Latest from the Blog
How cognitive biases derail our decision making in social work, and what we can do about it
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the title and view it in full. Several years ago, I read a book thatContinue reading “How cognitive biases derail our decision making in social work, and what we can do about it”
What does ‘direct work’ in social work really mean?
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the title and view it in full. Recently, I had the privilege of connecting withContinue reading “What does ‘direct work’ in social work really mean?”
‘The mother requires 12-18 months of psychological therapy; unfortunately, this is not consistent with the child’s timescales.’
An exploration of psychological assessments and recommendations: a Local Authority’s perspective By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the title and viewContinue reading “‘The mother requires 12-18 months of psychological therapy; unfortunately, this is not consistent with the child’s timescales.’”
Your help needed! Yes, you (maybe)! Parents with learning difficulties/disabilities and the family court
By Richard Devine Have you ever had a case where a parent had learning difficulties’ and substitute parenting (or supplemented care by family, friends or professionals, or ‘wrap around care’), in any shape or form, was discussed or considered? PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do get in touch if so…your contribution will be invaluable. This is aContinue reading “Your help needed! Yes, you (maybe)! Parents with learning difficulties/disabilities and the family court”
A Summary of Key Ideas from ‘In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts’ by Gabor Mate
By Richard Devine, Social Worker and Bath and North East Somerset Council Introduction ‘Woke up feeling very scared, was very emotional and anxious for over one hour, then I remembered I had a can of beer, drank that and it receded my fears long enough to get to the chemist to pick up Valium’. ThisContinue reading “A Summary of Key Ideas from ‘In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts’ by Gabor Mate”
A Compassionate Enquiry into Addiction
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council and Ian Thomas, Independent Social Worker and Tedx Speaker NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the link and view it inContinue reading “A Compassionate Enquiry into Addiction”
Parental Advocacy: a FREE webinar
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council and Tim Fisher, Service Manager for Camden Council Parental Advocacy is picking up momentum as an effective, ethically sound approach to supporting children and families, underpinned by an increasing evidence base. The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Case for Change identify itContinue reading “Parental Advocacy: a FREE webinar”
How to be a Resilient Social Worker and Flourish in a Complex, Emotionally Demanding and Stressful Role (Part 2)
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the link and view it in full. In Part 1 explored the following: Time Management,Continue reading “How to be a Resilient Social Worker and Flourish in a Complex, Emotionally Demanding and Stressful Role (Part 2)”
How to be a Resilient Social Worker and Flourish in a Complex, Emotionally Demanding and Stressful Role (Part 1)
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the link and view it in full. Being a children’s social worker can be hugelyContinue reading “How to be a Resilient Social Worker and Flourish in a Complex, Emotionally Demanding and Stressful Role (Part 1)”
3 Reasons Why Direct Work in Child Protection is Challenging and 10 Principles to Overcome them and Build Effective, Meaningful relationships
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the link and view it in full. Undertaking direct work with children can be theContinue reading “3 Reasons Why Direct Work in Child Protection is Challenging and 10 Principles to Overcome them and Build Effective, Meaningful relationships”
5 books every front-line social worker should read in 2022 to make better decisions, build effective relationships, and improve the lives of children and families.
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the link and view it in full. These are five books that have profoundly influenced myContinue reading “5 books every front-line social worker should read in 2022 to make better decisions, build effective relationships, and improve the lives of children and families.”
5 books every front-line social worker should read in 2022 to make better decisions, build effective relationships, and improve the lives of children and families.
By Richard Devine by Bath and North East Somerset Council NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the link and view it in full. These are five books that have profoundly influenced my socialContinue reading “5 books every front-line social worker should read in 2022 to make better decisions, build effective relationships, and improve the lives of children and families.”
5 books every front-line social worker should read in 2022 to make better decisions, build effective relationships, and improve the lives of children and families.
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the link and view it in full. These are five books that have profoundly influencedContinue reading “5 books every front-line social worker should read in 2022 to make better decisions, build effective relationships, and improve the lives of children and families.”
