal. Writing may be a fundamental skill, but it is one that students and practitioners cannot afford to take for granted. Recent reviews (Baby P, Serious Case Review processes) highlighted the need for clear reports, recording and written communication between professionals. This practical and accessible textbook presents the report writing process in a clear and straightforward way. From methods of collecting and presenting evidence, to drawing conclusions and writing up a final report.

The first year of practice can be the most challenging for newly qualified social workers. This book takes a practical look at the transition from student to practitioner and covers applying for a first post and managing the first years of practice, including specific guidance on topics such as induction, supervision and Post-Qualifying awards. Also covered are court skills, team working, report writing and record keeping. Each of these sections within the book contains critical commentary from both an employer’s and newly qualified social worker’s perspective, bringing alive the importance of these issues.