Social workers need skills, knowledge, and confidence to engage with people to form effective, meaningful, and fruitful relationships, and Relationship Based Practice is a practical guide to achieving this. It explores the theory behind the approach and effectively applies it to different social work contexts through case studies and exercises. It acknowledges the tensions that can arise in a pressurized working environment but inspires and encourages the reader to persevere with the approach.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Open University Press

Social workers face increasing pressure and paperwork, but they still need the skills, knowledge, and confidence to engage with people to form effective, meaningful, and fruitful relationships. This practical guide to Relationship-Based Practice for children and families social workers delves into the theory behind the approach and effectively applies it to different social work contexts through the use of case studies and exercises. While acknowledging the tensions that can arise when applying Relationship-Based Practice in a pressurized working environment, the author inspires and encourages the reader to persevere with the approach.

Key topics include:

Emotional development and resilience: Understanding the emotional development and resilience of children and families is essential for effective relationship-based practice. Social workers need to be able to recognize and respond to the emotional needs of their clients.

Understanding relationship with oneself: Social workers need to have a good understanding of their own relationship with themselves. This includes being aware of their own emotions, values, and beliefs and how these affect their interactions with others.

Relationship with others: Social workers need to have good relationships with others, including their clients, colleagues, and other professionals. This includes being able to communicate effectively, listen actively, and build trust.

Barriers to relationship-based practice with children and families: There are several barriers to relationship-based practice with children and families. These include cultural differences, poverty, and trauma. Social workers need to be aware of these barriers and work to address them.

Tensions and dilemmas implicit in practicing in a relationship-based way: Relationship-based practice can be challenging, and social workers may face tensions and dilemmas. These include the need to balance the needs of the client with the needs of the family, the need to maintain confidentiality, and the need to be accountable for their actions.

This is an essential reading for all social work students studying children and families social work and on placement in these settings. Social workers need to be able to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to engage with people to form effective, meaningful, and fruitful relationships. By applying the principles of Relationship-Based Practice, social workers can help to improve the lives of children and families.

Social Workers Face Increasing Pressure and Paperwork, but They Still Need the Skills, Knowledge, and Confidence to Engage with People to Form Effective, Meaningful, and Fruitful Relationships

Social workers work under increasing pressure and amounts of paperwork, but they still need the skills, knowledge, and confidence to engage with people to form effective, meaningful, and fruitful relationships. This is a practical guide to Relationship-Based Practice for children and families social workers. It delves into the theory behind the approach and effectively applies this to different social work contexts through the use of case studies and exercises.

Key Topics Include:

• Emotional Development and Resilience: Understanding the emotional development and resilience of children and families is essential for effective relationship-based practice. Social workers need to be able to recognize and respond to the emotional needs of their clients.


• Understanding Relationship with Oneself: Social workers need to have a good understanding of their own relationship with themselves. This includes being aware of their own emotions, values, and beliefs and how these affect their interactions with others.


• Relationship with Others: Social workers need to have good relationships with others, including their clients, colleagues, and other professionals. This includes being able to communicate effectively, listen actively, and build trust.


• Barriers to Relationship-Based Practice with Children and Families: There are several barriers to relationship-based practice with children and families. These include cultural differences, poverty, and trauma. Social workers need to be aware of these barriers and work to address them.


• Tensions and Dilemmas Implicit in Practicing in a Relationship-Based Way: Relationship-based practice can be challenging, and social workers may face tensions and dilemmas. These include the need to balance the needs of the client with the needs of the family, the need to maintain confidentiality, and the need to be accountable for their actions.

This Is an Essential Reading for All Social Work Students Studying Children and Families Social Work and on Placement in These Settings:

Social workers need to be able to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to engage with people to form effective, meaningful, and fruitful relationships. By applying the principles of Relationship-Based Practice, social workers can help to improve the lives of children and families. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the approach and includes case studies and exercises to help social workers apply the principles in their work.

Conclusion:

Social workers face increasing pressure and paperwork, but they still need the skills, knowledge, and confidence to engage with people to form effective, meaningful, and fruitful relationships. This practical guide to Relationship-Based Practice for children and families social workers provides a comprehensive overview of the approach and includes case studies and exercises to help social workers apply the principles in their work. By developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence to engage with people, social workers can help to improve the lives of children and families.

ISBN-13: 9780335263844