5 books every front-line social worker should read in 2022 to make better decisions, build effective relationships, and improve the lives of children and families.
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the link and view it in full. These are five books that have profoundly influencedContinue reading “5 books every front-line social worker should read in 2022 to make better decisions, build effective relationships, and improve the lives of children and families.”
5 books every front-line social worker should read in 2022 to make better decisions, build effective relationships, and improve the lives of children and families.
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the link and view it in full. These are five books that have profoundly influencedContinue reading “5 books every front-line social worker should read in 2022 to make better decisions, build effective relationships, and improve the lives of children and families.”
End of year review 2021
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the link and view it in full. Each year, in between Christmas and New Year,Continue reading “End of year review 2021”
5 points about the tragic death of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes (we are unlikely to hear in the media)
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the link and view it in full. 1. This case and others like it areContinue reading “5 points about the tragic death of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes (we are unlikely to hear in the media)”
Reflexive Thematic Analysis – The What, Why and How
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the link and view it in full. Preface: I recently secured a position of BritishContinue reading “Reflexive Thematic Analysis – The What, Why and How”
The Case for Change: How to Help Children and Families
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council The Children’s Social Care Review, led by Josh MacAlister published an interim report, titled ‘The Case for Change’. In just over 100 pages the report identifies the fundamental issues of concern across the system. I thought the report is well-produced, coherently presented, evidenced-based,Continue reading “The Case for Change: How to Help Children and Families”
Social Work and Conflict
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the link and view it in full. I was recently given the chance to deliverContinue reading “Social Work and Conflict”
If I was in charge…
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council I was invited to write a piece for Social Work News. In this piece I explored what changes I would make if I was in charge. Because I lack imagination and creativity, I think the ideas I put forward are easily achievable andContinue reading “If I was in charge…”
Conversations with parents about Family Group Conferences
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the link and view it in full. Most parents will be reluctant to have aContinue reading “Conversations with parents about Family Group Conferences”
How to manage resistance and have difficult conversations that make a difference
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the link and view it in full. Preface: This is a review of Motivational InterviewingContinue reading “How to manage resistance and have difficult conversations that make a difference”
Parental Advocacy: Building Bridges
By Richard Devine Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council… with Tim Fisher and Becca Dove from Camden Council and Leigh Zywek and Penny McKissock from Bath and North East Somerset Council. NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics mayContinue reading “Parental Advocacy: Building Bridges”
How the world is healthier, happier, and wealthier than ever – and what that might mean for Social Work
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council. NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the link and view it in full. Steven Pinker’s book, Enlightenment Now (2018) is theContinue reading “How the world is healthier, happier, and wealthier than ever – and what that might mean for Social Work”
Recording and Report Writing
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the link and view it in full. I was recently granted the privilege of participatingContinue reading “Recording and Report Writing”
What I learnt attending Alcoholic’s Anonymous
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the link and view it in full. The following is an essay I completed whenContinue reading “What I learnt attending Alcoholic’s Anonymous”
The Effects of Being in Care, Being Black and The Search for Belonging
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council (26.03.21) NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click on the link and view it full. Introduction: I recently read a book recommendedContinue reading “The Effects of Being in Care, Being Black and The Search for Belonging”
