Doing social work in a statutory setting is a challenge that all social
workers will face. Social workers are required to work with people who
don't necessarily want their help and who may be antagonistic or even
hostile. In such cases, social workers must use their statutory powers
with confidence and work effectively within the constraints of procedure
and the law.
This thoughtful and practical book focuses on the universal skills that
are needed to do this important kind of social work, and to do it well.
Drawing on social work's diverse knowledge base through extensive
examples and case studies, Andrew Hill illustrates key skills in
practice, such as responding to threats of violence and aggression,
giving evidence in court, report writing, and coping with emotional
issues. As well as promoting practical skills, the book underlines the
importance of working as a reflective practitioner. It carefully
outlines a framework for understanding the place of statutory work and
how this may be consistent with empowerment and anti-oppressive
practice, and with the straightforward desire to help others that brings
people into social work in the first place.
This book is relevant to all social work settings including mental
health, community care, youth justice, and child protection. It will be
essential reading for social work students and newly qualified social
workers who are facing up to the realities of social work in statutory
settings for the first time.
