London,
27
March
2008
|
23:00
Europe/London

Hackney s new social work model up and running

“Positive, change model working to the strengths of the professionals and families”

“Social Workers getting back to doing the work they do best - more interaction with clients”

“Fresh, and very focussed on the family as a system”


These are just some of the comments from social care staff in response to its new model for Children’s Social Care - Reclaiming Social Work.

At the heart of the model are Social Work Units - 15 of which are now up and running. The members of the units work under the leadership of a Consultant Social Worker and meet weekly to plan the work for the week ahead. The unit coordinator arranges the meetings and manages the paper work, the consultant allocates work to the most appropriate practitioner and the dedicated therapist provides advice and direct work with children and families.

The units are actively working with children and families and have already generated a significant amount of positive feedback and a high level of professional debate. The model has also received significant interest from a range of national organisations - including praise from the Children’s Workforce Development Council.

An external evaluation of Reclaiming Social Work has been commissioned to analyse the evidence, inform practice and ensure that the model achieves the optimum results for Hackney’s children and young people.

Steve Goodman, Deputy Director, Children and Young People’s Services says: “It is a groundbreaking move to introduce the Reclaiming Social Work model, and the units are working to achieve our vision here in Hackney to enable, wherever possible, children to remain with their families. The model specifies the methodological approach we expect our social care staff to take with children and families, based on what works best for the families in Hackney.”

Please contact Karyn Michael (karyn.michael@hackney.gov.uk, 020 8356 3512) for more information or to arrange an interview with staff from one of the new units. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 8356 3736.

Further information is also available at: www.hackney.gov.uk/reclaimingsocialwork