Working with Fathers: Challenging our perceptions of men
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council NOTE: If you are receiving this via e-mail it may be cut short by your e-mail programme and/or the graphics may be distorted. You may wish to click the link and view it in full. Introduction: It is well documented that child protectionContinue reading “Working with Fathers: Challenging our perceptions of men”
We need to talk about resilience
By Rhian Taylor (19.02.21) Preface by Richard Devine. This guest blog is by Rhian Taylor, an experienced social worker with over 20 years experience. She has recently left academia after several years as a lecturer in Kent University to work in a specialist CAHMS team, where no doubt her thoughtful, kind-spirited and passionate commitment toContinue reading “We need to talk about resilience”
Carl Jung: Modern Man in Search of Soul: 10 lessons (part 2)
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset (05.02.2021). Modern Man in Search of a Soul (1933) is apparently a great introduction to Carl Jung’s theories of analytical psychology. The book is broken down into eleven essays dealing with topics of dream analysis, Freudian psychology, spirituality, religion, and the unconscious. I don’tContinue reading “Carl Jung: Modern Man in Search of Soul: 10 lessons (part 2)”
Carl Jung: Modern Man in Search of Soul: 10 lessons (part 1)
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset (22.01.2021). Modern Man in Search of a Soul is apparently a great introduction to Carl Jung’s theories of analytical psychology. The book is broken down into eleven essays dealing with topics of dream analysis, Freudian psychology, spirituality, religion, and the unconscious. I don’t claimContinue reading “Carl Jung: Modern Man in Search of Soul: 10 lessons (part 1)”
End of Year Review 2020
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council (31.12.2020) Introduction: As the year comes to a close, I have decided to write and share an end of year review. For the past few years, I have spent a few hours during the time in-between Christmas and New Years reflecting on whatContinue reading “End of Year Review 2020”
Forrester versus Featherstone: A debate Part 3
By Richard Devine (18.12.2020), Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council. Introduction: On 07th October 2020, we held a debate at Bath and North East Somerset Council between Brid Featherstone and Donald Forrester. This debate was inspired by an article each of them wrote for the COVID2020 online magazine. Very briefly, Forrester advocatedContinue reading “Forrester versus Featherstone: A debate Part 3”
Forrester versus Featherstone: A debate Part 2
By Richard Devine (16.12.2020), Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council. Introduction: On 07th October 2020, we held a debate at Bath and North East Somerset Council between Brid Featherstone and Donald Forrester. This debate was inspired by an article each of them wrote for the COVID2020 online magazine. Very briefly, Forrester advocatedContinue reading “Forrester versus Featherstone: A debate Part 2”
Forrester Versus Featherstone: A debate Part 1
By Richard Devine (14.12.2020), Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council Introduction: On 07th October 2020, we held a debate at Bath and North East Somerset Council between Brid Featherstone and Donald Forrester. This debate was inspired by an article each of them wrote for the COVID2020 online magazine. Very briefly, Forrester advocatedContinue reading “Forrester Versus Featherstone: A debate Part 1”
Social Media and Social Work
By Richard Devine (02.10.20), Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Preface: This is a review of ‘Social Media and Social Work: Implications and opportunities for practice’ edited by Claudia Megele and Peter Buzzi (2020). Introduction: ‘The fast evolving social and technological landscapes have transformed society and the understanding of ‘social’ and are rapidlyContinue reading “Social Media and Social Work”
10 Lessons from 10 years on the Frontline: 10, Asking for help
By Richard Devine (11.09.20) Lesson 10: Asking for Help It turns out that I don’t have 10 lessons. I only have 9! A couple of days ago I realised that I wasn’t going to have a 10th lesson. I remembered, however, that I could do what I have always done when I am ‘stuck’ orContinue reading “10 Lessons from 10 years on the Frontline: 10, Asking for help”
10 Lessons from 10 years on the Frontline: 9, Small Wins
By Richard Devine (10.09.2020), Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council. In this blog, I will share some of the mini-lessons that I have picked up over the years. It is a random list of ideas and thoughts that didn’t fit into any of the other lessons. So here it is: Confidence overContinue reading “10 Lessons from 10 years on the Frontline: 9, Small Wins”
10 Lessons from 10 years on the Frontline: 8, Some parents need long term support
By Richard Devine (09.09.2020) Lesson 8: Some parents need long term support Introduction: This is the most recent lesson I have learned. If I would have read this blog during the first few years of being a social worker, I would have dismissed the idea as fanciful, unrealistic, and probably proposed by someone disconnected fromContinue reading “10 Lessons from 10 years on the Frontline: 8, Some parents need long term support”
10 Lessons from 10 Years on the Frontline: 7, Effective social work depends on effective time management
By Richard Devine (08.09.2020), Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council Lesson 7. Effective social work depends upon effective time management Introduction: Poor impulse control; easily activated fear system motivating avoidance of difficult tasks; and the inability to organize and structure my time according to a set of priorities are all issues thatContinue reading “10 Lessons from 10 Years on the Frontline: 7, Effective social work depends on effective time management”
10 Lessons from 10 years on the Frontline: 6, Attachment and Trauma
By Richard Devine (07.09.2020), Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council. Originally I had intended to write a blog with 10 pithy lessons from my experience of being a social worker since I qualified in 2010. What I have done instead is write 10 lengthy (ish) lessons, each amounting to the equivalent ofContinue reading “10 Lessons from 10 years on the Frontline: 6, Attachment and Trauma”
10 Lessons from 10 Years on the Frontline: 5, The complexity of domestic abuse
By Richard Devine (04.09.2020), Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council. Originally I had intended to write a blog with 10 pithy lessons from my experience of being a social worker since I qualified in 2010. What I have done instead is write 10 lengthy (ish) lessons, each amounting to the equivalent ofContinue reading “10 Lessons from 10 Years on the Frontline: 5, The complexity of domestic abuse”
10 Lessons from 10 Years on the Frontline: 4, Parenting courses don’t work (!?)
By Richard Devine (03.09.2020), Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council. Originally I had intended to write a blog with 10 pithy lessons from my experience of being a social worker since I qualified in 2010. What I have done instead is write 10 lengthy (ish) lessons, each amounting to the equivalent ofContinue reading “10 Lessons from 10 Years on the Frontline: 4, Parenting courses don’t work (!?)”
10 Lessons from 10 Years on the Frontline: 2, ‘Yesterday’s Children’ are ‘todays mothers and fathers’
By Richard Devine (01.09.2020), Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council Originally I had intended to write a blog with 10 pithy lessons from my experience of being a social worker since I qualified in 2010. What I have done instead is write 10 lengthy (ish) lessons, each amounting to the equivalent ofContinue reading “10 Lessons from 10 Years on the Frontline: 2, ‘Yesterday’s Children’ are ‘todays mothers and fathers’”
10 Lessons from 10 Years on the Frontline: 3, Decision Making and Removing Children
By Richard Devine (02.09.2020), Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council. Originally I had intended to write a blog with 10 pithy lessons from my experience of being a social worker since I qualified in 2010. What I have done instead is write 10 lengthy (ish) lessons, each amounting to the equivalent ofContinue reading “10 Lessons from 10 Years on the Frontline: 3, Decision Making and Removing Children”
10 Lessons from 10 Years on the Frontline: 1, Relationships Matter
By Richard Devine (31.08.2020), Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council Originally I had intended to write a blog with 10 pithy lessons from my experience of being a social worker since I qualified in 2010. What I have done instead is write 10 lengthy (ish) lessons, each amounting to the equivalent ofContinue reading “10 Lessons from 10 Years on the Frontline: 1, Relationships Matter”
The problem with resilience
By Lys Eden (14.08.20) Preface by Richard Devine: This is a guest blog by Lys Clark, care experienced social work student. I found this to be a thoroughly captivating and thought provoking piece, in which the concept of resilience is explored. Lys lucidly and incisively articulates concern with the term. She persuasively argues that itContinue reading “The problem with resilience”
Book review of The Ecology of Human Development (1979) by Urie Bronfenbrenner
Subtitle; Picking Sides: Psychology versus Sociology in Social Work By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset (31.07.20) Introduction: A challenge in social work is being taught both sociology and psychology. There can often be a tension between these two disciplines, with each making the case that the level of analysis inContinue reading “Book review of The Ecology of Human Development (1979) by Urie Bronfenbrenner”
Critical cause of concern and critical cause of change
By Richard Devine (17.07.20), Social Worker and Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES). Introduction: Too much support? Frequently, I am overwhelmed by the variety and severity of problems that a parent or family is experiencing. Drug and/or alcohol use, domestic abuse, poor mental health alongside dire housing conditions, financial difficulties, and children with aContinue reading “Critical cause of concern and critical cause of change”
Drugs, death and my decision to become a Social Worker
By Richard Devine, Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset Council (03.07.20) This was the perspective of my dad at one point during my childhood. He died when I was 16 years old after he spent most of my adolescence using drugs and alcohol or in rehabilitation treatment centres. Whilst in rehab my dadContinue reading “Drugs, death and my decision to become a Social Worker”
“She prioritises her own needs above her child’s”
A reflection, by Richard Devine; Social Worker for Bath and North East Somerset (19.06.20) (Vacancy in BANES currently for deputy team manager – just click on the job title and it take you directly to the website). I am cautious in analysing the meaning of words, statements, and phrases in children’s social work. Language isContinue reading ““She prioritises her own needs above her child’s””
A Reflection on a long career in Social Work
Preface by Richard Devine: This is a guest blog by Ruth Martin, a recently retired (mostly!) Social Worker from Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES). She wrote a reflective piece on the changes in social work since she qualified in 1977, an impressive 42 years ago. She very kindly agreed to share it. IContinue reading “A Reflection on a long career in Social Work”
Book Review: Protecting Children: A Social Model by Brid Featherstone, Anna Gupta, Kate Morris and Sue White (2018)
By Richard Devine (05.06.20) Introduction: Featherstone et al (2018) published this book just under 2 years ago. In my opinion, it constitutes one of the most important social work texts of the decade. The ideas presented in the book seem more relevant and applicable now than ever, and I think should be at the forefrontContinue reading “Book Review: Protecting Children: A Social Model by Brid Featherstone, Anna Gupta, Kate Morris and Sue White (2018)”
Book Review; Erving Goffman’s Presentation of Self in Everyday Life
By Richard Devine (22.05.2020) Introduction Erving Goffman’s 1956 book, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life is considered one of the most important sociological texts of the twentieth century. His work is often a staple part of the social work curriculum. Goffman invokes language and imagery derived from theatre. This functions as an effective analogyContinue reading “Book Review; Erving Goffman’s Presentation of Self in Everyday Life”
Why we don’t talk to children?
A guest blog from Andy Black, a Social Worker in the Child in Care Team at Bath and North East Somerset Council (08.05.20). Introduction: I wanted to write this blog as the question of why we don’t talk to children is something that has consistently arisen within my own practice. After almost two years workingContinue reading “Why we don’t talk to children?”
Child protection practice in an evolving era
Leigh Zywek (an outstanding leader), Elliot @eldav10 and I, have written a short piece titled, ‘Child Protection Practice in an Evolving Era’, drawing upon the incisive @NoraBateson. Our modest contribution to an excellent and diverse collection of articles; https://sw2020covid19.group.shef.ac.uk/2020/04/24/child-protection-practice-in-an-evolving-era/
A summary on the ‘WHY’ of writing a chronology
The most important part of writing a chronology is understanding WHY we complete them. Often in Social Work, the ‘HOW’ is underpinned by the ‘WHY. There are many reasons to complete a chronology but here are five of the main reasons: To understand Children Social Care involvement with the family or child thus far. YouContinue reading “A summary on the ‘WHY’ of writing a chronology”
5 Tips for Social Workers Working at Home
With thanks to Yari Chi for this picture; a colleague from BANES
Social Work and Relationships: the illusion of separateness
By Richard Devine (13.03.2020) I was reading a brilliant blog by Ruth Scotten (https://twitter.com/mummytiger1) from ‘Mummy Tiger Blogs’ on ‘Building connections not barriers in social work’ (https://mummytigerblogs.com/connecting-in-social-work/). In this blog Ruth wrote: It’s the relationships we build, not the boxes we fill in, that sees past the yell from the vulnerable young mum who saysContinue reading “Social Work and Relationships: the illusion of separateness”
The role of ‘Kintsugi’ in contemporary child protection practice.
This was a guest blog I wrote for Rebecca Carr Hopkins and can be found at:
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